Fraser Island/ K’Gari Horses
From the early 1860’s there was a big timber industry on K’Gari, requiring many work horses. Cattle were also run there, 140 taken there in 1901 due to mainland drought (and many sheep too).
Bill the Bastard
Most of us know the story of this gutsy horse, a chestnut stallion, but here’s a bit for those who don’t…
Todmorden Station
Owned by one of the great Waler breeders, J.A. Breaden, Todmorden Station (known in earlier times as Mount Todmorden) is north-east of Oodnadatta and not far from the N.T. Border in South Australia.
Watering Horses
Watering was usually the task of engineers and transport corps. Sourcing water relied on maps, geography, season and local knowledge; often a job for officers and intelligence.
Shipping Horses from the Port of Newcastle
Newcastle port was a key shipping port for horses to India, assisted by the infrastructure needed for coal, and the need for ships to take on coal for power.
Charles (Hellbent) Kenyon
Found some more details and photos to fill out the story of the amazing Charles Kenyon, initiated by Greg Reeves sending us three tremendous family photos.
St Patrick’s Day Parades
Happy St Patrick’s Day! Once we held big public parades for this special day. It all started on March the 17th, 1601…
May Day Parades
May Day parades on 1st May were huge in Australia once, now known as Labour Day the event was to celebrate gaining the 8-hour day. Many decorated horse floats in the parades.
School Ponies
School ponies was once a class at agricultural shows, and also a prime mode of transport to and from school.
Ned Kelly’s horses
Ned Kelly had a grey mare named Music when he was taken in June 1880. When he was under fire at his last stand at Glenrowan, the grey mare followed him about among the trees.