It’s (not) a Furphy
The furphy was a lovely strong water tank designed by Joseph Furphy. It could be pulled by a single horse and became very popular.
The Camels Also Charged
When we remember the famous charge at the Battle of Beersheba on 31st October 1917 let’s not forget the camels, who also charged earlier in the day.
Waler Poem – Rupertswood
A poem written by a student at Salesian College Rupertswood for a competition to win a place on the podium to read the poem at their 2017 ANZAC Day Service.
Norman Richardson’s Amazing Mail Career
Mail coach owner and driver extraordinaire – Norman Richardson held mail contracts probably the longest of anyone in Australia – over 42 years – from age 20 until age 62, said to be the biggest mail contractor in South Australia for a good while.
Draught Horse Derby
Draught Horse Derby… started during WW1 – held as part of Heroes Day events, raising funds for the families of men killed in the war and the Red Cross.
Glen Innes Experimental Farm
In our horse days, the government ran many excellent experimental farms. These were also training schools for those going into any of the many branches of agriculture.
Trout on Horseback
As well as horses being used for stock work and wild ones being mustered and droved to various sales – sold both here and overseas – horses were widely used in the Snowies to transport sightseers, skiers, scientists, trout fishermen – and trout!
Wool Carting
They said “Australia rides on the sheep’s back” but they forgot everything depended on the horse, including moving wool to sell. The horse market was giant too.
Getting Out of Dodge
Waler meetings often became an adventure. Who’d a’thunk it. Many years ago, Jac and I went to a Society AGM followed by an SGM. It was to haunt us for some time but now we laugh about it.
Horse Sales in Queensland
For decades Toowoomba had one of the biggest horse sales in Australia. The big buyers for overseas as well as buyers for Australia attended. Draughts to ponies all sold well. Auctioneers themselves became very wealthy from the horse trade.