Horses, Helicopters and the Heart of a Rescuer

Horses, Helicopters and the Heart of a Rescuer

Join us for a unique evening with Major Nicky Smith, Horse and Rider Engagement with Joint Aviation Command.

🚁 Saving Lives for a Living
Nicky Smith has spent her life breaking barriers and saving lives. As the first female helicopter pilot in the British military — and later the first female squadron commander and air ambulance pilot — she carved a path few had ever walked. Over 36 years in the cockpit, she has witnessed the full spectrum of human experience from the sky: the urgency of rescue, the relief of survival, and the quiet pride of knowing her work changed lives.

Nicky will reflect on the defining moments of her groundbreaking career, sharing exhilarating, emotional, and deeply human stories from her years flying Search and Rescue and Air Ambulance missions. Her journey is a testament to courage, resilience, and the power of answering the call when it matters most.

🚁 Horses and Helicopters
Today, Nicky continues her service in a new and equally vital way. She now leads an innovative Ministry of Defence project aimed at reducing the impact of low‑flying military helicopters on horses and riders — a mission that blends her aviation expertise with her passion for equine safety.

As part of the Be Seen, Be Safer campaign, Nicky will present insights from the groundbreaking 2024 Horse Rider Safety Survey and share practical, accessible steps that riders and pilots alike can take to improve safety across the UK.

To support the community directly, Nicky will also be giving out free hi‑vis gear for horses and riders to anyone attending.

🍵🍰 Tea, coffee and cake available to purchase on the night.