Light horse march on

The Anzac spirit was in the air in Karnup and Secret Harbour on April 25 when two members of the Australian 10th Light Horse Rockingham Troop rode their horses through the streets to pay tribute to Australia’s service men and women.

The not-for-profit group aims to educate the public about the Australian Light Horsemen and the Australian Defence Force.

Disappointed about the cancellation of Anzac Day ceremonies and events because of COVID-19 trooper Krystal Jose said the group was determined to still pay its respects on the day without breaking any restrictions.

“It just simply didn’t sit right to not do our bit on such an important day,” she said.

“We decided that the best way was to complete the Anzac Diveway Dawn Service and then have two troopers on two horses ride through the streets of Karnup and Secret Harbour.”

Ms Jose said she was happy to be able to honour Australia’s military history by riding through the streets on Anzac Day.

“The public were very happy and proud to see us still out showing the uniform and paying our respects and were brilliant with respecting the current rules of social distancing with staying to the front of the horses for pats and only members of the same house- hold at a time or a simple friendly wave,” she said

But Ms Jose said the troop had also faced many challenges amid COVID-19 — the biggest being the loss of donations from troop jobs, which help care for the horses as well as the purchase and maintenance of uniforms, equipment and military horse tack.

“Another big challenge is keeping our training up to date,” she said

“We are currently seeking horse sponsors where any individual can donate to a specific troop horse’s care.”

To sponsor a troop horse or to volunteer as a mounted trooper or ground staff, email rockinghamtroop@gmail.com.