WA Troops display skill and teach military history at Australian Light Horse Have A Go Day at Wagin Woolorama

West Australian light horse riders showcased their skills and offered a unique training experience for the first Australia Light Horse Have A Go Day at the Wagin Woolorama this month On March 7 and 8, the inaugural event attracted 23 Light Horse Troop volunteers from Albany, Bunbury, Geraldton and across the Wheatbelt who exhibited their equestrian expertise and showed riders their training drills and the historical significance behind each one. The Australian Light Horse was a skilled formation of mounted infantry of the Australian Imperial Force, primarily used to transport World War I soldiers to and from the battleground. Supported by a $5000 grant from the Racing WA Community Fund, the troops practised formation riding, musical drills and skill-at-arms training on former racehorses, retired thoroughbreds and standardbreds. The drills emulated the light horse role in the military, such as picking up a dummy in place of wounded soldiers, target practice with balloons, cavalry, and following commands from a troop leader. Light horse Remount Rocky was awarded a Racing WA Remount Rug in recognition of his contribution to the event. Organiser Carmen Bairstow said she hoped the event would become an annual tradition, serving as a key preparation opportunity for Light Horse Troopers ahead of Anzac Day commemorations. “The presence of the Light Horse at the Woolorama is always a highlight for attendees, with many stopping to share stories about their own connections to horses or military history,” Ms Bairstow said. “It’s an incredibly moving experience, and we’re grateful to Racing WA for the grant, which allowed us to cover the cost for troopers and participants, as well as purchasing the rosettes and rugs to recognise our volunteers and remounts.” Racing and Wagering Western Australia chief executive Ian Edwards praised the event for its role in preserving history and bringing the community together. “The Australian Light Horse Have A Go Day is a fantastic initiative that brings together passionate volunteers and community members while honouring the legacy of the Light Horse,” Mr Edwards said. “The Racing WA Community Fund was established to support initiatives that make a meaningful difference in our regions, and this event is a great example of that.”