News: ASHS officially
recognises Heritage Stock horses
As part of the Australian Stock
Horse Societies 40th Anniversary celebrations, members will be now be
able to nominate Registered Australian Stock Horses that carry the
traditional breeding of an Australian Stock Horse (thoroughbreds,
Station bred horses and breeds present in Australia prior to WWII) for
approval as Heritage Stock Horses
(HSH). Heritage Stock Horses must have an extensive pedigree, with a
minimum of 3 full generations of known Australian Breeding, have
multiple proven links back to Waler Horses of Significance through two
grandparents and must not be 100% Thoroughbred. Horses that have any modern breeds (Quarter
Horse, Paint, Appaloosa, European Warmbloods, Andulusian etc) within 3
generations will not be eligible for the coverted HSH suffix after
their name, however there is provision to breed back to Heritage Stock
Horse Status at the fourth cross (a tougher requirement than most
breeds). For those people who want a Heritage Stock Horse with
absolutely no modern breeds there will be a website listing further
details on each horse which applied for HSH approval (successful or
otherwise) including the percentage of modern breeds and percentage
unknown breeding (if any - many horses will have none).
Pleae note: all Emugully bred
horses listed in our foal, mare and stallion pages are eligible for HSH
approval and all their applications have been submitted to the ASHS so if you own an EMUGULLY horse you do NOT
need to apply for assessment.
For more information click on the below links
Heritage Stock Horses - Frequently Asked
Questions
Heritage Stock Horse - Rules and Regulations
Full Article in
the ASHS Sept/October journal including application form
Emugully Air and
Land Spectacular 2011
The original WW1 GS Wagon owned by our Stud was once again on live
display used in multiple battle re-enactments pulled by the magnificent
team of Cleveland Bays (a breed once commonly used in the Waler era and
often referred to as a "coach horse" before being lost as a pure breed
until more recent modern times when reintroduced into Australia.)
Thanks to the skills of Bob Edwards, these horses once again raced into
battle under gunfire and chaos to rescue men in both the western front
re-enactments and trailing behind the charge. No easy task with a
multitude of light horse troopers galloping off in front of them,
it took all the skill of Bob, who has many years of experience
including military re-enactments overseas and we are very privileged to
have such a man of experience and expertise bring his horses down for
the truly “Spectacular” re-enactments.
Simpson and his Donkey were represented as once again Emugully stud's
two mascot donkeys Murphy and Duffy (named after two of Simpson’s
donkeys – he was believed to have used 5 different donkeys at
Gallipoli) made another crowd pleasing display in the Gallipoli
re-enactment rescuing injured troopers in battle and then carrying a
“wounded” soldier through the crowds. They loved being patted and
photographed by the adoring crowds without ever missing a step.
Cleveland Bays pulling GS Wagon in Boer war re-enactment
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In the Charge of Beersheba - it wasn't just the Light Horse mounted
infantry in the Charge,
there were many back up vehicles as well as well as horses carrying guns
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Animals that went to
War Nursery
Having some of our seasoned Troop horses out of action due to
injury, Jimmy and Anzac instead represented the horses used by the
Australian Light Horse - the Walers that went to war in “The Animals
that went to War” nursery and educational display. Jimmy,
represented the many wounded Walers at war who had badly cut his hock
to the bone and ANZAC who looked uninjured due to his uncommon staking
of his hoof (thru the outer wall not the sole of hoof) which had left
him unsound to ride but their friendly dispositions made him them a
favourite with the crowds as they patiently stood by while hundreds of
hands patted them and fed them seemingly endless hay. Patch, our light
draft horse was also on display, representing the heavier Walers that
pulled guns and transport wagons, and Rosie our mule represented the
many mules used mostly as pack animals during the war.
Anzac - descended from the sire of Midnight a famous mare killed in the
Charge of Beersheba
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Patch and Rosie
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Emu Gully
Air and Land Show (May 2009/2010)
The annual Emu
Gully Air and Land Spectacular was again an outstanding success in
bringing our Anzac history alive, and together with the forthcoming Air
and Land Museum, showcases our Anzac History. This "history in
action" is not only educational and entertaining for the whole
family, but it is inspirational as well.
