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  4. Equitation School (Cadet)
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Equitation School (Cadet)

The Equitation School was founded in 1926 to promote Ireland and the Irish horse

School of Equestrian Excellence

The Equitation School was founded in 1926 to promote Ireland and the Irish horse. Since then Equitation School riders have been the backbone of Irish show-jumping and event teams. Army riders have represented Ireland at Olympic, World and European Championship level in Show-jumping and Three Day Eventing.

Mission of the Equitation School

To advertise the Irish sport horse through participation in International competitions at the highest level.

The riders have assisted the Irish team to many Aga Khan Trophy successes at the RDS in Dublin, and other great Nations Cup successes at prestigious venues such as Aachen, Calgary, Washington and Toronto. With wins in many competitions at the World Championships, Army riders on Irish bred horses have indeed been and continue to be a powerful force in advertising and promoting the sale of Irish horses abroad. Its success in achieving this objective can be established by reviewing the impressive record of Irish horses competing for other nations over the years.

As a result of the Schools direct involvement at the highest level of international competition, its coaches, riders and grooming staff are recognised for their high standard of horsemanship and skills. On numerous occasions Army grooms have won prizes for the exemplary turn - out and care of their horses.

Through the participation of its riders in various national equestrian bodies, the Army Equitation School aids in the development of riding and general equestrian development by passing on the invaluable training and experience gained by its competitive riders. The Equitation School helps young riders through the Minister for Defence’s training bursary. This is an annual bursary that is awarded to two promising young riders and includes training and participation at junior level international shows.

It could also be said that the Equitation School has represented a shop window for many of Ireland’s other assets, particularly in the areas of tourism, trade and marketing, by putting emphasis on Ireland and things Irish in a public and eminently suitable way.

Strategic level influence

Horse Sport Ireland (H.S.I) is the National Governing Body for the Equine industry. Presently, both serving and retired Army Equitation School Officers sit on a number of H.S.I Committee Boards. Officers are also sitting on a number of other Irish equestrian bodies, including; Show Jumping Association of Ireland, Eventing Ireland & RDS Equestrian Committee. On an international level, retired Officers contribute to the International Governing Body, Federation Equestrian International (F.E.I.)

Influence on Training

The Equitation School designed and developed a coaching and training system that has since been adopted as the National Coaching and Training Syllabi for the sport horse industry. This coaching system is accepted as the international standard and is used World-wide by the Federation Equestrian International (F.E.I.). Similarly, the Equitation School’s training syllabus for grooms has been adopted by H.S.I as the National Standard.

Influence on Educating

Officers of the Equitation School host demonstrations and clinics for various interest groups in the industry. These demonstrations are conducted in order to educate and inform people on breeding,training & coaching.

Influence on Breeding

H.S.I set up a sub committee to produce a new High Performance Sport Horse Breeding Policy. Two Equitation School Officers are members of this “World Class Irish Bred Taskforce.” The objective of this taskforce is to improve the breeding strategy of the Irish Bred Sport Horse.

Bursaries

Three annual Training Bursaries, approved by the Minister for Defence, are awarded to young riders competing at showjumping and eventing. The recipient of the bursary receives training with their own horses from Equitation School Riding Officers. These young riders have the potential to be the next generation of International competitors and the training provided by the Equitation School helps develop this potential.

Enhancing the Breeding Herd

The Equitation School Horse Purchase & Lease Scheme allows for the return of mares to their owners on the termination of the mare’s competitive career. This enables the owner to breed from an Irish bred mare that has a proven competitive record. This type of broodmare has been identified as the most desirable for breeding high performance sport horses. This activity contributes to enhancing the quality of the National Herd.

Your Equitation Cadetship Training Syllabus – What to Expect

The purpose of cadet training is to develop character and leadership skills and instil a sense of duty and responsibility in the cadet. To benefit from that training, which is conducted in an environment of strict discipline, the cadet needs mental acuity and physical agility.

Phase 1: Induction

The purpose of this phase is to master the basic skills required of a member of the Defence Forces. Training will be instructional in nature. Cadets will be trained in small groups, infantry squads and sections, concentrating on character development and personal competencies. Military socialisation, as a member of the Defence Forces, is paramount and weekend passes will only be granted every 4 weeks. Cadets will otherwise be restricted to within a 10 km radius of the DFTC, in accordance with Cadet School Standing Orders. On successful completion of this Phase of Training and Education, Cadets should be able to: 

  • Know the Defence Forces values.  
  • Identify the principles of leadership.  
  • Act with personal responsibility.  
  • Develop their discipline, esprit de corps and physical fitness. 
  • Demonstrate proficiency in personal weapons, map reading, foot drill, arms drill, fieldcraft and other competencies.
  • Successfully conclude semester 1 of their academic studies.

