Here follows the first “pony profile” for the steed of one of our ladies.  This is from the pen of the daring and talented Miss Spicer:

Daloumie Sarason

Sarason has been part of our family for 4years & he is now 8; he is definitely a pet & more like a dog then horse.  He is incredibly laid back & if human would be a peace loving hippy.   He is more than happy to steal any form of food,human or otherwise, when you’re not looking & if given the chance he enjoys a beer.   I first met Sarason when I was pony sitting him for his owners while they were on summer holidays – I always liked him & when they said they had to sell him,well, shortly after he was happily grazing in our paddocks! He came to me having never been ridden or trained & having seen very little of the world & was quite slight in build. Typical of the Dales breed,which is an endangered breed & originates in the north & was often used as a light draught & shepherding pony,he was very slow to mature so until he was 7years old just hacked about the countryside seeing the sights & we also introduced him to weaponry but that was about it. Then in 2010 I got horse transport,a land rover & trailer,plus my licence & so his life of adventures started! We started gently with trips to friends, then the riding club show,shortly followed by Royal Windsor Horse Show,where he was very brave & saw lots of new sights.  He behaved impeccably in his breed class & came a creditable 7th. He also attended Skinner’s Horse spring training as friend to Paddy, my other pony.  He mainly watched although he did have a go at tent pegging with the idea of 2011 being his first season.  As we spend alot of time training & testing the horses for the shows it seemed sensible that Paddy was my 2010 pony as he is older & wiser! His first Skinner’s show was Trowbridge Armed Forces Day,as a last minute stand in for the legendry Nero,so Mike was tasked with riding a very novice pony & to do the commentary – Sarason took to shows like a duck to water & we all had a fantastic weekend in blistering heat,culminating in a parade through Trowbridge town on the Sunday. The streets were lined with cheering crowds for the Veterans parade & both Paddy & Sarason did me proud leading all the horses through the streets. Since then Sarason has been an active member of the Skinner’s Horse team. He is still very much the baby of the group & he does have the occasional moment. Mainly not wanting to go near my partner in the gymkana which has led to some lobbing of equipment in the change overs, quite often ably caught by my partner but sometimes not.   In 2010 Sarason won the Pagal Gymkhana title for most wins over the season,which was very hard fought right up to the last show.

Outside of Skinner’s Sarason is a true all-rounder being able to be ridden by almost anyone from very small children through to OAPs – he jumps,has proved a mannerly hunter having been out with me & fellow Skinners rider Karen – he has completed several sponsored rides raising money for charity, been in the local fete parade & is currently proving quite a star in dressage,and recently has been placed side saddle too.    2012 looks like the year we will be doing all our shows side saddle as after 4 yrs & now onto my 4th side saddle we have finally found one that fits him,me & is sound enough to gallop around in. I feel very lucky to have such a special pony to partner me in the shows & best of all he loves nothing more then our weekends away camping & meeting up with his horsey chums.

nb for more info on dales ponies: www.dalespony.org

As promised I thought we’d add the first of our promised “Pony Profiles” and I think it a fitting to commence with my own noble steed.

Nero is an 18 year old dark bay Lusitano. For those that don’t know, the Lusitano is the national horse of Portugal and is still bred for working with cattle and the the bullfight. At 15.2hh Nero is right in the middle of the breed standard. His colouring is a particular characteristic of the stud where he was born, Casa Cadaval, in central Portugal. This stud was established in 1648 and so my horse is better bred than some of my friends…

I bought Nero 10 years ago from a film and stunt establishment – I wanted a horse that was at least part way already exposed to some of the things I wanted to do with him and I was sure I wanted either a Spanish or Portuguese horse. Having tried a few (of both types) I settled on Nero being the horse for me, although it was evident that he was, well, wired might be a nice way to put it – but there was obviously no malice in him and he was bright as a button despite not having done much recently to the time I saw him.

Duly collected and brought home to Wiltshire we duly set about building a friendship which has stood us both in good stead for the last decade. Within a few months I was jousting on him and although talented in this regard it was clear that a combination of the noise of the armour and the excitement of the tilt was a lot for him to cope with. That said, we both stuck to our task and enjoyed many memorable jousts with the groups Tournée and Destrier. Nero very quickly acquired a sizeable fan base with his lively action and playful personality. He adores attention and has won many admirers through his kissing ability alone!

Starting Skinner’s Horse was the ideal time for us both to bow out of jousting – it was hard work for both of us and the lure of Indian Cavalry with it’s benefit of not having to ride in armour proved compelling for both of us. Nero has always excelled in Skill at Arms with his explosive speed and athleticism – lance work had always been a favourite of mine so it was no surprise that Nero has become a splendid tent-pegger. He’s not easy though, as the exuberance he had when I got him has not dimmed with age.

