Six Legs in the RAF

Adrian Dant retired from the Royal Air Force in July 2007 as a well-established member of the RAF Equestrian Squad. His achievements have included qualifying for the Royal London International Horse Show, no mean feat, especially when you discover that he joined the RAF as a relatively novice rider. Hopefully his experiences and successes will inspire other budding equestrians to take advantage of the equestrian opportunities that the RAF has to offer.

“Throughout my RAF career I have been fortunate enough to enjoy many pastimes and sports. None more so than my first love, the sport of equitation, and more specifically Eventing and its three associated disciplines of dressage, show-jumping and cross-country. I began riding when I was seven years old, going for lessons every Saturday morning come rain or shine (mainly rain as I recall)! Being in the fortunate position of having ponies loaned to me to ride, I progressed through the Pony Club ranks, enjoying rally days and annual Pony Club camps.

When I grew up and joined the RAF, a whole new world of opportunities opened up and I tried many other sports before returning to equitation while in RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus on detachment over the first Gulf war. During my free time I busied myself assisting with Saddle Club renovations and continued the training of a young, chestnut pony acquired by the Saddle Club. Incidentally, Alma was still at Akrotiri when I visited many years later!

Having renewed my acquaintance with equitation, I joined my station Saddle Club back in the UK and once again, began taking riding lessons. I learned just how hard it is to undo all the bad habits I had learnt as a child (I am still trying to get out of most of them 16 years later!). I was soon to take part in the Inter-Station League (ISL) representing Wyton in this grass-roots league competition. This gave me the first opportunity to compete since my childhood and my thanks go to all those people who I know work so hard to run this excellent competition each year, providing a spring-board for so many RAF riders.

I continued to compete in the ISL, and subsequently the RAF Autumn Championships where I rode an RAFC Cranwell horse. I recall the two hours it took me to plait the horse’s mane and the scary show jumping course where I jumped a clear-round and made it through to the jump-off (a second round against the clock). I don’t recall being placed in any of my classes but remember only too well the thrill of competing in RAF uniform at this annual competition.

Soon after this debut, I earned my Command Colours for Support Command at RAF Halton, again riding a borrowed horse. This was made all the more nerve racking as the owner of the horse was at the event with me. Again, a memorable occasion but not for the silverware we won! I continued to compete on hired horses for each of the RAF Stations I served at, often as OIC Equitation, having various degrees of success. The pinnacle came in 1999 when I won the Spring/Command Championships held at the Defence Animal Centre (DAC), Melton Mowbray representing RAF Brize Norton on another hired horse, Ellie. This whetted my appetite to have my own horse and represent the RAF. This ambition took 2 years to realize when I eventually attended Team Selection at the DAC; an opportunity for the Army riding instructors to put you through your paces under the watchful gaze of the RAF Chef de Quipe. To my great joy, Jazz and I were selected to represent the RAF at the various Inter-Service events throughout that year.

There is a strong sense of camaraderie on the team, something that is valued, with the experienced assisting the less experienced, encouraging and sharing the highs and lows of this unique sport. The dedication required is similar to that required for any other sport with the exception that your partner is another living creature on whom you must work in close harmony.

I have been fortunate to represent the RAF more times than I can remember at prestigious events such as The Royal Windsor Horse Show, in front of Her Majesty the Queen on four occasions and at the Royal London International Horse Show, better known as ‘Olympia’ where I finished a credible fifth place, as the sole RAF rider against 7 Army riders, most of whom ride as part of their profession. None of these opportunities came easily; much time, effort and finance was required to keep Jazz in the manner to which she has become accustomed, as well as the hours of practice and instruction required to improve and advance. I am eternally grateful for all of the amazing opportunities that I have been afforded.

Following my retirement from the RAF in July 2007 I am not looking forward to 2008 without the military equestrian calendar as part of my life, I will miss it and I wish this year’s squad the best of success in all the competitions that they compete in.

I would urge anyone interested in progressing in equitation, no matter what your current ability, to give it a go and make yourself known. These opportunities are there for the taking, after all if I can do it, anyone can. I consider myself very fortunate to have learnt from so many fabulous people and to have some memories which will stay with me for the rest of my life.”