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First ride with V-Dog since he launched me into the perimeter fence a while back. Since then a new hip, five months of rehab and a stone lighter. We had a quiet chat about finishing the hack together. The Academy looking resplendent in the sunshine. Thankfully, NFTR. #horses

A fine piece of gym banter from a Colonel, which I thought was a banter-free rank. ‘Good Lord, Sergeant Major, when the medics issued you a new hip, I didn’t realise they issued a new you as well. You were always my role model for avoiding phys. Now look at you.’ #banter #Monday

‘Good to see you back in uniform, Sergeant Major. You have a bit of catching up to do after your rehab.’ ‘How long have you been in, Sir?’ ‘Twelve years in October.’ ‘Twenty five, Sir. Shall we try this conversation again in thirteen years?’ #justsaying #FridayFeeling #rehab

Launched a Tweet about how my horse doesn’t like officers, which woke up the trolls who had a right old time filling my inbox with reasons why I shouldn’t exist. And that I’m a Walt. And a crap parent. Deleted the Tweet but for clarity, V-Dog likes at least one officer. #horses

Tough day yesterday dealing with the trolls. There’s a cafe near the Academy that is owned by an Afghan. Mrs French encourages me to go when things get on top of me. The owner sits with me and we swap stories over a brew. He always makes me laugh. Brothers in arms. #Afghanistan

We’ve all been there… what to do at End Ex with the spare apples. This box was left at the livery stables by the Academy Officer Cadets. The note reads ‘Left overs for the horses, from Inkerman Company’. Thank you Inkerman… teaching the teachers. #kindness Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

Today I was reminded of my all-time favourite piece of military leadership. ‘I like to think out loud so don’t pay attention to everything I say. Just extract anything that sounds relevant.’ #leadership

Sometimes I am reminded that my greatest contribution to the Army was as a Combat Medic. The simple act of bringing reassurance and comfort to a young rider and her horse brings its own reward. It’s why we do what we do. In Arduis Fidelis. #medics #horses #kindness

Learned the hard way, the art of the squaddie sleep is never lost. Baseball cap and warm jacket mandatory… head tucked into shoulders, chin resting, arms folded, hands snug. Usually found in a green issue foldaway chair. Awake and alert in seconds. #sleeping #resting #ready

An unexpected piece of top drawer banter from an Officer. ‘Sergeant Major, didn’t expect to see you out in the rain… or in uniform… or on a Charger. Are we expecting the Russians?’ #horses #Weather #rain

As part of my ongoing occupational health assessment post my hip surgery, I’m delighted to report that I am now considered safe to carry a rubber rifle. #health #dadsarmy

Surgeon Captain Kate is stepping off. One of the truly great medics of my generation, she flew in on MERTs to treat and evacuate casualties. When I was going through the mill delivering Welfare, she arrived at Sandhurst to check on me. Fearless, loyal, kind. Kate Prior #MERT

The eternal dilemma at The Defence Academy Shrivenham. You need a coffee and you only have five minutes. Do you walk six feet across the grass or follow the path down and back? ‘It’s okay, Sergeant Major. Cut across the grass. Nobody will mind.’ Couldn’t do it. #thelongwalk

After five days learning about Training Analysis at the Defence Academy Shrivenham, I finally made it home and took V-Dog for a walk up to New College. Described things I learned on my course. Bored him, bored myself but we enjoyed our evening stroll in the cool. #Horses

Hammered by a pair of Corporals… Corporal One: ‘Here he is! Alright Sir? So this is where you come to hang out with all your mates.’ Corporal Two: ‘Have you tried putting some weights on that bar, Sir?’ Just had to take it. #MondayMorning

Arrived in London early so wandered up to Soho. My parents ran the Coach and Horses in Greek Street in the early sixties. A famous West End boozer. They were just married. Ordered a large Jameson. Cheers Mum. Cheers Dad. You were cool. #soho #London

It’s been a hot day so I took a turn up to the stables, where it’s nice and cool, to look in on the Army horses. This is nothing more than a video of me saying hello to the horses of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. #horses #heatwave2025 #scorchio Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

It took me an age to realise that happiness comes in flashes. It isn’t a state of mind or a quest, just the realisation that there are fleeting moments of absolute fulfilment. The knack is in the recognition, then pausing to take it in. With French Junior and V-Dog. #Happiness