Outside of period work, having Nero has taken me into the worlds of classical and traditional Iberian equitation and has given me many experiences and friends I never expected to have. He has undoubtedly helped me become a better rider and I think he has taught me much, in and out of the saddle.

In the true tradition of the Lusitano he is a genuine “O filho do vento” – Son of the wind. He may not be the perfect horse, but he is perfect for me.

Of course, the”off-season” is a great opportunity to re-stock one’s wardrobe with uniforms.  We just just taken receipt of the summer mess dress allowing the officers of the Regiment the chance to look ultra smart at dos without having to go to the ruinous (but worthwhile) expense of obtaining the sumptuous winter version.  In addition, a number of us have also just had the dark blue and black undress patrol jackets done which alos look splendid and provide a good utility order of dress for a whole heap of activities.

It not just the chaps though as Sticky has a beautiful new riding habit in production and there are at least two more dresses being created that will grace our events this season.  Raj fashion show anyone?

Work has also started on the KD versions of the WW1 service dress uniforms.  The cloth is being specially dyed for us to match our original samples and should look superb.  Once we have completed the KD versions we will move on to the barathea version some we can cover a Western Front portrayal as well as a Home/Mesopotamia look.  We are currently developing a WW1 show which we look forward to taking out to the great British (and French?) public soon – a great chance for us to remind people of India’s contribution to the Imperial war effort.

Photos to appear soon!

Winter can be an odd time for horse owners. For those of us whose main pursuits are a summer activity then they can drag a bit. I for one hate the cold and sometimes it is difficult to motivate oneself to get out there in the dark and cold to do what needs to be done.

This year, of course, we have been blessed with an extrememly mild winter (so far). I am pleased by this, although having now moved to the best yard in Christendom we also have the backup of an indoor school – ah, pure luxury.

Skinner’s Horse has not been idle whilst in our “off season”. Sticky has continued to bring on young Sarason – he may not be the bravest creature but he is great fun and has a heart of gold. She has also added to her menagerie with the aquisition of Bellaco, a young PRE gelding whom she will be bringing on in 2012 and will be out and about with the regiment in no time.

Closer to home, Blysara has had her first lessons in tent-pegging – both pony and the memsahib performed well and we will await their entry in the Windsor Horse Show competition, if only as the fastest pegging horse in the west.

Even the hard-working Captain Smerdon has found time to get out and about on his equines to enjoy this good weather. Shabash Bertie.

There is always a great deal of interest in our horses and over the coming months I shall be posting up profiles of them all as well as updating you with the latest happenings in the Regiment. Stay tuned, we have some interesting stuff coming up!

A bright autumn morning greeted me as I left my billet to rendez-vous with the others of the reconnaissance party at a convenient roadside hostelry. A none too subtle communication from the Commandant confirming their arrival hastened my steps and I was soon greeted by the sight of Major Trevor (Commandant, 1^st Skinner’s), Captain Smerdon  (Officer Commanding A Squadron), Lieutenant Dobie (Commandant protection and transportation) and Mr Harrison, our political officer, for the venture in to hostile territory.  I was attending in my role as innocent bystander. Having just transferred into the regiment from the infantry I was intrigued to witness a cavalry style CO’s recce.

Having completed the correspondence part of his staff college training Captain Smerdon was tasked with the organisational and logistical requirements. I took the minimal O group and orders to indicate that this was a highly efficient unit well used to operating together with almost telepathic understanding and strict adherence to standard operating procedures. Either that or for security reasons Captain Smerdon was keeping his cards close to his chest. I did contemplate a third reason, this being that he was making it up as he went along, but soon dismissed this as simply not possible.

A simple journey to the port was soon behind us and rapid loading on to the sea transport soon saw us departing Blighty for the continent. The galley was soon located and still being of an infantry mind I determined that given there was the opportunity of food it should be grasped fully as you never know when you may get the chance again. The others, no doubt used to the more flexible approach to provisioning, satisfied themselves with toast and a cup of tea. I began to question the wisdom of my decision to have a full English breakfast  – what did these cavalry types know that I didn’t !!!!! I was not aware of any planned stops for feeding but then again this bunch of hardened campaigners were surely impervious to minor distractions such as thirst and hunger. Maybe I should have had 2 breakfasts!

Following a quick commander’s O Group the remainder of the day’s activities were planned. Lieutenant Dobie and Mr Harrison (if that is his real name – can’t tell with these political types you know) excused themselves to visit the on-board bazaar where bargains were alleged to be had. Deciding that some travel rations may be in order I also availed myself of this facility.

