RAF EQUITATION TEAM CHASE DEBUT

The season for the RAF Equitation Team normally finishes in September with the Autumn Championships, but this year they were invited to participate in the Military Cup at the Foxcote Team Chase at the end of October. A Team Chase is an event for 4 riders who gallop across country as a team, over several miles, jumping fixed obstacles in the fastest time possible. The Foxcote event is set in the beautiful country estate of Mark and Rosie Vestey in Gloucester and the jumping course consisted of 25 fences including dry stone walls, hedges, ditches and purpose built cross-country fences.

The RAF competed against teams from the Army and Navy (15 teams in total) and comprised Cpl Becky Downes, Flt Lt Elsie Kidd, Flt Lt Carrie McDonnell and Wg Cdr Dawn Elson. Only Cpl Downes and her horse were an accomplished cross-country combination so they led the team. Notwithstanding the rider’s expertise, the other 3 horses had little cross-country experience and consequently completion of the course as a team was in no way guaranteed! After a sterling performance from all riders and horses the team not only completed the course, but finished in a very surprising 4th place. Overall a most enjoyable event which will no doubt now find a permanent place on the RAF Equitation fixtures list.

Caption for Photo: Wg Cdr Elson and Flt Lt Mcdonnell fly over the open water ditch.

Photo courtesy of Mike Freeman xcphotos.