At the weekend, Forces Equine members from across the United Kingdom came together at the prestigious Royal Windsor Horse Show to compete in The Queen’s Plate, presented to the winning Non-Mounted Unit Team. The event once again showcased the incredible standard of riding, teamwork and camaraderie shared throughout the Armed Forces and Emergency Services equestrian community.
With 15 Non-Mounted teams competing, only the top five teams would secure a place in the highly anticipated jump-off. Forces Equine was immensely proud to see three of our teams qualify for the final round, ultimately securing outstanding 2nd, 3rd and 4th place finishes. In addition, Forces Equine member Hollie Clark rode brilliantly to take 5th place with her Wiltshire Police Team.
Claiming an exceptional 2nd place overall was the Forces Equine Kent Police Team, consisting of:
• PC Philippa Wratten
• PC Francesca Harborne
• PC Laura Langridge
Taking 3rd place was the Forces Equine Sefton Team:
• PC Helen Du Heaume – Avon & Somerset Police
• Police Staff Danielle Hughes – North Wales Police
• DC Alice Petrie – West Midlands Police
Securing 4th place was the Forces Equine Police Team:
• Sgt Amy Battle – West Yorkshire Police
• PC Ruth Walker – Humberside Police
• DC Nicola Foley – Lincolnshire Police
Every rider represented their services, teams and Forces Equine with professionalism, determination and pride. The level of horsemanship and support shown throughout the competition was truly inspiring, and every competitor gave their absolute all in the arena.
We were also delighted to see PS Danielle Hughes awarded Best 2nd Round, an incredible individual achievement amongst such strong competition. Danielle rode beautifully throughout the class and this accolade was thoroughly deserved. The entire Forces Equine community was immensely proud to see one of our members recognised in this way at such a prestigious event.
Watching proudly from the stands were Forces Equine founders Debi Heath French and Major David Heath French RAMS, who described the day as incredibly emotional and memorable.
“We could not be prouder of the hard work, dedication and teamwork our members showed throughout the competition,” said Debi Heath French. “To see so many of our members perform at such a high level at Royal Windsor was incredibly special. Every single rider should be proud of what they achieved.”
A huge congratulations must also go to Army Team Marlborough, who claimed 1st place in The Kingdom of Bahrain Services Team Jumping following a phenomenal performance in the demanding 2 Phase class. With Forces Equine founder Debi Heath French being a Royal Signals veteran and Major David Heath French currently serving within the Royal Army Medical Services, there was great pride in seeing a team with such a strong British Army connection take the win.
To every rider, supporter, organiser and team member who took part over the weekend — thank you for making the event such a fantastic celebration of teamwork, sportsmanship and unity through equitation.
You did yourselves, your teams and your services proud. We salute you all.