After landing in France the agreed plan was rapidly discarded – and a swift relocation of the first stop to the British cemetery at Etaples was made. Like many of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission sites the cemetery was in immaculate condition and had an almost contradictory feeling of loss but also comradeship.  The magnificent Lutyen’s architecture at the entrance was welcoming but also left you in no doubt that beyond was something of great reverence and importance.  The scale was sobering, the range of units and countries amazing. You soon find yourself unconsciously regiment spotting, and realise quite soon that there not much point to it as every regiment and corps is represented.  It was soon time to move on and head to the Meerut Military cemetery at St Martin-Les-Boulogne.

After some area reconnaissance (that is officer speak for “it took a bit of finding”!) we parked up and fortunately found that the gates were open as a notice on the gate post informed visitors that due to vandalism the gates have to be kept closed. What possible purpose vandalism to these monuments serves escapes me, though that is the very nature of vandalism I suppose. The register (along with the gate key) is available at the town hall. Given the location of the cemetery in the middle of a built up area the sense of peace and serenity was incredible.  Again a bout of regiment spotting broke out and visit cards that Captain Smerdon had prepared were left. Regrouping at the transport we mounted and departed on our way to Auchonvillers (Ocean Villas) and our accommodation for our first night. At this point the travel snacks purchased on the boat were starting to run thin.  We found a cafe and had a very passable lunch. Suitably revived we pressed on.

Another stop was made at a cemetery where there were 2  boys from 3^rd Skinner’s – memorial cards were left for these brave men.

Arriving at Ocean Villas in good time we made use of the remaining light to visit Newfoundland Park, the site of an attack by the Newfoundland Regiment as part of the Somme Summer Offensive. The outline of the trenches can still be seen.  The much used metaphor of a lunar surface is extremely apt when one looks over the heavily cratered ground. The visitor centre was very informative and well presented. .  It was here that we began to really understand the scale of the battle – both in terms of the casualties (large) and the distances involved (small). When one looks at the distance between the Newfoundlander’s trenches and the German front line the fact that the troops could not get across not more than 100 yards of ground is astounding. It was not for lack of trying. The attacking troops keen to get to grips with the enemy actually left from the rear trenches because the front trenches (the proper departure point for the attack) were congested. This immediately “sky lined” them and made them easy targets for the German troops emerging from their reverse slope positions in a feature known as the Y-shaped Ravine. The geography and their deep, well constructed bunkers protected the enemy very well.

A walk around the positions, both friendly and enemy, eventually led us to the 51^st Highland Division monument that marked the eventual capture of the position in November 1916.

Returning to the accommodation we had the opportunity to look around the museum opposite. A very considerable private collection is on display with some nice items.

After freshening up we headed into Albert to get dinner. A perfectly satisfactory restaurant in the square next to the church provided a convivial environment for some lively dinner conversation and next day planning.

After a late night engaged in the traditional activity of “putting the world to rights” followed by discussion about shows for the following year, as well as polishing off what appeared to be the host’s total supply of cheeses, the weary travellers retired to bed. The Commandant, Lieutenant Dobie and Mr Harrison sharing one room and myself and Captain Smerdon in the other.

Come the morning a very grumpy Commandant was observed stalking around the living area. Apparently there was an issue with some snoring requiring the Major to relocate to one of the sofas. Being gentlemen it was improper to apportion responsibility but subsequent billeting arrangements would reveal the guilty.

Breakfast consumed we boarded the Beast and headed for Pascal’s stables at Engelbelmer. Having made a quick recce the previous evening the journey was easy. Suitable mounts for each rider were selected and allocated.  Having mounted we spent a few minutes in the outdoor school getting familiar with our new friends, adjusting stirrups and in some cases, OK mine, making it look like I knew what I was doing! I did mention the infantry thing didn’t I?

Suitably seated we headed out on our trek. Captain Smerdon had planned a route taking in many of the key areas relating to the July Somme Offensive of 1916 within the locale.

Having established an order of march we moved to our first stop near the village of Beaumont Hamel. Stopping at a monument to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders  we had an excellent view of the area around Hawthorn Ridge where one of the huge mines emplaced to destroy the German positions at the start of the battle was detonated. The resulting cloud of debris being the subject of a very famous film. We continued on through the village and out into the countryside. This provided an excellent view of the rear of the Y Ravine.  Continuing on we passed along the valley of the River Ancre eventually emerging onto the road to Thiepval. Apparently there is a photo of Captain Smerdon dressed a Light Horseman mounted on Mack (and leading Meg) coming up the hill from the valley.  A very little known fact is that Captain Smerdon is the only person doing a mounted Australian Light Horse impression in the UK. It became a very well known fact the longer the ride and trip went on!

We stopped at the Ulster Tower memorial where we managed to get some water and give the horses a break.

Remounting we set off down the road towards Pozieres. Along the way we were able to take in the view towards Albert, where the Golden Virgin atop the Basilica is visible (just as it was throughout the battles), as well as visiting the site of a tough fight for the Australians at Mouquet Farm.