Jimmy Tent Pegging
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Charge of Beersheba - Jimmy 4th from left our other horses towards back
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Boer war - Jimmy and Bushfire 6th and 7th from front
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Tom and his horse Cavalier (out of Emu Gully's
broodmare Comma)
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"Simpson" and his donkey helping a wounded mate
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Apart from
seeing the Light Horse in action with the re-enactment of the Charge of
Beersheba, Emu Gully also had on display their collection of animals
that went to War, including the heavier Gun or Artillery Horses,
the typical remount type or lighter "Waler" horse, Donkeys, a Mule
and a Camel. Emu Gully Heritage Stockhorse Waler Stud (one of the
largest breeders of Heritage Stockhorse Walers in Australia), had
their troop horses fully involved in the action, including displays of
tentpegging and other skills at arms. In the battle sequences the
horses charge through a pyrotechnic display and were buzzed by “enemy
aircraft”. The Emu Gully horses that are used in these
events, (as well as the other Light Horse mounts), have
the courage and temperament qualities of their forebears used in WWI by
our Anzacs.
getting ready
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some of the Light Horse troops on the day
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Two of the Emu
Gully horses - our stallion Indee Topic and Jimmy - jumping the
trenches in the Re-enacted Charge of Beersheba
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However
horses were only a small part of the day, as while horses were used in
WWI, with the increasing use of the internal combustion engine,
the Light Horse Regiments were re-equipped with “iron steeds” by
WW2. Therefore not only were horses on display at the Air
and Land Spectacular, but Emu Gully also had on display its inventory
of a great number of tanks, armoured vehicles and planes and assorted
military equipment as used by the Australian Defence Force in WW1, WW2,
Korea and Vietnam. (Another connection between
the Light Horsemen of WW1 and our Air force, is that it was
believed that a horseman had the natural elements of balance and daring
that suited them for the role of a pilot so as a result, many in
the Australian Light Horse were recruited for the Australian Flying
Corps.)
In addition
to the battle displays and re-enactments of the Australian Light Horse
the other re-enactments involved the Air Force and or Armoured units,
including a spectacular display of a simulated Napalm
strike. For some links to YouTube footage of these events
see:
http://www.airandlandshow.com.au
Emu Gully Helidon is
excited to announce it is hosting a huge "Air & Land Spectacular"
May 2nd and 3rd 2009
The Australian Light Horse will
display some “skill at arms” routines including tent-pegging and a
comedy tent dropping scenario. There will be Light Horse re-enactments
including a re-enactment of the Charge of Beersheba with the horses
showing their mettle under fire, featuring the genuine stockhorse
Walers descended from the same bloodlines as those horses who went to
war. The Emu Gully troop horses will be prominent in this action.
An exciting "Anzac experience" for the whole family. The show
will be entertaining, educational and inspirational. Our compere is
well known show announcer Angus Lane. Together with specialist
commentators you will be informed, educated, entertained and inspired
by our remarkable Anzac legend.
- Experience the noise and tumult of a North African tan
battle, using restored WW2 tanks.
- Witness a famous Vietnam War battle with a Centurion Tank,
APC, and artillery of the war, including a bomb drop by aircraft of the
era.
- See an Australian 2pdr Anti Tank in action against a WW2
Japanese Tank.
- Watch a magnificent display of radio controlled Model
Warbirds.
- See a great display of Army vehicles and planes of the war
years.
- Wander through the various military campsites, where
history comes alive as you see how soldiers on both sides lived on the
battlefield.
- Be entertained with hit songs of the War years, by the
Andrews Sisters Tribute Band.
- See the remarkable air combat between two classic WW2
fighters, the remarkable FW190 and the mighty Spitfire.
IN THE STEPS OF THE LIGHT HORSE
The recent trip by 70 Light Horsemen from the Australian
Light Horse Association to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the
charge of Beersheba, received unexpected and unprecedented worldwide
publicity. This publicity was not by accident. A
documentary has been made of this momentous trip called "In the steps
of the Light Horse". The Australian Light Horse rode onto centre
stage of history in 1917 to fulfil a destiny, and to help put in
place some of the dynamics needed for the restoration of the State of
Israel.
This re-enactment of the ride through the desert
following the exact route the Australian Light Horse took in 1917
including the charge over the same ground, is compelling viewing.
This trip is having a major impact in making Israel aware of the
“Gentile” sacrifice also involved in the formation of the modern state
of Israel.
The documentary shows something of the unique shared
history of our two Nations,
and is available from Barry Rodgers the leader of the
Australian delegation, for
$25 for the first copy, and $20 for subsequent copies
including postage (within Australia).
ABN number 31 412 629 769.
Contact email address emugully@adventureed.com.au
Phone
61
(07) 4697 6631
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The film opens with that prophetic quote from Winston
Churchill; “From the ends of the earth ships and men are gathering
together in the Eastern Mediterranean to fulfil a destiny as yet
unknown by mortal man.” The documentary shows the important part
the Australian Mounted Division played in fulfilling that destiny.
The film starts in Gallipoli where the Australian Light
Horse fought without their horses in the Gallipoli campaign, then moves
to Israel and follows the various campaigns to free the land from the
Ottoman Turks. The Israel tour was held in conjunction with
Kelvin Crombie, noted Australian author and historian, and the “Society
for the preservation of WW1 history in Israel".
