1. INTRODUCTION
The 5th Light Horse Regiment, Maleny Troop was formed in
January 1992 with seven members, consisting of four Active Members (riders) and three
support members.
The history of the Australian Lighthorse dates back to the 1850's with
the formation of the Clarence River Lancers in New South Wales. The horses or
'Walers" as they were coloquially known were sturdy animals, distinctly Austarlian in
character. They were highly regarded by troops from all nations to be tough, durable
horses with remarkable stamina and the ability to carry heavy loads for long distances
admist the most adverse conditions. Their courage and loyalty were recorded in many
battles and since become a colorful part of the nations early wartime history.
The Maleny Troop strives to keep alive the spirit of the
Lighthorse by collecting equipment and memorabilia from around the country. Some of the
equipment used by the troop is original while other pieces such as saddles and bridles are
being handcrafted by members of the troop.
Members are Honary Troopers and as such display no rank, although
troop movements are directed by an elected troop commander and troop sergeant.
Fundraising for the troops activities relies entirely on
membership and donations from the private and business sectors of our local community. The
troop receives no funding from the Defence Forces.
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2. AIMS and OBJECTIVES
a. To promote inspiration from, and pride in, the Australian Light
Horse, especially in relation to the great personal sacrifices made on the battlefield,
which enable us to enjoy the freedom we have today.
b. To obtain and preserve, for historical purposes, the uniforms,
weapons and equipment used by the Australian Light Horse
Regiments, particularly the Fifth Light Horse Regiment.
c. To foster an awareness in the community, with a particular
emphasis on school children, of the Australian Light Horse's achievements and traditions
in our country's history.
d. To encourage Light Horse activities, so that all members will
keep alive the Horsemanship and Skill at Arms of the Light Horse Regiments.
e. To preserve the memorabilia, photographs, records and documents
of those who served in Australian Light Horse units for future generations.
f. To train for, and participate in, competitions with other Light Horse
Troops, on traditional Inter-Troop contests and re-enactment rides.
g. To take part in Public Displays, Street Parades and other
ceremonial activities, as the Troop may from time to time, be called upon to provide, or
take part in, either individually, or with other organisations.
h. To maintain close links with units in the Australian Army Order
of Battle having a Light Horse lineage.
i. To do all such acts and things, including fund raising, as are
incidental or conducive to the attainment of the foregoing Aims and Objectives.
3. MEMBERSHIP
a. Membership of the troop is available to any Australian resident
b. Minimumm age is 16 years in line with the Light Horse Association
Ltd.
c. Applications for membership must be proposed and seconded by two
financial members and approved by the majority of members at the next General Meeting.
d. When an application for membership has been accepted, the
prescribed membership fee shall be paid within one calendar month.
e. Annual subscriptions, at rates which are determined by the
Annual General Meetings, are due on the Ist day of July every year and payable within
thirty days, or membership lapses.
f. The right to refuse or terminate membership of any person who
is considered to have acted in a manner prejudicial to the Aims and Objectives of the
Troop or Light Horse Traditions shall be determined by a secret ballot of members at a
General Meeting.
g. New members have a 90 day "cooling of" period after
they pay their troop membership and insurance. During this 90 day period they are able to
receive a full refund of funds paid if they decide they do not wish to continue membership
of the troop.
THERE ARE THREE CATEGORIES OF TROOP MEMBERSHIP
SUPPORTIVE TROOP MEMBER
a. This is for non-ridng members, who may be retired Light
Horsemen, wives, interested persons, Public figures or anyone having an interest in
the ideals of the Troop.
b. It is not compulsory for members in this category to be members
of the Light Horse Association Ltd.
ACTIVE TROOP (RIDER) MEMBER
a. All Active Riders must be paid-up members of the Light Horse
Association Ltd and carry Troop insurance when engaged in Troop activities. Without
the benefit of both these insurance covers, nobody is permitted to ride with the
troop - even at their own risk.
b. All Active Troop Members will at all times, abide by a code of
conduct, behaviour and training as determined by a majority of
those members as may be decided from time to time.
c. All Active Riders are required to obtain, and show evidence of
a current 'Shooters Licence'.
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
a. Any person may be offered honorary membership of the Troop at
the discretion of the majority of members at an Annual General
Meeting.
b. Honorary Membership is to be renewed annually.
4. MEETINGS
a. A monthly General Meeting will be held on the last Thursday of every
month at 1930 hrs at a suitable venue or as may be determined by a majority of members at
a General Meeting.
b. The Annual General Meeting will be held on the last Thursday of
June each year, followed by the usual General Meeting or as determined by the
majority of members at a General Meeting.
c. The Committee is elected at each Annual General Meeting and no
further business is discussed.
d. Only fully paid-up members will be eligible to attend meetings
and vote. Visitors, potential new members or others invited for some specific
purpose, may attend and observe proceedings.
e. An Annual Dinner will be held on an evening soon after the
Annual General Meeting at a date and venue to be decided by a majority at a General
Meeting.
5. PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND CONDUCT
Troop members will be expected to accept on a voluntary basis, a self imposed military
discipline and failure to comply could result in expulsion.
a. Personal appearance should be neat and tidy.
b. Hair and beards should be neat and trimmed.
c. No ear rings or sunglasses are to be worn on parades or
displays.
d. As we represent the memory of the Australian Light Horse, our
conduct is to be of the highest standard while in uniform.
e. Uniform is not to be worn on occasions other than officially
organised through or sanctioned by the Maleny Troop.
f. No member can, in any way, receive any financial reward for
work or effort pertaining to any activity of the troop, unless ratified by a majority at a
General Meeting.
6. DRESS
As far as possible, there will be a constant endeavour to have one standard of dress and
equipment portraying the 1937 to 1942 'Militia Period' and a minimum requirement will be
determined by the Troop Commander for Parade and Display purposes. The following is a
guide to a standard of dress:
RANK AND DECORATIONS
* As we are all Honorary Troopers, no rank or insignia will be worn unless they were
awarded during the Militia Period.
* Service decorations may be worn on ceremonial parades or official Light Horse Duties by
those entitled to do so under the Defence Act
7. EQUIPMENT
Because of its historical significance and the difficulty and expense in obtaining genuine
Light Horse equipment, every endeavour must be made to retain for the Troop and future
members the equipment so far obtained. Some equipment may be borrowed from the
Quartermaster from time to time at a cost to be determined periodically.
8. HORSES
All horses will be of a satisfactory remount type and troopers are expected to present
their mounts in good condition, without injury, ailments or other disorders which might
cause distress or discomfort.
a Minimum height of 14.5 hands.
b Presented shod and in good condition.
c Full colours are only accepted -Black, Brown, Bay, or Chestnut.
d No stallions or rigs will be considered or accepted as suitable
mounts.
e Horses should be presented to a manageable standard as set by
the Troop Commander.
9. TRAINING DAYS
The emphasis of the Troop's activity should be on regular training days to improve the
horsemanship and skills of the troop members.
The conduct of training days is the responsibility of the Troop Commander.
Training days are be held on the second Sunday of each month unless otherwise notifed by
the Troop Commander through the Section Leaders.
Punctuality is of the utmost importance.
Dress and equipment as previously described and as per Troop Commanders Training program.
The following is a general guide to the structure of Training Days:
0830 - 0845 Mounted, Inspection of Horses and
Saddlery
0845 - 0915 Parade Ground Drill
0915 - 1000 Troop Horse Education and
Discipline
1000 - 1030 Smoko
1030 - 1230 Troop Display Workout and Training
I230 - 1315 Lunch
1315 - 1500 Ground Skills, Weapon and Foot
Drill
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