Pushing on we arrived in Pozieres and made our way via the 1^st Australian Division monument to halt next to a deep bunker, the Gibraltar shelter, partially excavated and visible. Runners were despatched to return with provisions. Lunch consumed we set off over the Albert to Bapaume road. Picking up a cross country track we soon made it to La Boiselle and just outside the village we dismounted at the Lochnager Crater – the remnant of another of the large mines detonated under the enemy position. Even after over 90 years of erosion it is still an impressive sight.

Crossing back over the Albert – Bapaume road we made our way back to Engelbelmer to return the pones and get a cold drink. After de-tacking and washing the horses we piled back into the Beast and headed to the Thiepval memorial.

It had been visible for a large proportion of our route, so you knew it was a significant structure but the scale of it was humbling. Given that it only has names of the fallen with no known grave the numbers are staggering, over 72,000 names are recorded on the monument.

On our ride round the area it was shocking not to see the cemeteries , as this was a major offensive with the inevitable human cost, but the sheer number of them. Wherever you looked, from valley to horizon, you could spot one. And that was another aspect – the physical area was so small. It was hard to relate the current ground to the desolate landscapes one sees in the contemporary pictures but the subtle undulations and dead ground are still discernable. The now restored woods are unrecognisable from the shattered stumps of the well known sepia images.

We had relocated our base of operations to near Bernafay Wood . On arriving slightly later than planned we freshened up and once again headed into Albert. Assisted by Christine our host we headed to the town square again where much needed food was consumed and the world was started to be put to rights again. This was interspersed with recollections of the days 30Km ride. A very late night / early morning “and another thing…” session was held al fresco at the billet, helped along by hot drinks and/or beer. With the temperature dropping and a busy day ahead we all headed off to sleep. As the CO had his own room, as did Captain Smerdon, the perpetrators of the major’s previous sleep related annoyance were soon uncovered – you know who you are Messrs Dobie and Harrison!

After a sustaining breakfast we all piled into the transport for a very full day of visits. Various cemeteries were taken in as well as visiting the area around High Wood where the 20^th Deccan Horse (with the 7^th Dragoon Guards) carried out the only cavalry charge of the Somme Offensive. It was possible to identify the dead ground where the brigade formed up. The charge led the troops to the plateau between High Wood and Delville Wood. Unfortunately the opportunity to reinforce this success was not taken and the enemy managed to retain part of the objective.

Luckily we were able to visit a couple of personal favourite locations of some of the group. I was particularly pleased that we had time to visit the Welsh Division memorial at Mametz Wood. A fantastic statue of a red dragon (“Y ddraig goch”as we say back home) roaring at the woods to its front whilst ripping through barbed wire sits atop a raised feature giving excellent views of the division’s target (the largest wood on the Somme). The valley across which the Welsh were to attack was known at first as Happy Valley, soon its name was changed to Death Valley. The attacking troops were subject to a highly effective enfilade fire from well trained and determined German troops in positions on their right at Flat Iron Copse, as well as the Guard regiment in the wood itself.

We also took in Devonshire Cemetery where 163 men are buried. All but 2 of these are members of the Devonshire Regiment killed during their attack towards Fricourt on 1^st July 1916. A large proportion of the casualties were caused by a machine gun post dug into a shrine in the Mametz cemetery. Among them Captain Martin who had predicted the effect of the machine gun on his attacking company if it was not knocked out in the initial bombardment. It was not. The shrine is visible still, across the valley from the original Allied front line trench in Mansell Copse. It is within this trench line that the 8^th and 9^th Bn’s of the Devosnhire Regiment buried their dead. As the moving inscription at the entrance to the cemetery states “The Devonshires held this trench. The Devonshires hold it still.”

After an afternoon exploring the area we ended at the Australian memorial. This is an amazing memorial and magnificent views are available at the top of the tower. The tower itself shows battle scars from the Second World War with various calibre bullet scars much in evidence.

After having eaten out in 2 very nice establishments in a row we decided to head to the Corner Pub where we had lunch earlier in the day. A perfectly acceptable meal and beverages revived the weary travellers and within minutes we had already sorted out the sovereign debt crisis, world poverty, hunger, the Iranian problem, the Palestinian Problem – well any problem you could care to mention! And that was all before got back to the accommodation to carry on the discussion, diatribe, monologues, rants and tea drinking!

