Talented London firefighters have turned their hand to other skills, competing for the first time with their own horses in a show jumping event at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
Prized moment: the LFB team placed third in their class at the Royal Windsor Horse Show
The Brigade’s firefighters beat show jumping teams from the military, police and cadet forces to claim third place in the Services Team Jumping competition, held in Windsor Great Park with the royal castle as the backdrop and with King Charles and other VIP guests watching on.
The team comprised full-time firefighters who ride their own horses, brought together by Dana Curle-Taylor, who is based at Wimbledon Fire Station.
Firefighter Curle-Taylor has served for three years in the Brigade. She has ridden horses since she was five years old, and recently returned to competing on the show jumping circuit with her horse, Edina.
The team also included Kylie Manser-Baines, who was a jockey before she became a firefighter, and Alice Sweeney.
“I have dreamt about competing for the Brigade and it’s finally happened,” Firefighter Curle-Taylor said.
Fire fly: Wimbledon-based firefighter Dana Curle-Taylor on Edina, competing for the London Fire Brigade team just three months after bringing it together
“I put the team together in February and we’ve already made it to our first competition at a huge prestigious event. I’m so proud of the team for taking this big step.
“I decided to form the Brigade team following my stint working in the Army. I saw first-hand how they had equestrian teams. My passion for horse riding and my love of horses meant I was really motivated to set something up for fellow firefighters who also share my passion.
“I believe it’s important to have London Fire Brigade represented at big horse events, especially when you think about the history of horses in the fire service, and how they used to draw carriages to help firefighters put out fires in London.”
Manser-Baines joined the Brigade five years ago and is based at Forest Hill Fire Station. Following her retirement from flat racing, she has used her skills and experience to rehabilitate retired racehorses, including her horse, Edward.
She said: “I love being a firefighter and being part of London Fire Brigade, so to be able to take part in this prestigious event on behalf of the Brigade has been an amazing experience. I hope this is the first of many competitions.”
Top team: the LFB squad at the Royal Windsor Horse Show (L-R): firefighters Kylie Manser-Baines and her ex-racehorse Edward, Alice Sweeney on dressage specialist Milly, and Wimbledon-based Dana Curle-Taylor and her horse, Edina
Firefighter Sweeney is based at Kentish Town Fire Station. She and her horse Milly, who usually compete at dressage, stepped up at the last minute to take part after an injury to another member of the team. “Jumping in such a large arena is not our forte, but Milly really kept a cool head,” Sweeney said.
“I am really proud of how well we did.
“My horse is a winner in my eyes. It’s such an honour to be in uniform, be part of the team and I am so proud to be a part of it all. We go home with lots of great memories and a third place rosette.”
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