An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 13 desirable but not essential. I submitted my expression of interest, highlighting my civilian career in Electric Ireland, my equestrian background and my active participation in taskings with 7 Battalion, such as recruitment activity, Unit training, ceremonial and OpFor taskings. I was successful in my application, along with Pte Noel Prior and Pte Caoimhe Ruigrok. The Grooms Course The South Eastern Technical University (SETU) accredited Groom's Course, worth 10 ECTS credits, was delivered over a series of weekends and a full-time training (FTT) block. It was a comprehensive blend of theory and practice, designed to prepare reservists for the demands of The Equitation School. Early phases of the course placed a significant focus on establishing safe practices and routine. Participants learned essential yard skills including mucking out, bedding down, grooming techniques, fitting head collars, tying up horses safely and identifying potential hazards for both staff and horses. This foundation set the tone for a safety-first approach adopted for the duration of the course. The course progressed with more technical and practical skills which included trimming, clipping, tack identification and fitting, alongside our first stable inspection. We then moved on to tack maintenance, fitting rugs, boots and bandages, feeding routines and our first lunging sessions — each contributing to growing confidence and competence around horses. With core skills embedded, the training intensified with additional learning material including equine nutrition, anatomy and safe travelling procedures, turnout inspections and transport management. The latter stages of the course saw the start of riding lessons and introduced horse documentation and paddock management. Towards the end of the course, we covered veterinary lectures and practicals, including ailments, wound care and jumping exercises. Our FTT block brought key elements covered over the duration of the course together and culminated in inspections, duty groom understudy roles and examinations in riding, lunging and grooming theory, all designed to assess our readiness for service in the Equitation School. What next? Participating in the Grooms Course has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time in the DF Reserve. The course has allowed me to relearn past skills, develop new skills, and contribute to a unit that represents the Defence Forces and Ireland on the international stage. The course has reignited a personal passion that I hope to carry forward for years to come. On behalf of the class, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lt Erin Crawford and all staff of The Equitation School for their time, commitment and dedication to ensuring this modularised program was a success. Pte Noel Prior, 7 Inf Bn (Student): "I have always been interested in equine care and welfare, the opportunity to work with the school immediately captured my attention. The course was a chance to increase my knowledge and skill with horses. It was also a way to broaden my training and experience within the Reserve.' Pte Caoimhe Ruigrok 2 Bde Tpt Coy (Student): "The work of the School is interesting and varied, whether it be general yard duties, handling, clipping, or lunging horses, but all very much hands-on working with competition horses. In the coming months, the focus now shifts to developing a better understanding of the yard and routine and gaining a better knowledge of each of the horses in advance of the new season." Col Oliver Dwyer, Director of Reserve: "Congratulations to both students and staff involved in making this course a success. The integration of Reservists into the Army Equitation School marks another milestone in the implementation of the RDF Regeneration and Development Plan – creating meaningful pathways for Reservists to train and serve alongside their Permanent colleagues in roles that reflect both operational need and individual preferences for their own career path." Comdt Sharon Crean, 2IC Equitation School: "Completing a course of this nature, in your spare time in addition to the demands of professional and personal live is testament to the commitment of all involved. We are proud to welcome Reservists into the Equitation School, their backgrounds—whether in agriculture, equestrian sport, or civilian careers bring fresh perspectives and valuable skills that support and strengthen our team." taken at the last show of the season in Noel Prior & Pte Gillian Cox attended the grooms. They played a significant part in the success of the Eq Sch at the show, with Curran placing 1st and 2nd and also Lt Ruari in 3rd place in the Grand Prix. The horse in Alliance, the winner of the grand prix.

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