Thankfully common sense prevailed and we retired at a nearly reasonable hour. Messrs Dobie and Harrison continued in their efforts to test my resistance to sleep deprivation. The morning arrived all too soon. This was our last day and we had a lot to pack in. Up and off early we went to the South African memorial was stunning.  From there we pushed on to find the grave of Lieutenant Colonel Raban, who whilst a Yellow Boy, was commanding an infantry battalion (the 13^th Bn Royal Scots). He was killed when a German shell entered his HQ bunker. We left a wreath at his grave in Vermelles British Cemetery.  Our next stop was the Indian Memorial at Neuve Chapelle. The monument itself is beautiful and even though it is near a major roundabout there is an air of calmness and quiet. We found the names of the Yellow Boys commemorated here and left a wreath.  The memorial is in the north of the area we were exploring and after a quick O Group / consultation we decided to head off up to visit the Canadian memorial at Vimy Ridge – again one of my favourite monuments. It is a truly inspiring site and the view from the memorial over the valley below shows why the position was so important.  Given we were so far up, and figuring we had time before the ferry back, we pushed on up across the battlefields of the Battles for Passchendale. These battles were fought to gain the high ground that surrounded the British held city of Ypres (Wipers to the troops). Ypres was the only British held city in Belgium and in addition to that political significance there was the requirement to relieve the pressure on the French on the Aisne, protect the approaches to the channel and if the offensive was successful allow the Allies to push past the German flank and into the Ruhr.

As any schoolboy used to know the main fact about the Passchendale battles was the mud. Ypres and the surrounding area are very low lying and farming was only practicable due to drainage systems – which had been destroyed by the fighting. Entrenching was not a viable option, and the Germans knew that it was reasonably easy for the Allies to take a first line trench given the artillery support that was available. Around Ypres they constructed their defences around mutually supporting breastworks and concrete blockhouses. Evidence of these defences is still visible amongst the fields.

The main reason for our visit to Ypres was to visit the Menin Gate. Like the Thiepval memorial the Menin Gate is a memorial to those who have no known grave. Nearly 55,000 names are recorded on the panels of the memorial. Even after spending a lot of our trip visiting cemeteries, monuments and memorials you are still shocked by the scale. As at each of the sites we visited the group split up and lost in our own thoughts moved numbly around the plaques containing the names of the missing. It was a slightly subdued group that reconvened. You cannot spend any amount of time on the Somme or in Flanders and not be affected by what went on there nearly 100 years ago.

Lunch was hunted out and duly devoured and it was then time to make for the coast and the boat back to the UK. Other than a slight diversion we arrived back at Calais in good time for our ferry. Once we were boarded we headed for the lounge, and over coffee talked about the next trip.

In summary it was an excellent trip, with never a dull moment. The understanding of the conflict in the areas we visited made this a very thought provoking journey and one that I think anyone with even a passing interest in military matters should make.

There are obviously some “thanks” due and the 2 biggest must go to Captain Smerdon for his tour guide par excellence performance and navigation, and to Lieutenant Dobie for his unstinting work in driving the group around Northern France and Belgium.  Thanks must go to the whole group for making me welcome and only slightly mercilessly trying to push me to see where my buttons were!

Looking forward to the next one already.

Captain Hall is penning an account of our recent trip to the Somme.  Stand by for the posting of this epic tale…

 

The Major

The late Victorian period that we normal represent is often seen as the last hurrah of the cavalry. Warfare throught the Empire still had its dashing  cavaliers armed with lance and sabre even in a period where the technology of firearms was rapidly advacing.

The reality of warefare in the modern age as it was experienced during the Great War was a shock to both the men and institutions of the Indian Army and highlighted deficiencies in training equipment, deployment and effectiveness of the cavalry whilst also sounding the death knell of the sillidar system. During the Great War the 1^st Duke of York’s Own Lancers (as Skinner’s were known then) were tasked to stay at home in India, deployed upon the Northwest Frontier. Whilst the regiment stayed at home a number of officers and men from the 1^st did go to France on staff appointments, attachments or leading other units. The 1st’s sister regiment, 3^rd Skinner’s Horse, did go to France as part of the 2^nd Indian Cavalry Division, 7^th (Meerut) Cavalry Brigade and served with distinction on the Western Front.

A number of us from the group will be journeying to the Somme at the end of this month to visit the battlefields and memorials there and we will be paying our respects with the laying of wreathes. It is important for us to do this so that in the vastness of the slaughter and sacrifice that went on there the bravery and contributionof the Indian army is not forgotten.

It was with great anticipation that we arrived at our last show of the season.  In the days running up to it I thought we might struggle for ground crew but the ever-present Ashton was at least to be supported by the stalwarts of Bingo and Greg.  Mrs Beaton was withdrawn from service for health reasons so there was pressure on the scoring side of things genreating moderate panic due to this showing being the decider for the Sheikhupura Cup.  A few days before it was confirmed the we would also have Nick and TJ joining us for their first “official” gig as Skinner’s – I’m grateful for them both making the epic journey.  Panic over – we would have a good turn out.

