8th Indi Light Horse Troop visits Benalla Spring Show

Troop member Shane Walch said it was a privilege to meet the community.

“We had a quiet period for 30 years, then we re-raised the troop,” he said.

“A lot of the members here were in the 813th Victoria Mounted Rifles.

“We’ve been telling people how our regiment was formed, about some of the VC recipients and the parades we do.”

Mr Walch said the displays the troop brought to the Benalla Spring Show told the history of horses used in times of war.

“We have info on Sandy the War Horse,” he said.

“She was the only Australian horse to return from World War I, in 1918.

“We have photos of the Royal Parade, where we escorted Prince Charles and Lady Diana.”

Mr Walch said the displays told the story of the troop’s history, including both world wars and the Boer War.

“We are doing our best to keep our history, our light horse history, alive at shows like this.

“We get a lot of people whose grandfathers have served in the light horse.

“We show them the colour charts, they see the badge that looks familiar.

“That’s who we served with.”

Mr Walch said the troop’s ability to put on displays like the one at the Benalla show was down to generous donations.

“We get a lot of stuff given to us,” he said.

“We repair it, and we use it for displays.”

Troop member Ewan McLean demonstrated one of the techniques used by light horse brigades during times of war, for attendees.

Instructing his horse to lie down, he then sheltered behind it and aimed his rifle over the horse’s shoulder.

Mr Walch said the interest of communities, particular children, gave members the inspiration to keep sharing their history.

“We want to keep it out there for the public,” he said.

“A lot of people have been happy to come in and have a look at the display.

“That makes it all worthwhile.”