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Royal Windsor Horseshow
The Wren Team
The WRNS team at the Royal Windsor Horseshow in 1953 (RNM)
Four Wrens took part in the Royal Windsor Horseshow in 1953 after an amendment in the rules permitted female teams to compete. Third Officer Elspeth Howie Scott was Captain of the Women's Royal Naval Service team, the only non-riding Wren in the event. The riders were Wren Alison Kerr, Cadet Wren Joan Nicholls and Wren Elizabeth Lyne.
The women were all members of the Naval Polo Association and experienced horse riders. Scott was responsible for training the team.
Photo of Wren Alison Kerr seated on horseback, being led by Elspeth Scott (RNM)
The WRNS team made history by being the first team from a women's service to take part in a jumping competition for the Queen's challenge cup. The cup was open to serving officers and other ranks of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force. A woman also took part in the RAF team, but their other rivals were 16 all male teams.
Photo of Cadet Wren Joan Nicholls standing with her horse, Rough Proof (RNM)
None of the WRNS team had ridden any of their borrowed horses more than three times before the competition and their opportunity for training prior to the event had been limited. The team was still able to equal the all male team entered by the Navy, both teams having 32 faults. However, there was a disqualification for Sean-og, one of the WRNS team's horses, when he refused two jumps.
Photo of Wren Elizabeth Lyne riding Simon the Simple during the competition (RNM)
Read about Elspeth Howie Scott taking part in the Royal Windsor Horseshow
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