The show at East Knoyle was another private show – this time as a part of a celebration of the golden wedding anniversary of David and Ann Bawtree.  This delightful couple had seen us last year and thought itmight be nice to have our show as part of their celebrations.  The show was to be held at their daughter and son in law’s farm, less than an hour’s drive from me.  A trek for Bertie to be sure but that seemed to be in keeping with the bookings for this year.

The venue was splendid and we had excellent paddocking facilities right next to our preformance field.  Our presence at this party was to be a secret from the guests so under orders from David we were to be “pikeys” until time to don our finery.  This deception was
easier for some than others.

We were able to set the course up and settled down to cleaning kit.  This tends be a nice communal activity normally, but this session was punctuated by Sticky’s inability to tell black from brown….

The guests were a short walk away enjoying lunch in a lavish marquee and were to be summond to action by Bertie with his cavalry trumpet.  The stoccato notes carried to us in the arena and in due course the multitude of guests made their way down to the arena ready for the entertainment.

We had the usual opportunity to warm the horses whilst I delivered my customary diatribe on all things India and although the skies
threatened us with a downpour the rain mercifully held off.  The sabre work was not the year’s best – made more difficult by the
fact that someone had forgotten their weapon requiring sabres to be passed around.  Accuracy was below our usual high standards and would have seen the Reverend Jenner preparing a sermon on the subject but there were enough good hits to entertain (including Bertie’s trademark kukri cut).

With cutting concluded it was on to the timed skill at arms race, including the now obligatory setting up of a ring post on the wrong
side.  This was duly rectified and it was time for Bertie to start his run.  In the absense of a stopwatch, Captain Hall stood duty with
the accompanying count.  Bertram went off at a splendid pace and on the turn for the lance was already setting a ferocious pace albeit
with a 2 second penalty having missed the ring with his sabre.  When he also missed the high ring with the lance we all felt his goose was cooked but he managed a splendid recovery to take the difficult low ring.  He grasped the Union flag with and and gallop for home, still well ahead of his previous times for the year.  His guarantee of glory fell by the wayside though as he struggled to find home with the flag pole at the finish, but when he finally thrust the flag into the holder he had set a competitive target.  And so it well to Shagger to attempt his clean sweep of this event for the season.  Unphased by Bertie’s run he set off with his customary rythm relying on accuracy to attempt to win the day.  Graham was not to have it all his own way though as reaching the flag he had incurred the same 4 second penalty that Bertie had.  This would be a thrilling finish that all rested on the accuracyof the final placement.  Brandishing the union flag in his inimitable style Shagger made for home.  Gathering Tilly up at the finish he calmly went to place the flag home with only a minor amount of difficulty.  It was too close for me to guess and I turned to Greg for the timings.  With a faster time by 3 seconds Graham had clinched victory and a clean sweep in the skill at arms!  Shabash, Mr Dobie.  An excellent performance all year and a thoroughly deserved victory.

Now came the decider for the Sheikhupura Cup.  A victory in the tent pegging for either myself or Bertram would clinch the Cup – a win for Shagger would take it to a three way peg-off.  It had been agreed that for a peg-off it would first go to a 2″ wide peg, and if
there was still no clear result it would go to side-on as used to happen in the cavalry competitions in India.  This was not a prospect
to relish and my heart had already begun to race.  When one is competing in a competition with simultatneous runs it is not easy to
know where you are in the running.  When you look left and right at the end of your run, unless you opponent has a peg on the end of
their lance you have no idea what they scored – it could be anything if their peg made it past the carry line.

For this final show we a had returned to our customary 5 runs and all three riders went in with looks of determination on their faces.
Nero had worked out was going on and had started wind himself up – great for the crowd but not easy for me.  We turned and wnet for the first run and I quickly realised that I had started too wide.  By the grace of God and the aid of a left spur by the time I hit the peg line Nero was on target and down went my lance – a solid contact and as I flung my arm up behind me I saw that my peg had stuck solidly.  Pulling up at the end  I looked around to find that one of the other chaps (I can’t recall who) had also carried.  Still all to
play for.  The second run saw me repeat my mistake of turning too wide but I managed to bring Nero back in once more and carry another peg.  So far so good.  I had resolved not to worry about what the other chaps were doing but couldn’t help notice that the rider that hadn’t carried on the previous run had done so this time.  This was going to be close.

