Military Courses and Services
Military Courses and Services
Lessons & Livery
The Saddle Club aims to encourage equestrianism in the military by offering reduced rates for serving personnel and their dependants. Discounts are available on full/DIY livery and tuition with one of our qualified instructors, while children can enjoy numerous Pony Club activities at a fraction of the cost of a civilian club.
All Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) soldiers who come to Bovington to complete their Phase 2 training before joining their regiments are also welcome to take advantage of reduced military rates.
And you don’t have to own your own horse to visit or become a member — we have a large variety of safe horses for all abilities, some of which hail from the Household Cavalry.
Horses That Heal
A one day course from 10am to 4pm to be held at the RAC Saddle Club, Bovington, Dorset. Refreshments will be provided.
Bespoke Courses & Events
The Club can arrange bespoke courses for any ability; from basic equitation courses for young soldiers to bespoke individual tuition. For example, Major-General Edward Smyth-Osborne CBE undertook an intensive training in preparation for his ceremonial duties as General Officer Ccommanding London District in 2013. The Army Navy Show Jump team also visit regularly to use the Club’s facilities for training and competition. The Mounted Section of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary have also used the Club’s facilities several times — we love to offer a helping hand to horses who work hard and frequently have to travel long distances for a living.
Spurs Course
Our Spurs Course helps introduce young RAC Troop leaders to the tradition of riding before joining their Regiments. The lessons take place for the duration of the Troop Leaders’ Course and are always very well received. A presentation set of spurs is awarded to the most improved Troop leader.
Equine Handling Course
Military personnel are welcome to spend time with the horses and learn about stable management. Some Phase 2 soldiers spend some time lending a hand with everyday duties such as mucking out simply to improve their fitness! In return we teach them a few things about equine handling, horsemanship and basic riding skills.
Troop R&R & Support for Families
Operational deployments are hard on everyone involved. We can tailor Rest & Recuperation courses for troops or individuals returning from combat operations to help them adjust and decompress.
Horsemanship, equine handling and lessons can help provide a welcome distraction for many military families when loved ones are deployed overseas.
Wives Club (Hug a Horse - Coffee Morning)
Come along and hug a horse or chill out and chat for a few hours with other military wives at the RAC Saddle Club — our doors are open to military spouses.
The choice is yours whether you want to keep your feet firmly on the ground or get in the saddle — there’s lots to learn from grooming and tacking up, to leading in hand or riding out.
Studies show that horses can help reduce our blood pressure and heart rate, and have a calming benefit, decreasing stress and depression but if I’m honest, we simply think they are really good fun. So why not come along and meet the four-legged friends on your doorstep… some are real characters and make us chuckle.
For further details on any of the courses please contact Steph Buchanan on 01929 403580 or email office@racsaddleclub.co.uk
