The Reserve Forces offer unparalleled opportunities for Reservists to pursue sports and adventurous training activities. Trooper Daniel Petho, a Reservist with Wigan-based light reconnaissance Army Reserve unit B (Duke of Lancaster’s Own Yeomanry) Squadron Queens Own Yeomanry, has represented the Army in numerous equestrian sporting events. He gave us a first-hand account of his participation in this summer’s Royal Windsor Horse Show, one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the country:
“This May, military competitors from all over the United Kingdom along with a team from the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) gathered at the prestigious and world renowned 2017 Royal Windsor Horse Show. The highlight of the military equestrian calendar, the event places competing personnel in the limelight in front of a public audience as well as the British and Bahraini monarchies.
“The Royal Windsor Horse Show itself is a spectacular event with appearances from the Household Cavalry Musical Ride, Carriage Racing, Pony Club competitions, Dressage competitions and much more. Held on the private grounds of Windsor just below Windsor Castle, the event has been running in May of every year since 1943. Indeed, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 90th birthday at the televised event in 2016 when members from all over the Commonwealth along with some 900 horses came to celebrate and congratulate her in a spectacular parade.
“This year, I was selected to represent the Royal Artillery Equestrian Team at the show. On the morning of the competition at 0800hrs the first phase of the Showjumping competition got off to a flying start. Members of the RAF, Emergency Services, RN, BDF and Army all had their turn, and the day saw more clear rounds than expected making the competition all the more fiercer. I and my horse Charlie gained a first round clear, securing a team seventh place for the jump off.
“With the news that seven teams had qualified into the jump off, it was agreed by the team that I, the only clear round of the team, was to be nominated for the second phase which would take place in front of the Queen, Prince Andrew and the King of Bahrain. Shortly before the second round, all the teams had mounted and paraded before the monarchy and the public, saluting Her Majesty as they made their way past the royal box. It was a great honour to be not only saluting the monarchy but also the Duke of Lancaster, of whose regiment I serve in the cavalry contingent.
“As I was called into the ring I cantered up to the centre of the arena and stopped 25 metres from the Royal Box and saluted the Queen. The arena was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Our round was very strong but unfortunately we did knock two poles, ending on 8 faults. However, I had secured a strong seventh place for the RA team. Had I attained a clear round I would have come second place, but it just shows how tough the competition was – it’s also a learning curve for next year, which I fully intend to win!
“Coming away from the competition, it was a great experience which I thoroughly enjoyed. Had I not been with the Army Reserve, I believe I wouldn’t have been given this opportunity anywhere else. If someone is looking to advance themselves within equestrian sports, this is definitely the way forward. You meet likeminded people, compete with a great sense of pride, and gain personal development and belonging.”
For more information about the Queen’s Own Yeomanry, the Army Reserve and how you can get involved, visit http://www.army.mod.uk/armoured/regiments/26881.aspx
