Horse riders travel 750km in the saddle to honour WWI mounted soldiers
In full Light Horse uniform, riders Pat Leary and Ross Smith trotted up to the schoolyard at Gerogery Public School, on the NSW–Victoria border, capturing the attention of every student.
The pair, who are members of the re-enactment group the Australian Light Horse Society, stopped in as part of a 750-kilometre commemorative ride through northern Victoria and southern New South Wales.
An Australian Light Horse trooper in Egypt 1915. ( Supplied: Australian War Memorial )
The long-distance tour is part of an effort to honour and raise awareness of the Australian Light Horse.
The mounted infantry soldiers were renowned for their bravery in the desert battlefields of Egypt and the Middle East during World War I, from 1914 to 1919.
"This is not about glorifying war, this is about remembering the sacrifices that the guys made 100 years ago," Mr Leary said.
With just 14 students, Gerogery Public School does not often get visitors such as Mr Leary and Mr Smith.
Primary school teacher Madeline Curnow said the experience had added a new dimension to lessons.
"They really take that moment in and really enjoy that hands-on experience of learning," she said.
"Being a rural school, sometimes you miss these opportunities because we often have to travel and there are costs involved, or students might not be able to attend excursions that are away from school," she said.
Madeline Curnow says the visit was a treat for students. ( ABC News: Ralph Seria )
School student Hilton Hill prepared for the visit by reading books about the Light Horse.
"It was really cool to see because you've read about them and you've researched them and you finally get to see them," he said.
After hearing tales of the soldiers, the children fed the horses some carrots before heading back to the classroom.
"They won't remember my name, but they'll remember the day the Light Horse came to their little school … and that means that legacy doesn't die," Mr Leary said.
The horses are often treated to carrots during school visits. ( ABC News: Ralph Seria )
Six weeks in the saddle
Mr Leary spent six weeks in the saddle meeting with veterans and community groups in 33 towns during his journey along the Chauvel Border Light Horse Trail.
A visit to the Devenish art silos. ( Supplied Facebook )
At the Devenish silo art. Supplied: Facebook At the Light Horse statue in Wagga Wagga. ( Supplied: Facebook )
The Light Horse statue in Wagga Wagga. Supplied: Facebook The riders process through Wagga Wagga. ( Supplied: Facebook )
The riders arrive in Wagga Wagga. Supplied: Facebook Ross Smith and Pat Leary at the Bill the Bastard statue at Harden. ( Supplied: Facebook )
The 'Bill the Bastard' statue at Harden. Supplied: Facebook The members of the Chauvel Anniversary Light Horse Memorial Ride 2025 in Muttama. ( Supplied: Facebook )
The riders at Muttama, near Cootamundra. Supplied: Facebook With the residents at Blakeney Lodge in Tumut. ( Supplied: Facebook )
With residents at Blakeney Lodge, Tumut. Supplied: Facebook
The trail runs from Shepparton in northern Victoria, through southern New South Wales to Harden, then back to Tallangatta, linking statues, monuments, and artworks.
"They're magnificent statues and they've all got a story, but they didn't seem to be getting the recognition they needed or deserved," Mr Leary said.
His ride aimed to encourage people to visit landmarks and raise awareness of the Light Horse.
While some might be daunted by such a long journey, Mr Leary is an endurance rider who has twice conquered the prestigious Tom Quilty Gold Cup, where competitors ride 160 kilometres in one day.
"You've got to well and truly pace yourself," he said.
"Try and work out a distance between each town and keep your horse physically and mentally sound, but also keep ticking over the miles."
Ross Smith and Pat Leary have spent some long days in the saddle. ( ABC News: Emily Doak )
Mr Leary said he was often asked about the condition of his buttocks on the six-week journey.
"It's been better, I've got a few band aids placed all over my backside and my legs but they'll get better," he said.
"I'm sure those guys 100 years ago had plenty of rub marks too."
Mr Leary said he was also grateful for the support of other riders who joined him for parts of the journey and the support crew who cared for the horses.
"They're not following me, they're following the uniform, the pride of what is the Light Horse," he said.
Watch this story on ABC TV's Landline at 12:30pm on Sunday, or on iview.
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