An Cosantóir November / December 2025 www.military.ie/magazine
The Equitation School Reserve Programme
The Army Equitation School Reserve Staff programme
was established on a pilot basis in coordination with the
Office of Reserve Affairs and with approval from DCOS
Support. The programme was initiated as part of the
RDF Regeneration and Development Plan which sees
the modularisation of courses and the recognition and
utilisation of Reservists' qualifications and skills. Successful
candidates would undertake duties alongside
their Permanent colleagues, including grooming,
yard work and ceremonial mounted duties. The role also
offered the chance to support the team in its mission of
"Promoting Ireland and the Irish Horse" at national and
international equestrian events. To qualify, candidates had
to be 3* Privates or Corporals, recommended through the
chain of command and committed to a two-year term with
the School post-training. Previous horse experience was
12 |
FROM PATROLS FROM PATROLS
TO PADDOCKS - TO PADDOCKS -
ARMY RESERVE GROOMS ARMY RESERVE GROOMS
COURSE COURSE
BY PTE GILLIAN COX, 7 INFANTRY BATTALION
A
s a Private in D Company, 7
Infantry Battalion, I've always
sought new challenges and
opportunities. When the Office of
Reserve Affairs announced the pilot
programme for Reservists at the Army
Equitation School, I knew this would be
a great opportunity and one I couldn't
miss. Growing up in Sligo, I spent my
youth helping on my uncle's farm and
riding horses from the age of twelve.
Though I never owned a horse, I gained
experience through riding schools,
showjumping, dressage and hunting.
However, since moving to Dublin for
work in 2014, opportunities to engage
with horses had become rare. The pilot
programme with the Equitation School
opened a new pathway to serve in a role
that blends my time in the DF with my
love of horses.
The
photo
was
taken
Cavan
where
Pte
show
to
assist
as
contributing
to
the
Comdt
Geoff
Curran
Clarke
finishing
in
the
image
is
DHF
Alliance,
Pte Cox practicising her skills in the Equitation
School
Pte Rugirok ready to
present River Derg for
inspection
