We 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.