Topic: AIF - Lighthorse
The Light Horse Riding Test
Argus, 27 January 1915
Argus, 27 January 1915, p. 9.
During the Great War, in Australia, one of the key determinants allowing a person to become a light horseman was the Riding Test. The following article, published in the Melbourne Argus, 27 January 1915, p. 9 details the exact requirements involved in the riding test. Passing this test allowed a person to gain entrance into the Light Horse. Failure meant being allotted to a non riding formation, usually the infantry.
BROADMEADOWS CAMP.
RIDING TESTS.
During the past two days extensive riding tests have taken place at the recruits' depot for those men who wish to be drafted into the Light Horse. Horses are taken over from the brigade, 400 at a time. The would-be troopers are-put through their trials individually and collectively. The test consists of, amongst other things, saddling and bridling a horse, riding at a walk, a trot, and a gallop, and exercising over jump about 3ft. high. There is keen competition shown among the men to get into the Light Horse and the eliminating test is necessarily strictly carried out. The recruits are still coming in a steady flow, and another large batch went under canvas yesterday.
Further Reading:
Citation: The Riding Test, Argus 27 January 1915
Posted by Project Leader
at 12:01 AM EAST
Updated: Sunday, 21 June 2009 2:30 PM EADT