Phase 2: Development

The purpose of this phase is to develop the leadership skills of the student and master fundamental collective military skills.  The infantry section in conventional operations will be used as the vehicles for development, concentrating on character and small group competencies. Training will be instructional / directional in nature.  Cadets may receive one weekend pass every month.  When not on pass, they will be restricted to within a 10 Km radius of the DFTC, in accordance with Cadet School Standing Orders. Cadets will be permitted to retain cars for use on pass.  On successful completion of this Phase of Training and Education, Cadets should be able to: 

  • Embrace the Defence Forces values.   
  • Practise their leadership skills.   
  • Accept responsibility for elements under their command.   
  • Develop further their discipline, esprit de corps and combat fitness.  
  • Demonstrate proficiency in section weapons, section conventional tactics, communications, methods ofinstruction andother competencies.  
  • Successfully conclude semester 2 of their academic studies.   

Phase 3: Empowerment

The purpose of this phase is to expand the leadership skills of the student and to master core collective military skills.  The infantry platoon and company, in both conventional operations and in operations other than war, will be used as the vehicles for this expansion. Reinforcing character development and increasing group competencies will be paramount.  The training will be directional in nature with Cadets empowered increasingly during this stage.  Cadets may receive two weekend passes every month.  When not on pass, they will be restricted to within a 50 Km radius of the DFTC, in accordance with Cadet School Standing Orders.  Cadets will be permitted to retain cars for use after duty hours.  On successful completion of this Phase of Training and Education, Cadets should be able to:

    1. Illustrate the Defence Forces values.  
    2. Modify their leadership.  
    3. Seek responsibility for command.  
    4. Enhance their discipline and combat fitness.   
    5. Complete Adventure Training.  
    6. Demonstrate a high esprit de corps in the Defence Forces.   
    7. Show proficiency in platoon conventional tactics, fighting in built up areas (FIBUA), operations other than war (OOTW), ceremonial drill and other competencies. 
    8. Indicate an appreciation of the fundamentals of peace support operations (PSO). 
    9. Successfully conclude semester 3 of their academic studies.  

Phase 4: Synthesis

The purpose of this final phase is to provide time for reflection on personal leadership skills of the student, to introduce the military decision making process, and to prepare for transition as an officer.  Consolidating character development and group competencies will be paramount.  The training will be collaborative in nature with Cadets synthesising instruction already assimilated and relying more on cooperative engagement.  Trust will have been earned and Cadets may receive all weekend passes.  When not on pass, they will be restricted to within a 50 Km radius of the DFTC, in accordance with Cadet School Standing Orders.  Cadets will be permitted to retain cars for use after duty hours. On successful completion of this Phase of Training and Education, Cadets should be able to: 

  • Integrate the Defence Forces values into their work.  
  • Consolidate their leadership style.  
  • Take responsibility for command.   
  • Appraise and improve their combat fitness.   
  • Convince with discipline and esprit de corps in the Defence Forces.   
  • Operate with an appreciation of the fundamentals of the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP).
  • Prepare for the transition after commissioning

Commissioning Ceremony

The Officer Cadet training programme concludes with a commissioning ceremony where the Cadets receive their new ranks – 2nd Lieutenant in the case of school leavers and Lieutenant in the case of graduates.

Who we want

The Army is seeking applicants who are interested in serving the Irish State and who are seeking a rewarding career with a difference. We are seeking applicants with an interest in operating in complex operational environments. We are seeking applicants who want an opportunity to work within teams of competent professionals and who want to develop their leadership skill and lead highly motivated personnel in challenging missions.

The Army is looking for applicants who have:

  • The ability to effectively plan, prioritise and organise
  • The ability to carefully analyse problems, in order to generate appropriate solutions
  • Clear, concise and effective communication skills
  • High levels of self-motivation, the ability to motivate other and to work effectively in a team
  • The ability to function effectively in physically demanding and high pressure situations

Cadetship Competition Assessments  

Candidates will undergo numerous assessments including psychometric testing, physical fitness testing, competency based interviews and a medical exam. Candidates who are invited for assessments will be required to complete and sign a Garda Vetting Applicant Form that, pursuant to Section 8 of the Data Protection Act, 1988, will authorise An Garda Síochána to furnish the Defence Forces with earlier, a statement that there are no convictions recorded against a candidate, or a statement of convictions, as the case may be.

Requirements/Qualifications

A summary of candidate requirement for each competition can be found in the Terms and Conditions for each individual competition. Please see links below.


Benefits of Joining the Irish Defence Forces

Gain valuable skills, build lifelong friendships, and serve. Enjoy great training, career opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference at home and abroad.