RAF win first Inter Services equestrian trophy since 2010 as riders qualify for Forces final

The RAF have won the Inter Services equestrian championship for the first time since 2010.

The 14-year wait was ended at a three-day UK Armed Forces event at Bury Farm in Bedfordshire, with the RAF winning one of the closest competitions in a number of years.

It's the result of a season's worth of hard work for the Air Force team.

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"It's been long-awaited yeah," said the RAF's Flight Lieutenant Nat Morrell. "We were put into a fantastic position in the beginning of the season by our dressage riders winning that leg really convincingly at the RAF Championships.

"Our eventers consolidated that lead in June at the British Army Championships and then we went off to David Broomes in the summer for the showjumping leg.

"The Army did win that leg, but we managed to come second so we were still just in the lead and it was all to play for."

On day three of the event, riders had their final chance to qualify for the Forces showjumping final at the London International Horse Show in December.

Leading Hand Robyn McFadden is the sole Navy representation while the RAF have duo Warrant Officer Keely Martin and Flight Lieutenant Michelle Randall involved.

The Army have four riders qualified - Gunner Charlotte Pudge, Staff Sergeant Louise Hoyle, Major Ralph Pottie and Major Nicola Barge.

Emergency services riders have bolstered the ranks in the competition this year and the Police fill the final spot for December's final with Hollie Clark qualifying.

It's been announced that Forces personnel can receive a 25% discount on tickets for themselves and their families to watch the Forces showjumping final at the London International Horse Show on 20 December.