The legend of Australia’s famous light horsemen has been kept alive by Tennyson resident Stuart Thompson and his wife Joan, who honoured these soldiers by establishing the A Troop Richmond/Windsor 1st Light Horse Regiment nearly 30 years ago.

An often forgotten piece of Australian Army history, the light horse regiments served during the Second Boer War and World War I and are known among historians for making what is reputedly ‘the last successful cavalry charge in history’ at the Battle of Beersheba in 1917.

“I’ve always had an interest in the military and the light horse infantry, and a relative of mine rode in the 12th Light Horse Regiment at Beersheba,” Mr Thompson said.

“When the memory of the light horse seemed to be fading 30 years ago and no one was interested in the history, I decided I needed to help preserve the light horse in some way. So I started the A Troop.

“My aim throughout these years has been to preserve the pageantry and heritage of the skills of the Australian light horse.”

During its three decades, A Troop has experienced varied numbers in membership, from two riders to 16. It is now at eight, although Mr Thompson said he’d like to see more people become involved.

“It offers a great experience for people riding young horses, because they are exposed to so much,” he said.

“Apart from learning basic dressage, we teach the horses to carry weapons and work in a formation drill.

“We make sure it is a fun, educational session for both horses and riders.”

Mr Thompson said specialist saddlery is required for formal functions, such as A Troop’s recent parade duties during the APEC celebrations and for tasks such as carrying weapons, but the keen army enthusiast assures he has enough of a stock pile to lend such equipment.

“I’ve been collecting light horse equipment and pack saddles for 50 years,” he said.

“I’ve got a machine gun saddle pack, a saddle used for carrying wounded soldiers, and 12 original light horse saddles fully restored.

“I can outfit roughly that many horses with the correct gear.”

A Troop meets the first Saturday of every month at Mr Thompson’s Tennyson home from 9am.

For more information phone 4576 5624.