We 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.