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______________________________________________________________________________
Payment type accepted: Visa/ Bankcard/ Mastercard, cheque
or postal order.
(Qty)….. of the DVD “In the steps of the Light Horse”
total cost being $..............(see above)
Please charge to my credit card
Visa/ Bankcard/ Mastercard or by cheque/postal order
enclosed (circle card type/method)
Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Expiry Date……………..
Post to: (Please print)
Name…………………………………........................................................................................
Address…………………………………………........................................................................
………………………………………………………………….................................................
Phone No………………...…......................
Signature…………………………………………….
To order: Please print the above order form, fill in and
post to Barry Rodgers, P.O. Box 1049, Toowoomba, 4350
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In the steps of the Light Horse
On October 31st 1917 the Australian Light Horse galloped into history
in their famous make or break charge at the Turkish defences at
Beersheba. These young men mainly from rural Australia formed a most
formidable force as mounted infantry. Ninety years later 70 members of
the Australian Light Horse Association, mostly from rural Australia,
followed in their steps, to honour, ponder and reflect.
The trip started in Turkey where the Light Horse fought without their
horses in the defence of Gallipoli. Our youngest rider was eighteen
year old Dan English from Yungaburra Queensland, our oldest, Ian
Robertson from Greensborough Victoria, a fit octogenarian Korean War
veteran. Despite the age difference the intensity and significance of
our campaign welded us into a tightly knit group, where we genuinely
experienced something of that great Australian attribute, mateship. The
climax of our trip was a five day ride in full WW1 uniform and
equipment, following the same route the Australians took in their
famous trek through the desert on the way to Beersheba.
Gallipoli.
We spent 2 days in Istanbul soaking up Turkish culture and hospitality,
and soon began to appreciate the special bond between the Turks and
Australians. Gallipoli was a national political watershed for both
Nations. “Johnny Turk” was regarded as a fair and courageous fighter
and the feelings were obviously mutual.
A significant service by Padre Darryll Moran from Tuncurry, New South
Wales, was held at the Ari Burnu cemetery where so many Light Horsemen
are buried. It was an impressive sight, a parade of the Light Horse in
uniform with the imposing Sphinx in the background. On our second day
we visited the infamous site of the Nek, and were amazed at how small
the battlefield was. The words of C.W. Bean came to mind when he
referred to the “only dignity the 10th Light Horse could give their
fallen mates when it was their turn to charge, was not to tread on
their faces, their bodies lay so thickly on the ground.”
Israel and the Palestinian Campaign.
This important campaign is often overshadowed by Gallipoli and the
Western Front in our Anzac History.
In geo-political terms it was extremely significant, the breakthrough
at Beersheba enabled the Allies to push the Ottoman Turks right out of
Palestine. Many historians have made the analysis that the successful
charge at Beersheba was one of the key factors in the formation of the
modern State of Israel.
In many parts of this land it is as if time has stood still. We saw
shepherds with their flocks, and camel trains wending their way through
the desert, looking much like ships in the desert haze. We often had
the sense that we were seeing through our eyes many of the same sights
our forefathers would have seen.
A highlight was a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. We rose
spontaneously as the skipper ran up the Australian flag. Our hearty
rendition of the National Anthem followed by Waltzing Matilda rang out
across the water; it was a proud moment we will not forget.
The Desert Ride.
Our aim was to ride through the desert “as they did it, where they did
it, how they did it”. We were in full uniform including our slouch hats
with emu plumes. We rode in our WW1 saddles and carried our bayonets
together with Lee Enfield rifles supplied by the Israeli Defence Force.
In sweltering thirty five degree Celsius heat we rode through the
desert wadis. At night we slept on our ground sheets and had two army
blankets, it was a struggle to keep warm through the freezing nights.
At times the desert was hard packed sand, often quite stony, other
times deep drifting sand. It gave us a fresh appreciation of what work
the army farriers had to do to keep everyone on the move. In the middle
of the ride we stopped at Bir Asluj a famous resting place for Allied
soldiers of both world wars, the warm springs here are most refreshing.
We interacted with about three hundred school children at Bir Asluj and
together with their teachers conducted a treasure hunt in collaboration
with the local WW1 Historical Society. Every successful answer given on
Australia`s general history and their involvement in the region in WW1,
brought them closer to the cache of koala bears that were hidden. It
was a truly delightful morning of good will between Arab and Israeli
children, together with the Australian contingent.
Beersheba.
We rode through the streets of Beersheba to a tumultuous welcome as
thousands of Israelis young and old lined the streets behind the
barricades six or seven deep. We were worried that our horses might not
handle the shouting, clapping and flag waving, especially as their shod
feet were skating badly on the bitumen. Perhaps it was our
horsemanship, or it was by now that the horses trusted us, or perhaps
they were just too tired to react. Perhaps it was something else, but
were we amazed and somewhat relieved that we passed through the streets
without any drama.
