Five Light Horsemen of the Riverina were selected to participate in the 2018 Reserve Forces Day in Hyde Park Sydney last Sunday.
Mick Batchelor of Grong Grong, Keith Sheather of Adelong, Pat and Mahteeh Leary of Coolamon and Noel Bridle of Tumut were selected as part of the 29 Australian Light Horse Members and six Mounted Police to partake in the escort of the Governor General from Government House to Hyde park to pay tribute and express gratitude to the Reserve Force personnel of the Air Force, Army and Navy, their employers and families.
The escorting Light Horsemen were selected across the country and personally invited to participate in this prestigious event.
The year 2018 marks 20 years since Reserve Forces Day began and 17 years of Light Horse inclusion. 2018 with the Centenary of the end of WWI also marks the final Reserve Forces day.
Mick Batchelor has participated for the past five years. Keith Sheather has participated for the past three years and Pat and Mahteea Leary and Noel Bridle participated for the first time.
Some have family connections to the Light Horse, others wanted to keep the spirit alive and pay their respects. Noel Bridle proudly rode in his father’s original saddle from WWII.
In preparation of the event, participants arrived at St Ives showground being put through their paces and the line-up selected by Don Eyb and Dick Adams.
Participants follow a convoy to Victoria Barracks where final preparations are made before riding through the heart of Sydney to Government House to Escort the Governor General to Hyde Park upon completion of the ceremony returning to Victoria Barracks.
While these Light Horsemen were in Sydney, Tony Hobbs, Maria Flinn and Mick Davies were present representing the Light Horse in Wagga Wagga for Reserve Forces Day.
If you would like the Light Horse to attend your events contact Mick Batchelor on 0427 262 027 and he will be happy to work with you.
Photos courtesy of Cooleys Creek Photography.
Congratulations, well done it was a great display!