Winter Training Troop
The Royal Yeomanry Race, November 2004. L to R: Capt de St John Pryce RHG/D, Capt Reese-Davies LG, Capt Thompson LG, Maj Haywood SG, Lt Col de la F Woyka RHG/D, Capt MacEwen RHG/D, Capt Snook RHG/D, LCpl King LG, Maj Goodwin Hudson RHG/D
Winter Training Troop and The Household Division Saddle Club reformed at The Defence Animal Centre Melton Mowbray on 1st October 2004. The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals Squadrons supplied one JNCO, 6 Troopers and 14 horses between them. The Household Division Stables supplied 2 Guardsmen and 2 horses. New in post were Lieutenant TWC Edwards LG and LSgt Kincade, who replaced LSgt King as yard SNCO from 15th November 2004. Due to the late deployment up to Melton, only four days Autumn Hunting were possible, however a successful pre-hunting course was run with the help of Kim Smith-Bingham MFH. This was attended by four of the troop leaders, and provided them and the Winter Training Troop Officer with some vital learning points. The highlight of the season thus far has without doubt been the Wessex Yeomanry
Race, with twelve Officers and two ORs participating. With the exception of the Winter Training Troop Officer, Captain A H James LG and FLCpl Ravenscroft a very successful ride and mornings hunting was enjoyed by all. Hunting has been well supported, with many of the troopers enjoying days hunting and gate-shutting, most notably by Tpr Wenham who managed to come to grief twice on his first day out! Hunting has been with the Quorn Hounds of a Monday and Friday, the Cottesmore Hounds on a Tuesday, and the Duke of Rutland on a Wednesday and Saturday. The troop again provided the security for the Quorn Hunt Ball, which was particularly eventful when the Marquee went up in flames, fortunately there were no injuries save a handbag around the head for one of the troop, who was trying to prevent an anxious lady from rescuing her coat from the flames!
The main focus now for Winter Training Troop is the Household Cavalry Regimental Ride, which will take place on 27th February 2005 at Waltham on Wold with the kind permission of Mrs Migs Greenall and the Duke of Rutland Hunt. A large thank you must go to all who have aided the smooth running of Winter Training Troop this season, in particular the Master Saddler for constantly repairing and manufacturing tack, the RQMC and SCpl Welsh, as well as the two SQMCs for providing the troop with all the necessary items of kit, and kindly exchanging broken rugs and head collars at the drop of a hat. Without the co-operation of these individuals and their staff, Winter Training Troop would struggle to function, and our heart-felt thanks go out to them for all of their help and hard-work on our behalf.
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Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment
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