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A former officer has continued to fly the flag for Humberside Police by representing the force in the Senior Showing and Dressage League (SSADL) ‘Ridden Championship’ class at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead earlier this year.
Andrea Cowey, who retired as a police officer in April following 30 years of service and has since returned as police staff, competed with her 26-year-old horse, Dublin. Despite his age, Dublin showed great enthusiasm at the prestigious event, which featured showing, dressage and showjumping disciplines.
Andrea and Dublin earned their qualification for Hickstead last year at the UK Armed Forces Equestrian Championship (UKAFEC)/Police Sport UK (PSUK) Nationals, held at Bury Farm. The competition, organised by the Blue Light Horse Show, marked the first collaboration of its kind between the UK Armed Forces Equestrian Championships and the Protective Services Championships. It brought together equestrians from the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Emergency Services, celebrating how sport can enhance wellbeing among those working in demanding frontline professions.
Reflecting on her experience, Andrea said she felt “immensely proud to ride in uniform, representing Humberside Police at the Royal International Horse Show,” adding that the events highlight “the importance of wellbeing within the policing profession.”
She acknowledged that preparing for such competitions can be “hard work and at times stressful,” but emphasised the mental and emotional benefits: “It takes me away from the daily challenges in my life, including those associated with policing.”
Andrea plans to continue representing Humberside Police in future competitions, using her platform to champion the positive impact of sport on wellbeing across the policing community.
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