The third run saw me sort my turn out but I lost focus as Shagger went off before I was ready (my fault, not his) and my gaze only returned to my line of pegs as they came up on me.  This run saw another good contact but as my arm came back I looked on in horror as the peg detached itself from my lance well short of the carry line – a point dropped and I recall the other chaps had at least another carry between them.  Returning to the starting end , sideways as usual, my mind started to race about the scoring but there was no way for me to know what the scores were so I resolved to stay focussed on my own runs and worry about the scores at the end.  The fourth run was another wide one from me (pilot error yet again) but Nero was a star and came back on line for me to get another good hit.  But to my horror the same thing happened again and the peg detached from my lance on the backswing giving me only 2 out of the 3 points on offer.  Trying to maintain composure and knowing that this would go to the wire I returned to the starting end resolved to turn on a good line and make my life easier (Nero had been superb but I felt I could make things easier for both of us) and we all set off for the final gallop at the remaining pegs.  A fast run and a hard hit saw me draw the peg and my arm went back after the impact.  With delight I saw that the peg had stayed on my lance and I pulled up  full of trepidation.  The memsahib then refered to TJ for the scores and prepared to announce them – with a clear result there was to be no peg off.  The scores were announced – in 3^rd place with 10 points, Captain Smerdon.  My heart thumped – this could mean a win for Shagger and a 3 way peg-off.  In second place with 11 points, Lieutenant Dobie and (we’ll never hear the end of this, my wife says) “in first place with 13 points, Major Tevor!”  The feeling of relief washed over me – victory on the day claimed the Sheikhupura Cup.  David was generous enough to present the Cup to my there and then and with it returned to the table after the obligatory photograph it was
back to the business of the day.

This year’s pagal gymkhanas have been fantastic and although the memsahib’s lead could not be assailed with a win from Sticky in the final race they have been thrilling contests and a credit to all participants.  Sticky was once more “violent and desperate”
and had returned to using Sarason, her trusty steed for all but one race in the season.  Blysara had decided that there was no way she
was  going to lose this last race and put in a splendid display of bronking and leaping starts that meant the memsahib was generously
applauded for her horsewomanship both during and after the race.

Having become slightly braver each time had had done the race, Sarason had the chance to close the  gap and prove himself.  Despite
all of Sticky’s not inconsiderable talent Sarason’s courage failed him and he became the gayest horse in Christendom.  Despite Sarason’s best efforts Sticky bravely push him  through his cowardlyness and both her and Shagger ended up makign a credible race of it.  But it was to no avail in the end as the memsahib and Bertie romped home with a victory running out the season’s winners in fine style.  These races have been tremendous this year and have delighted crowds at every show.  Shabash to you all.

With the race over it was off to the marquee with the ponies for tiffin.  A welcome chance to hydrate and for the horses to be fed well
deserved carrots.  On the way up Blys was coming up quite lame and after half an hour or so the ponies were returned to the lorries with Blys’ lameness looking really serious.  In all her excitement she had obviously done herself a mischief.  Patrick (David and Ann’s polo playing son in law) and his South American groom came down to us to look at the imjury and see what we thought it was.  It seemed inconclusive although most money was on that she had kicked herself and that we would wait a day or so before calling the vet.  As it turned out she was completely sound after 2 days, so hurrah for that!

I would like to say a huge thank you to the Bawtrees for their friendship, kindness and generosity and having bid our good night to
them we headed off into Shaftesbury for a curry.  We managed to get a table (there were 10 of us) in a busy restaurant and set about a
splendid evening which culminated in Shagger arm wrestling the maître d’!

A few drinks back at camp, an enormous amount of laughter and it was time for bed.  A leisurley breakfast and trip home brought the season to a close and I have to say it was one which I have enjoyed immensely.  To spend these weekends in the company of good friends, new and old is a real pleasure.

The fact I get to wear a turban as well is an added bonus….

Post script:  I appreciate that the above account of the final run of the Sheikhupura Cup is shamelessly self indulgent.  Sorry.

This show was a bit of a departure from our normal heartland  of historical shows.

Last season following a meeting at Blasts from the Past I met Sarah Saunders-Davies.  Sarah is a fanatical military historian with family connections to India including an ancestor who wrote a memoir of The Mutiny.  Although Sarah missed our show at Broadlands she was so enthused by what we do that a plan formed in her mind to have us perform at a private fund
rasing party in aid of the Spiti projects (www.spiti.org) run by her close friend Joan Pollock.  Sarah came to see us at Weald &
Downland last year and loved what she saw (fortunately!).

A site visit to her beautiful home in Romsey followed some months later which confirmed suitable space for us to have a gallop and to paddock the ponies when off duty.

The day was planned as a tiffin party at the Viceregal Lodge with guests encouraged to enter into the spirit and attire themseleves suitably for the end of the C19th.  Sarah had a fantastic Indian marquee set up in her sumptuous garden with tables set for tiffin and liveryied staff on hand to cater for their needs.  Sarah and her husband Christopher were at the head of the receiving line (as Viceroy and Vicerene) accomanied by myself and Joan.  With the ponies settled in their paddock in the orchard (the serenity only broken by Blys getting caught up in the fence after rolling and therefore causing a mini stampede) we established our information board in the garden near the harpist who was delicately serenading the guests as they wandered around the garden.

