Page 54 - 1RHA 2024

1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Equestrian Sport Captain L Henry RHA
There has been a host of equestrian activity taking place over this last year at 1 RHA. From trail hunting over the win- ter, the start of the eventing season in a rather wet spring, to basking in the sunshine on the Polo pitches in Tedworth, the sport has brought us a variety of disciplines to suit every interest.
Trail Hunting
We are exceptionally lucky to have our own Royal Artillery Hunt that meets twice weekly on Salisbury Plain and is subsidised to military participants. For those not in the know, Trail hunting involves the laying of a scent across miles of countryside. During a day’s hunting, the hounds will follow this
scent for the duration, as opposed to the scent of foxes, as was previously the way. Over the sea- son we have supported the local hunt with mounted attendees from 1 RHA – Capt L Henry RHA and Lt K Johnson RHA, the VO
from the KT RHA and a host of mess sup- porters on foot. Latterly, we were fortunate to host our CO, Lt Col J Luck RHA, for one of the final meets of the season. A sociable affair, we enjoyed an abundance of home baking and plenty of beverages to keep us warm in the nippy winter weather.
An extremely welcoming bunch, the RA Hunt
hosted warmly and were thrilled to have a military presence at the meets. I would encourage anyone across all the ranks, to get involved next season where you can.
Eventing
Switching focus to our next equestrian sport, Capt L Henry and her Chestnut mare Castlefield Delilah had a delayed start to the eventing season in March due to the inclement weather. Finally making it out to the first event to run in May, they are now well on their way and hope to qualify for the 6yo Championships held at Cornbury House in September. She has also been invited to attend selection for the Army Team at the end of July, which has been a goal for a number of years. The RA have an eventing, showjumping and dressage team which often train on site at the RA Saddle Club. There are options to take part in training on either your own horse, or an RA Saddle Club horse, so if you have any interest in being involved, head up there on a Wednesday sports afternoon and engage with the team who will make you aware of all of your options.
The RA Saddle Club
The RA Saddle Club is situated on site in Larkhill Garrison and hosts a range of activities from Army level team training, to relaxed lessons and hacks for complete beginners. One to take advantage of this
facility is our RAO, Capt J Coxon, who has taken up the sport for the first time during his tenure at 1 RHA. Having never ridden before, he is now competent in walk, trot and canter thanks to his weekly lessons on a Sad- dle Club horse. He has even taken advantage of the childrens’ lessons on offer and is now taking his daughter
regularly. A decision he may come to regret if it sticks!
Polo
Finally, 1 RHA were privileged to host this years Aspire Defence DRS X Polo Tournament at Tedworth Park Polo Club. In an Ameri- can style tournament, three teams from the RA, RAC and DRS Combined took part in what was an exhilarating tournament, seeing our own CO put in a sterling performance as part of the RA team. As is tradition, 1 RHA came equipped with a Regimental stand and an abundance of refreshments for the spectators of all ranks from the Regiment. Polo is a fantastic spectator sport, and an excellent demonstration of speed, skill and aggression com- bined. An extremely sociable activity to be involved with on the sidelines, I would strongly encourage attendance from all serving personnel in the Regiment next year. It is after all, an afternoon out of work!
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