FEATURES
overall we had a great week and everyone achieved so much as a result.
After the success of the three days training, Sid and I were selected to compete as part of the Development Squad. I was asked to jump the 95cm course alongside my other team members, Sgt Kathy Froom and her horse Viz jumping 85cm and Sqn Ldr Haley Norris entering the 1.05m round on her new horse, Archie.
I was absolutely delighted to be offered the opportunity to represent the RAFEA at Hickstead and the atmosphere on the day was incredible. I was extremely busy sorting Sid (feeding him, polishing tack and generally trying to keep a white horse immaculately clean!) I still managed to find time to stick my head into the international warm up arena to view the stars at work… well maybe one day! Of course, this was all within the busy environment of an international venue with people travelling far-and-wide to see the stars of the equestrian world.
Before I knew it, it was my turn to get ready. After a swift tack-up and change into
my freshly pressed number one jacket, we made our way to the warm-up arena. The venue was huge and buzzing with a variety of horses from show-ponies to top show jumpers; yes that is Shane Breen I can see warming next to me….be cool Keeley, be cool! After a couple of practice fences I am satisfied that Sid is jumping well and it’s time to move up to the main arena.
The first team member to jump was Sgt Kathy Froom (MOD Corsham) who had a fabulous clear round with her horse Vis – all the while I was waiting on the side-lines for my turn and before I knew it, we were next! We entered the arena at a steady but confident trot – I was pinching myself in disbelief that this was really happening! After a last look at the fences, I ask for canter and we began the course. The first jump goes well, as does the second, third, fourth until half way round and he’s jumping well. I start to relax but a moments loss of focus results in a refusal at fence seven which resulted in time faults, giving the team 13 faults going into round three. Luckily, this was the only faults that me and Sid accrued. Sqn Ldr Haley Norris (RAF High Wycombe) was the final team member to go
who rolled a pole at the last fence leaving the arena with another 4 faults. This took the RAFEA teams total to 17 faults and placed us 36th out of 111 teams; so not bad for our first attempt at Hickstead!
I have since been asked to represent the RAFEA Development Squad at a number of events including the Royal Navy Championships, RAF Championships and the Honourable Artillery Company, Woolwich – I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunities and immense challenges which come with each event! Contrary to common misconception, you do not need to own your own horse or be jumping over 1.20m to get involved with the RAFEA. There are lots of other exciting opportunities for all abilities from beginners’ grassroots and Inter-Station League competitions right through to intermediate riders with the Development Squad and Senior Squad.
To learn more about all the RAFEA including training and events on offer, please take a look at the website:
www.raf.mod.uk/ rafequitation – the MOSS site or new Facebook page.
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