Our Ambassadors

Our Ambassadors are inspiring individuals who represent and champion the values of the RAC Saddle Club.
They are people with a genuine passion for horses and for the life‑changing experiences that equestrian activities can bring to serving personnel, veterans, and the wider community.

As Ambassadors, they:

Help raise awareness of the Club and its mission
Support our events and outreach to military families and civilians alike
Share their own experiences with horses to encourage others to get involved
Act as positive role models, embodying the spirit of horsemanship, service, and inclusion

Our Ambassadors are not just figureheads — they are part of our family, helping us extend the warm welcome of the RAC Saddle Club to everyone.

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE RM

First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff – Honorary Ambassador

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins — the first Royal Marine ever to hold the Navy’s highest post — brings decades of distinguished military service and a lifelong passion for horses to the RAC Saddle Club.
He rides regularly in Hyde Park and often turns to horses for calm and focus, saying:

“When I’m on a horse, the only thing I can think about is riding well.”

General Jenkins values the Club’s welcoming atmosphere and its positive impact on children, serving personnel, and veterans alike.

“Come and say hello. Ask about lessons. Even if you don’t ride, the community here will make you feel welcome — and who knows? You might just find something amazing that changes your life.”

General Tom Bateman CBE

Commander, UK Standing Joint Forces Headquarters – Honorary Ambassador

Commissioned into the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in 1990, General Tom Bateman has deep personal and professional roots in military horsemanship. As a young officer, he was an active member of the RAC Saddle Club and is proud to return as an Ambassador.

“I rode a stalwart Shetland pony called Toby before I could really walk... My whole childhood and career have been shaped by horses — from Pony Club and eventing to military competition and therapeutic riding.”

A former Army Riding Instructor and a passionate advocate for the role of horses in building confidence, resilience, and connection, General Bateman still rides regularly with his family in the Scottish Highlands.

“My early experience of the RAC Saddle Club was, frankly, a blast. I’m delighted to rekindle my relationship and support this wonderful part of the RAC and local community.”

Ambassadors

General Tom Bateman CBE, honorary role of Ambassador for the RAC Saddle Club.

31st July 2025We are honoured to announce that General Tom Bateman CBE, appointed as the Commander of the UK Standing Joint Forces Headquarters, has accepted the honorary role of Ambassador for the RAC Saddle Club. General Bateman was commissioned in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards on 9th September 1990, who later went on to command The Royal Dragoon Guards. During his time as a young officer, General Tom was an active member of the RAC Saddle club and is delighted to rekindle his affiliation as an ambassador. “I rode a stalwart Shetland pony called Toby before I had really learnt to walk. My father, as Commandant of the RAC Gunnery School at Lulworth would routinely march the family around the ranges and was too frustrated by the hindrance I posed, so strapped me onboard from the earliest age. My mother was subsequently the Pony Club District Commissioner for the Old Berks Pony Club and her whole life centred around equine pursuits. It was only natural, and thoroughly enjoyable for me, to commit to a similar lifestyle through my formative years and I particularly loved one day eventing.” Military Riding has been a theme throughout his career. He represented both the SCOTS DG and RDG in mounted engagements. A qualified, but now expired, Army Riding Instructor and a keen advocate of the value horses bring to developing people, teamwork and assisting mental health challenges I am a strong advocate for the benefits of equine activity. My mother also ran a Riding for the Disabled programme for many years in Oxfordshire and I often assisted. I routinely witnessed the joy and connection this form of engagement and therapy can offer to everyone involved. I still ride regularly, with my family, most often in the highlands of Scotland from my mother-in-law’s equestrian centre in the beautiful and therapeutic surroundings of Glen Tanar. My personal experience of the RAC Saddle Club stems back to my early career and was, frankly, a blast. I am delighted to rekindle my relationship and to advocate for this wonderful element of the RAC and local community. We are proud and honoured to welcome General Bateman to represent our Club. We believe his support will be instrumental in helping us reach more people, especially military families, and continue to deliver life-changing equestrian experiences. [...] Read more...

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins Accepts Honorary Role as RAC Saddle Club Ambassador

27th May 2025We are honoured to announce that General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE RM, recently appointed First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, has accepted the honorary role of Ambassador for the RAC Saddle Club. General Jenkins — the first Royal Marine ever to hold the Navy’s highest post — brings with him not only decades of distinguished military service but also a lifelong passion for horses. “I grew up with horses,” he shares. “My mother worked as a groom in race yards and hunt stables, and from a young age I was immersed in that world. These days, I ride military horses in Hyde Park a couple of times a month. It’s an amazing privilege to ride through London early in the morning before the city wakes up.” Beyond tradition, horses have been a source of calm and strength throughout his life. “In more stressful times, I’ve turned to horses for peace and therapy. Riding clears my mind — when I’m on a horse, the only thing I can think about is riding well.” General Jenkins has spent many hours at the RAC Saddle Club over the last couple of years. “What makes the Club unique,” said General Jenkins, “is the atmosphere. It’s welcoming to all, and it provides something really meaningful for children and service personnel — whether serving or retired. Being around horses and the people here is truly special.” He encourages everyone to visit the Club — and emphasises no prior riding experience is needed. “Come and say hello. Ask about lessons. Even if you don’t ride, the community here will make you feel welcome — and who knows? You might just find something amazing that changes your life.” We are proud and honoured to welcome General Jenkins to represent our Club. We believe his support will be instrumental in helping us reach more people, especially military families, and continue to deliver life-changing equestrian experiences. Official Biography – General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE Royal Marines General Gwyn commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1990. His time as a junior officer was spent in the Commando Logistics Regiment, competing for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines in cross-country skiing and on operations in Northern Ireland with 42 Commando RM. He went on to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel overseeing global operations in PJHQ, before a Commanding Officer appointment in 2009. On completion of his command tour, he was promoted to Colonel and deployed for 12 months to Afghanistan, for which he was awarded an OBE, returning to the UK in 2012 as the Military Assistant to the Prime Minister in No 10 Downing Street. After two years in No 10 he was promoted to Brigadier and took up a 3* civilian appointment in the Cabinet Office as Deputy National Security Advisor for Conflict, Stability and Defence. In April 2017 he moved back to the military and took command of 3 Commando Brigade, conducting exercises and overseeing operational deployments around the world. He was promoted to Major General in January 2019, in which rank he served in the Royal Navy as the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff. In August 2022 he was made the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and promoted to General. He was selected as the first Royal Marine ever to be the Chief of the Naval Staff, The First Sea Lord, in April 2025. Gwyn has had a lifelong affinity for horses, having grown up helping out in hunting and racing yards. He still rides regularly and is a passionate advocate for the positive mental wellbeing effect that horses and horse riding can have for service personnel, veterans and their families. [...] Read more...