Celebrating the Light Horse

In 2011, Mick Batchelor began compiling an extensive collection of WWI and WWII Australian Light Horse uniforms, equipment and saddlery, and participating in regional ANZAC Day services on horseback.

He joined the Australian Light Horse in 2012 and took part in the Reserve Forces Day in Sydney from 2014-2018 as a mounted escort to the NSW Governor General.

Mick reserves the historic equipment for display only and uses authentic reproduction uniforms, military saddlery, bridles and lead rope for the working mounted and ceremonial displays.

In 2017, Mick took part in the Centenary of the Charge of the 4^th Light Horse at Beersheba riding in a full WWI field kit at the Shrine of Remembrance, Sydney. 

He uses stock horses to mimic the size and shape of the heavier, hardy horses used at the time to carry 130kg of soldier, saddlery, rifle, ammunition, water bottles and haversack.

A founding member of the Riverina Light Horse Troop in 2016, Mick has taken part in the:

• 2014 Anniversary of the Australian Light Horse departing Western Australia for Egypt in WWI (participated in Queensland and NSW legs)
• A mounted escort for the Australian Governor General at the 150^th Anniversary of the Adaminaby Races in 2014 
• The Man from Snowy River Festival at Corryong
• Camooweal Drover’s Reunion in 2016 and 2018 
• Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine and Darwin Shows
• Harts Range Races – the oldest race meet in the NT
• 2017 Centenary of the Charge of the 4^th Light Horse at Beersheba encompassing Barcaldine, Longreach and Winton, and a re-enactment of the famous charge
• Ceremonial duties with Kinnon & Co, Longreach, tourist operation
• March out parade at Kapooka Army Base, Wagga Wagga 
• 2018 Remembrance Day, Kapunda, SA
• The Good Old Days Festival, Barellan, NSW
• Showcase entertainment at Oraminna Homestead

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