Historical re-enactment units.

7th LIGHT HORSE CANBERRA TROOP.

 

Background to Canberra Troop
  There were a number of Light Horse Association Members in the Canberra and district who had been involved with Memorial Troops in the region over many years (Bungendore and Queanbeyan). Canberra being the national capital, with a population interested in heritage values it was decided to form such a troop. On the 7th July 1996 these Light Horse Assoc., members formed the Canberra troop.

  The charter for the troop is to fulfil such duties as mounted escort & ceremonial duties. Membership is open to riders and non riders, riders who wish to participate in ceremonial activities must be 16 years or older and meet riding and kit standards. All competent riders can participate in non ceremonial events. There are varied roles for non riders regardless of age including support roles at ceremonial events where dress standards are meet
Non ceremonial activities of the Light Horse include trekking, barrel racing, tent pegging and mounted troop training.

Objectives of the Association:
   Preserve the uniforms, weapons and equipment of the regiments of the Light Horseman.  Research, record and preserve the history of the regiments of the Light Horse, the traditions and customs.  Support existing museums and other interested institutions.  Make this information available to the public.  Support mounted Memorial Light Horse Troops formed for the purpose of portraying the Light Horse Units of the past.  Provide comradeship for the members of the association who find the esprit de corps of the Light Horse stimulating and rewarding.
The 7th Troop Light Horse.
   7th Troop beginning stems from the Australian Horse formed in 1897. This became the 1st Australian Horse 1899 then further name changes to 3rd Australian Light Horse 1902 then the 11th Australian Light Horse 1912 and finally the 7th Light Horse in the 1918 period. The area of recruitment covered for these troops extended from its main Head Quarters in Goulburn west to Wagga Wagga north to Mudgee and south to Bombala.

   In the ALH it was a pre-requisite to be a good rider and rifle shot. Whereas in all other mounted units the recruit was taught to ride and shoot by the army. This lead to the unequalled successes of th ALH. Covering long distances over unknown country, finding water and feed for their mounts was second nature to the bushmen from the back country. The ability to ride hard and fast over tough country enabled the light horseman to out perform the enemy time and again.

CONTACTS:
President. Charles Reddy - Ph. 02 62487247
Secretary. Peter Kercher - Ph. 02 62544885
(internet) peterkercher@cit.act.edu.au
Public Relations Officer; Warrick Armstrong Ph. 02 62424297
(internet) intech@ozemail.com.au