The guests all entered into the spirit of things and seemed very impressed by Sarah’s sterling efforts to recreate the splendour of a bygone age.   Among the illustrious guests were Major General Patrick Cordingley (commander of 7^th Armoured Division during the 1^st Gulf War), in full dress uniform with all medals and orders and Dr. Anna Barrington-Ward whose father, Lt. Col. Robbie Barcroft was in Skinner’s Horse.  Having given my tent pegging arm a good warm up with more handshakes than Her Majesty normal undertakes it was time for us to get the ponies sorted for the show.  We had managed to set up the arena prior to the tamasha
proper so it was only a matter of mounting up and making our way to the assembly point.  The first part of the display was for us all to
line form up backed by a crescent hedge at the top end of the garden with the assembled throng infront of us where I had the opportunity to do some of the “chalk and talk” stuff.  Bertram’s mobile PA system acquited itself well as a did my usual thing and once
finished we had the honour and pleasure of an inspection by General Cordingley.  I am pleased to say that he was very complimentary and generous with his inspection and I think was pleased to find out that he is the highest ranking officer to inspect us so far!

With the show and tell complete the guests and our ladies made their way through the garden to the show arena whilst we hot-footed it down there via the farm.

Once our guests were assembled and our horses warmed up it was down to business.  First came the sabre runs with excellent cutting by all finishing off with Bertie’s kukri run to appreciative applause from the guests.

The timed runs were exciting once again and it will come as no surprise that Mr. Dobie triumphed once more – only one more race to go this year; will he get a clean sweep?

The tent pegging saw us go back to 5 runs and was yet again a thrilling display.  Despite concerns about galloping off into the sunset a
la the BBC filming and the period train going past at the top of the arena all went well with Bertie only dropping 2 points overall.  Fortune smiled upon me though as I only dropped 1 point thus winning the day.  This sets up a thrilling finale at East Knoyle as Both self and Bertram are on 2 victories and Shagger on 1.  A win for either me or Bertie will claim the cup but a win for Shagger sets up a 3 way peg off.  No pressure then on anyone…..

In an attempt to close the gap in the pagal gymkhana race Sticky had decided to bring along Paddy the Super-pone instead of Sarason.  He was in need of an outing and undoubtedly faster the his Dales chum but always proves an exciting ride.  Naturally, Sticky healthy fear of death saw her “violent and desparate” again for this one.  The steely look in the memsahib’s eye told me that even though she couldn’t lose the title she would show no quarter.

The race itself was not the closest we have had this year but provided excellent entertainment.  Having completed the thrown polo mallet hand-over twice this year confidence was high when Sticky attempted it once again as Paddy decided that Tilly (or Shagger?) was too big and scary to go near – their luck had run out though and the mallet crashed to earth.  Bertie and the mem ran out as winners but the biggest gasp of the day came when Paddy decided to show off his showbiz side with some spectacular jazz hooves!

The show finished with a salute taken by General Cordingley and generous applause from all the guests.  Sarah and Joan both said a few words (including kind praise for us) and then it was time to “pat the pony”.  Anna Barrington-Ward was thrilled by the display and delighted that we are keeping the Regiment alive.  I was delighted and incredibly proud when she said we had done the Regiment proud.  Along with this accolade she gave me a copy of a photograph of her father and the rest of the BO’s of the Regiment in full dress around 1936 – a splendid gift.

With
the bandobast over the guests went on their merry way and we were once again thanked and complimented by General Cordingley – a superb man with bags of charisma; the empitome of leadership.

With the sun setting we retired to the loge for fish & chips and a glass of wine to reflect on our first “private” show.  We enjoyed it immensley and owe Sarah a huge debt of gratitude for looking after us so well and giving us the chance to ride at her
event.  The bar has been set very high indeed….

A huge thanks to everyone again – with a mention in despatches for Ashton and the Rabbi who did sterling service on the ground.
Shabash!

On saturday night,

Well away from the fight,

A plot for some fun was created.

Shagger stepped to the fore,

Could he do any more?

And his quest to perform, it was sated.

 

For up with the dawn,

Not to soon in the morn,

Our shagger was clad in red raiment.

The challenge was on,

A tricorn he would don,

To gallop to glory and payment.

 

When it came to the game,

We took none of the blame,

Just in case his ambition caused failure.

But cometh the hour,

And cometh the man,

On his great big brave steed he did canter.

 

He appeared on the field,

And the ladies, they squealed,

And he spied ‘cross the field his sweet brunette.

He was not afraid,

He captured fair maid,

And rode with her off into the sunset.

 

 

To see what I’m on about look here:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150271458119091&comments