Forces Equestrian Enthusiasts In Action At New Melton Mowbray Competition

The inaugural Eventers Grand Prix has taken place at the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray. 

Around 100 competitors from the three military services and the civilian police took part in the competition at the 240-acre site over the weekend.

It consists of three phases of competition which take place one after another.

Captain Skip Nicholls, Commanding Officer of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps' Equine Training Squadron, told Forces Network:

"What you have seen today so far is horses over show jumps... It's all based on time and speed."

Lieutenant Amy Cooper, of 12th Regiment Royal Artillery, took first place in the intermediate class on horse Mojo. She said:

"I think he really, really enjoyed it... He saw all the fences coming and made his own decisions and he was mega! [I'm] really pleased with him."

For most of those taking part, it was a first competition of the year.

Sergeant Michael Cattermole, of 256 Field Hospital, said it was good to meet and compete against other riders:

"[I'm] thoroughly enjoying myself, meeting other Army equestrian [enthusiasts] and RAF [ones too]... [I'm] just really enjoying the experience."

Next year the event will expand to also include dressage.

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