Gnr Kathryn Anderson
I’m 26 and from Plymouth, I went to the Torpoint Community School. My Grandfather used to be in The King’s Troop, and I’d ridden my whole life and I knew I wanted to join from an early age.
I did my Phase 1 training at ATR Pirbright where my attitude totally changed and mentally it made me stronger. I made loads of friends of and I’m still in contact with most of them. I did my Phase 2 training at Larkhill and then onto The King’s Troop. The jobs I’ve done include ceremonial trumpeter, No.4, and now I ride as a driver in the Gun team which is the best job I’ve had so far. I’ve taken part in lots of parades including The Queen’s Birthday Parade, State Opening of Parliament and Queen’s Life Guard.
Later on in the year I’m going to the International Show Jumping competition in Calgary, Canada, and also on a recruiting tour to Devon. In the future I hope to go on operations to Iraq or Afghanistan.
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Gnr William Merrick
I grew up in Shrewsbury and went to the Mary Webb School. Before I left school I knew I wanted to join the army to work with horses. I’d ridden my whole life and competed in quite a few competitions, although I mostly enjoyed cross country.
When I was 17 I did my Phase 1 training at ATR Pirbright. It was hard work but I’m so glad I did it. It changes you into a better person and makes you appreciate what you have in life. I then went to Larkhill for my Phase 2 training and then onto The King’s Troop. Since being at The Troop I’ve been encouraged to take part in numerous events including show jumping, cross country and horse racing. I was selected earlier on in the year to represent my Section in the Troop Race which is a point to point around Larkhill race course on one of my Sub-Section’s horses. I managed to win it and it was the best feeling ever.
I’ve taken part in lots of parades including the visit of the President of France to Windsor. I’m looking forward to taking part in Queen’s Life Guard and The Queen’s Birthday Parade later on in the year. I’ve also been selected to go to the International show jumping competition in Spruce Meadows, Calgary. In the future I would like to go on an operational tour.
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LBdr Steven Coughlan
I grew up in Woolwich, London and went to St Columbus Boys’ School. Initially I joined the Army to join a Gun Regiment, then in training I saw what the King’s Troop did and decided I would like to go there, even though I’d never even sat on a horse. I enjoyed Phase 1 and Phase 2 Training, but the best bit was arriving at The King’s Troop.
I loved riding immediately and have ridden on lots of parades and also at county shows doing the Musical Drive. I have ridden in the Gun Team for 5 years now and I love it, it’s the best job in The Troop.
I was offered to go on tour to Iraq in April 2007 and I jumped at the chance. I was part of an armed escort moving civilians around the country. I worked with the Royal Navy and the RAF. It was a real insight into how the three services work. It really made me appreciate my life back home, although I am keen to go on another operational tour soon. I am now a wheel driver and have been promoted to Lance Bombardier, where I am responsible for the overall standard of the harness of my Sub-Section.
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Gnr Mark Clarke
I grew up in London and went to Borden Grammar School. I joined the army specifically because of The King’s Troop. When I was younger my dad took me to the Royal Tournament and also parades in London and I was determined that one day I would be able to ride. I never had the opportunity when I was younger but it didn’t matter when I got to The Troop. I did my Phase 1 training at ATR Pirbright where I made loads of new friends and learnt so much. Then I went to Larkhill and finally onto The Troop.
I got selected to play Gunner Rugby over a year ago and I get away to train and play throughout the year. I’ve had great fun touring the country meeting and socialising with a mixture of people from different ranks.
Since I’ve been at The Troop I’ve learnt to ride and also how to look after horses and kit. I’ve been on parade numerous times including The Troop’s 60th anniversary parade, The Queen’s Birthday Parade and Life Guards. This year I’m looking forward to doing Windsor Castle Guard for the first time, and hopefully in the future I will get the opportunity to go on an operational tour.
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