petition started with some 350,000 spectators, 110 competitors a horse called Master Fred and Dickie Waygood shaking in his boots. The dressage went well and I should have been pleased, but I have to confess to being a little disappointed as I know he could have gone better, at which point we were lying 43rd. The X country was a stiff track requiring accuracy and bold riding at a distance of 41/2 miles. The whole atmosphere was quite different from any thing else I have ever experienced. Peoples’ nerves were at fever pitch. I suppose a sport that has one of the highest numbers of fatalities would contribute to this electric atmosphere. I must say I could not wait to get going after the 20 year wait. I gave myself a good old fashioned Corporal Major’s dressing down the evening before the X country and my only fear was not knowing whether I had what it takes or not. I had decided that if I crashed and burned giving it my best shot then that was fine, but if I
failed through lack of courage then I would never be able to live with my self. “Attack attack attack”. All went according to plan. I took all of the fast routes apart from one and finished with 10 time penalties, which moved me up to 21st place. I had had the ride of my life and in the words of Benjamin Disraeli “a gallop is a good cure for every evil”. Well I felt pretty cured. The following day just left the trot up and show jumping, all went well with a better than average round with 2 fences down leaving me in 20th place. This would have to be the highlight of my eventing career, a moment I will savour for a long time, and at long last I feel as though I have made it. Other notable highlights of the year would have to be LCoH Jim Arkley place on the British Riding Clubs GB team at the European championships held at Hartpury College where the team picked up a very credible bronze medal.
The highlight of Regimental Trainingwas Captain Birkbeck (Ollie to his friend and orderly) 1st place in the seniors show jumping and the coming out of retirement of that well known closet equestrian Major Dave Pickard to take a 4th slot. It was lovely to hear that well known Geordie war cry of “woe gallowa” across the fields of Bodney once again. Captain Chris Haywood has had notable success at all levels of dressage qualifying for the elementary winter championships with Macho Bolero and is knocking on the door for the medium and novice championships. “Good luck Chris”. Finally I would like to thank Singapore Airlines on behalf of the Regiment for their continued sponsorship through out the 2002 season. This sponsorship has enhanced the regiment’s capacity to compete giving riders from grass roots level to the established warriors the chance to represent the regiment with many notable success.
The Forge he year 2002 saw another busy year for the HCMR Forge. It started in early February with a trip to the Royal Veterinary collage for two days Continued Professional Development (CPD) training, and then it was back to work getting ready for the state visit in Windsor. This year we also welcomed two new farriers into the forge; FLCpls Sherlock and Farr Hill and also we welcomed FLCpl Dean who is with us on a two year posting from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.
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farewell to our Veterinary Major J Holmes after 3 years serving with us and welcomed Major M C E Morrison. September also saw the Army Team competing in the International Shoeing Competition where they achieved 9th Place. The Army competition held in November at the Defence Animal Centre saw FLCpl Newman win the Military Farrier class and FLCpl Hamilton come second in the apprentice class.
November also saw the final parade of the year, which was the State Opening of Parliament after which most of the horses were sent out for some much deserved grass. Aside from farriery duties, 2 Farriers were seconded to Op FRESCO – driving Green Goddesses! The end of this year sees us saying goodbye to two farriers who are leaving the Army in early February, FLCoH Carrel and FLCoH Conroy who leave us having both served in the forge for 7 years.
This summer saw The Queen’s Golden Jubilee along with the usual parades. This meant that the going was quite tough for the forge due to a large amount of horses needing what seemed like endless amounts of new shoes. After the summer period it was time for summer camp and some much needed rest and a chance to defend our Volleyball crown. The forge day out was a memorable one with a paintball match against MT Troop and the Household Divison; this match saw many large bruises and many scores to settle next year. After camp, we welcomed back FLCoH Darlington after successfully passing his Class 2 exams. In late September we said
48 Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment
SCpl Newman RHG/D and LCpl Hamilton LG.