The camp was organised as a good opportunity to meet other Int Corps equestrians and gauge the level of riders as well as to train for Armed Forces competitions later in the year. This camp was essential for the development of Int Corps riders so that they could enter a team in to the AGRL next year in 2024 and develop the other riders so they can progress on to the Army and Armed Forces competition circuit next season. It is also a good opportunity for ICEA team cohesion.

Sgt Colloby, Cpl Cross and LCpl Taylor told us…

“Bovington RAC Saddle Club is a wonderful facility with everything we needed and the staff could not have been more accommodating and warm and friendly.

We received instruction from Holly on day one, where the sideways rain was a challenge for both us and our horses, and Paul on days two and three, where luckily the weather was much more kind which allowed us to progress more easily.

Both instructors were patient and knowledgeable and handled our differing abilities well so that we all managed to progress significantly throughout the three days.

The dressage run through and test on the last day was a great experience for us, particularly for Sgt Colloby and Cpl Cross as we are both hoping to take part in Grass Roots next year. It was also a lovely touch to be provided our scores and rosettes at the end despite there only being three of us.

We also got to experience a hack and see some of the surrounding area courtesy of Kristal and Sue which enabled us to apply the knowledge we’d gained in a more relaxed ride.

All in all, we cannot fault our time at Bovington RAC Saddle Club and cannot thank the staff enough for providing a relaxed learning environment which helped us significantly progress over the duration of the course.

We will keep an eye out for future courses.

Thank you!”