The service at the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery was attended by
thousands, including Heads of State, and Military attaches from
Australia, Turkey and the United Kingdom to name a few. It was a solemn
and significant service, with an Australian Light Horse drill squad
forming part of the catafalque party.
Following the services at both the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery and
the Turkish Memorial, we rode out to our staging point at Beit Eschel
in readiness for a re-enactment of the charge.
We started at a walk, two sections of four abreast and then moved into
a trot, before cantering in formation up to the gathered crowd. Here we
received a medallion and certificate from the Mayor of Beer Sheva,
Yacob Terner and the Australian Ambassador James Larsen.
Barry Rodgers (from Toowoomba, Queensland) our tour leader, gave an
address, pointing out that “ninety years ago our forefathers rode out
from here into battle, but today we have not come at a ferocious charge
with bayonets drawn. Today we have ridden with bayonets and swords
sheathed and rifles slung, for us this time it is a ride for peace. It
is our longing and our prayers that this part of the world will find
peace.”
The Horses; the Often Forgotten Heroes.
We became very attached to our horses after just five days. It gave us
a little insight as to how attached the men would have been to these
faithful animals after years of service, and how hard it would be to
part with them. With the exception of General Bridges horse they were
not allowed back home.
We gained a fresh appreciation for that noble animal the Australian
Stockhorse, known overseas as the Waler. The horses we were given in
Israel, mainly Quarter Horses, and Appaloosa which was unfortunate as
far as authenticity goes.
Nevertheless they did a sterling job, and as already stated we became
quite attached to them, however after four days of desert riding they
were pretty knocked up. They would not have coped with those conditions
much longer. Those horses bred for the tough Australian environment
proved vastly superior to other breeds in the harsh desert environment.
The owner of the horses supplied to us was amazed that the old type
Australian Stockhorse, known affectionately by many as Walers, had to
endure weeks on end of those conditions. He is planning to come to
Australia in 2008 and is interested in getting some of these horses for
his purposes. It is pleasing to note that there are still many breeders
in Australia sticking to the old heritage bloodlines enabling this part
of our rich equestrian and Anzac history to be kept alive. It is worth
noting that a number of breeders in Israel, including the supplier of
our horses for the 90th Anniversary ride, have expressed interest in
obtaining some of these horses, having learnt something of their
exploits, but that’s another story.
The Australian Light Horse Association.
If you love horses and our Anzac heritage and would like to be part of
keeping this important part of our heritage alive, then visit our
website
www.lighthorse.org.au
Official Australian Light Horse Association trip to Israel to
celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba (13 Oct - 2nd
Nov 2007)
The purpose of the trip will be to commemorate the exploits and
remember the sacrifice of the Australian Light Horse who played such a
pivotal role in the Middle East Campaign; in particular the charge of
Beersheba.
It is hoped through media coverage and the documentary that is planned
to be made, the trip will give greater profile to the work of the
Anzacs in the Middle East. Most Australians are aware of Gallipoli and
the Western Front, but not so much is known about the Geopolitical
significance of the Palestinian Campaign. This trip will also give
Israelis a great appreciation for the huge “Gentile” sacrifice that was
made to procure their homeland.
We are planing a 3 day ride through the desert following the route the
Light Horse took to Beersheba prior to the charge. We have hired a
large number of horses that will be available for this ride, and we
will be camping in the desert with the horses in as authentic manner as
possible.
The Society for the Heritage of WW1 in Israel, together with noted
Australian historian and author, Kelvin Crombie, will provide in-depth
historical insights into the exploits of the Australian Light Horse in
Palestine.
The route is being researched by the Society for the Heritage of WW1 in
Israel. Permission for the ride has been obtained by the Nature and
Parks Authority in Israel. The project also has the support of the
Mayor of Beersheba, and the Australian Ambassador in Israel.
Camping in an Oasis 1917.
The desert experience will culminate with the Beersheba day
Commemorations. This includes a presentation by the Israeli WW1
Heritage Society, followed by a march with mounted Troopers through
Allenby`s Square to the Beersheba War Cemetery for the main service.
Then the party moves on to a service at the Turkish Memorial, before
attending the unofficial opening of the impressive Memorial Park ‘to
the Australian Soldier’. A re-enactment of the charge will take place
on the actual plain the charge took place on, later in the day on 31st
October. At this stage approximately 60 people are booked on the trip
with 48 riders.
For more information on this trip, please contact the trip organiser,
Barry Rodgers of Emu Gully Heritage Stockhorse Stud,
emugully@adventureed.com.au
