Page 39 - QARANC Vol 14 No 12 2016

Reserve Forces
Association
Equestrian
I transferred to 208 Field Hospital as a Student Nurse in October 2014 following three years service within the Liverpool University Officer Training Corps. Throughout my time in the Reserves I had heard of sporting opportunities within the Army, however I never had the chance to excel in any traditional sport such as Netball as I didn’t play at a high standard. Earlier this year however, I stumbled across the Reserve Forces Association Equestrian Team (RFAE) that offers membership to any Reservist who has an interest in horse riding. My main hobby and passion is horse riding and my sporting background mainly surrounds equestrian sports, therefore the RFAE sounded to be the perfect team for me to join.
Training with the RFAE started in February this year. The horses used by the RFAE are located in a beautiful and scenic part of the Cotswold in Gloucestershire. The main aim of the monthly training weekends is to match you to a horse, which you will then ride at every training session and competition throughout the year in order to provide consistency and enable the rider to progress with his or her horse, without too much disruption. The idea in theory is excellent, however unlike other sports, using a horse that is unknown to you is a gamble and it is hard to predict their nature and cooperation throughout the year. For example, my first horse Clover had great ability, however didn’t quite have the mind-set that I had hoped for and often decided that she did not want to play that day! Which you can imagine is very difficult when trying to train for competitions. So unlike other riders on my team, I went through a phase of trialling horses at several competitions until I found my perfect match.
The RFAE this year mainly competed in Military competitions held around the country. The Military competitions are often tri-service and have a mixture of riders who serve within the Navy, Army, RAF, Cadet Forces or Police. My first event of the year was the Combined Services Equestrian Competition. I had trained hard before this event, however it didn’t go to plan. My horse Ark Lion was incredibly excited and decided to try and steeple chase almost every show jump, which resulted in many knockdowns! However, nonetheless it was a good event to prepare for the season. Throughout the year, the team
have competed at many competitions including the Royal Windsor Horse show, Royal Tournament, RAF Eventing Championships, the Army and Artillery Hunter Trials and finishing the season with the Foxcote Team Chase held in the Cotswolds.
One of the biggest highlights of the season was competing on the A Team at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Our team finished in 10th place which was an incredible result considering we were the only team on horses, which the riders did not own. Without the RFAE it wouldn’t be possible for riders like myself who don’t own their own horse to compete at such a prestigious event. The last event of the season was the Foxcote Team Chase; this was by far my favourite event of the year as it provided me with such an adrenalin rush. I had never team chased before and the concept of it was quite daunting. However, my trusted steed Ark Lion flew around the course at high speed with my fellow team members resulting in a very quick and competitive time. Almost 30 seconds faster than the remaining teams. We were presented with the Coxwell Rodgers Military Trophy and a very lovely bottle of port that was perfect to end the season on.
Overall, this year has been fantastic and I cannot wait to get stuck into training next year on my new horse Murphy. The RFAE have created a development squad for 2016, consisting of four selected riders who will go on to compete in both Military and civilian competitions such as Hickstead, SCOPE and Olympia. I have been fortunate enough to be selected on to the squad for which I’m very grateful, as this has always been the dream for me.
Pte Draper 208 Field Hospital
THE GAZETTE QARANC
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SPORTS