A SOLDIER from Chepstow has just completed horse training with the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and has passed out to join senior regiment the Life Guards.

Capt Russell Bond, Troop Leader, Life Guards, said: “On the day of his Kit Ride Pass Out, Trooper Jackson Palmer-Dean joined the Life Guards. The inspecting officer was HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, Colonel of The Blues and Royals.

 “The ride, as a collective, has just completed a 16-week riding course. This can be a ‘zero to hero’ course, as the majority of the soldiers have never seen a horse before. They are taught to walk, trot, canter and jump, before finally adding the full state uniform.

“This ensures that horse and rider are both competent and confident before they begin ceremonial duty. Many of the soldiers will find themselves on the Spanish state visit later this summer.

“Typically the soldiers will serve two years on ceremonial duty based at Hyde Park Barracks, Knightsbridge. After this they will move to Windsor, undertaking the Armoured Cavalry role, soon to be equipped with Ajax, the army’s new armoured reconnaissance vehicle.”

In his current role, the 20-year-old’s duties have already included a changing the guard ceremony outside Buckingham Pal­ace.