Fire-Ops South Africa training at Jod’s Riding Centre.

ALTOGETHER five cadets from Fire-Ops South Africa, based in Henley on Klip, attended a week-long horse riding Boot Camp at Jod’s Riding Centre in Pendale recently.

The aim of the camp was to teach the enthusiastic young men what to do in the case of an emergency evacuation of horses as part of their year-long varied selection process.

The selection process involves first attending a “Hell Camp” and following this, a riding camp that covers pistol shooting, archery, ballroom dancing, etiquette, parachuting and lastly, jumping out of a helicopter.

Fire-Ops SA prides themselves as being a one-of-a-kind operation and travels to war-torn countries, as well as on search and rescue missions internationally, so it takes a very special kind of person to be able to join the ranks.

Cadets had a strict schedule to follow which started with the various lectures and practical basics which included catching, grooming, feeding a treat and leading.

Also covered was how to land if falling off. Only two spectacular falls took place during the week and both riders and mounts escaped unscathed.

By day three all riders were able to negotiate trotting poles and simple gymnastic exercises and were up to speed with more theory including basic veterinary issues and stable management.

They also had to muck out and top up with bedding in the stables.

Day four included cantering on and off the lunge to avoid any further mishaps.

On day five all were able to canter into a small jump and control their horses effectively while treating them with extreme kindness. Then it was off to write some tests.

Riding coach Felicia Rowan had this to say after the camp had finished.

“I had the pleasure of teaching five fit, enthusiastic, kind and respectful hopefuls and am so proud to confirm that all received a pass rate of over 80 per cent in their tests as well as for their riding ability.

“All are now able to take care of my yard for a weekend and are able to cope with any emergency, with assistance, knowing who to call if necessary.”

Captain Bert Coertzen, who spent much of his days watching the cadet’s progress and ensuring that their needs were adequately catered for, said that he commends the cadets on their progress and is proud of each and every one.

Young men interested in an internship with Fire-Ops SA may contact the battalion chief Harvey Grohmann on 082 850 7051 for more details.

Jod’s Riding Centre caters for children and adults, offering a range of suitable experienced horses and ponies, as well as hosting small team-building groups and children’s school holiday camps. Contact or WhatsApp Felicia Rowan on 071 887 4707 for more details.