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Animals have played a vital role in the Armed Forces for centuries and just like humans, they receive the highest level of training.
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From the horses in the Household Cavalry to the military working dogs of the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, the animals' military careers all begin at the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) based in Melton Mowbray.
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The Equine Squadron is responsible for the procurement of the horses seen on public duties with both the Household Cavalry and the Kings Troop.
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Within the Equine Squadron there are two schools, the Army School of Equation and the Army School of Farriery.
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The Army School of Farriery trains all the military farriers and is responsible for the footcare of all the horses based at the training regiment,
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The Army School of Equation is responsible for the training and development of all military riding instructors and horse trainers across the Army.
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The horses are exercised every day for a minimum of an hour and undertake a variety of disciplines including dressage, show jumping and cross country.
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The Canine Squadron is responsible for delivering highly trained and motivated military working dogs to 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, the wider Minister of Defence and other Government departments.
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Dog handlers are also trained at the Centre. They are taught how to handle, train and care for their military working dogs including kennel management and veterinary first aid.
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Once trained, the dogs and their handlers provide a vital detect and protect capability for troops on the ground. Equipped with heightened senses, the dogs are unrivalled by the most advanced modern technology.
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The smallest but essential part of the Regiment is the Veterinary Squadron. It is responsible for delivering primary and specialist healthcare to the animals based at the DATR.
Behind the scenes at the Defence Animal Training Regiment
24 October 2022
