Junglie pilot competes at London International Horse Show
Lt Stephen Currie RN was jumping for joy at this year’s prestigious International Horse Show at Olympia where he was the sole Royal Navy entrant battling it out against the cream of the Army riders at the Service Jumping Championships. Utilising all the skills he has learnt as a student pilot on 848 Naval Air Squadron, he flew around the course and achieved a commendable 5th position on his horse Bob, an 8 year old Irish Sport Horse which he has owned and trained for 7 years.
An avid horseman, Lt Currie has grown up with horses. “I got back into show jumping with the Royal Navy in 2011 and in my first year with the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Equestrian Association show jumping team took part in the Royal Windsor Horse Show and also qualified and jumped at Olympia last year.” he explained. “Olympia, is considered by many top equestrian stars as the best indoor international horse show in the world and to be given the opportunity to not only jump in this historic arena, but to do it whilst proudly wearing the uniform of the Royal Navy is a unique and life fulfilling achievement. My 5th place this year is 2 up from last year, and hopefully in 2013 the Royal Navy can continue this upward trend.”
Stephen was keen to express his thanks to those that have supported him in the build up to this event adding, “This year, I have been moving around completing several different short courses before joining 848 NAS. Due to the high work rate of the squadron and the flying course I am on, I made the decision to leave Bob with my trusted trainer Chantal Siddle of Siddle Equine Services in Shropshire, and commuted weekends to train. I have also had a tremendous amount of support from my girlfriend, my family and particularly the Royal Navy.
The presentation guest of honour was Rear Admiral Simon Charlier who is the President of the Combined Services Equestrian Association and also a very keen horseman.
The images show Lt Stephen Currie RN and horse Bob participating in the London International Horse Show at Olympia.