Riding out to honour World War One heroes

Mansfield's Lyndsey Dove is to ride in France to commemorate the Cavalry Division in World War One.

Corporal Lyndsey Dove (31) is part of a 35-strong team ready to journey 100 miles over five days starting on 27th August.

The ride commemorates the 8,500 men and horses of the British Cavalry Division and the crucial part they played in the early months of World War One, which started 100 years ago in August.

Each person and horse taking part will represent one of the regiment and corps, with Lyndsey representing the Royal Engineer Squadron.

All the riders will wear the same uniform and carry the same weapons and accoutrements that their predecessors did in 1914.

The ride route will take in sites where the Cavalry Division engaged the German Army and also visit memorials and military cemeteries, concluding on 1st September.

“It is an amazing opportunity to be selected to represent the Royal Engineers on this ride,” said Lyndsey. “It’s going to be a memorable few days.

“To ride through the battlefields of our ancestors and reflect on the sacrifices they made and pay my respects in this commemorative year is both a privilege and an honour.”

Lyndsey is a member of 350 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) based in Chilwell, Nottingham.

The former Brunts School pupil has been riding since the age of seven, joined the Army Reserves nine years ago and has served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In civilian life, Lyndsey works as a telecoms engineer for Openreach BT in Mansfield.

She said: “I took up horse riding seriously when I was 17, but I’ve had a love of horses since I was a child. My parents finally gave in and let me have lessons and it’s gone from there.”

“We will be riding horses provided for us in France. I’m out riding at every opportunity at the moment to ensure I am riding fit so I can cope with the ride because we’ll be riding up to 25 miles a day.”

Last year, Lyndsey competed in The Royal Windsor Horse Show and this year has entered the Osberton Hunter trials and local show jumping competitions at Blidworth on her own horse, Red.

She will be raising money in France for the Not Forgotten Association, which cares for the wounded of all three services.

Anyone who would like to make a donation or sponsor cpl Dove can do so at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/WarHorseRide2014RE