Two men dressed as World War I soldiers, members of the Australian Light Horse Society, visited Gerogery Public School as part of a 750-kilometer commemorative ride through northern Victoria and southern New South Wales. The visit aimed to honor and raise awareness of the Australian Light Horse, renowned for their bravery during World War I. The school’s 14 students were thrilled by the visit, which added a new dimension to their learning experience.
The students at Gerogery Public School enjoyed a hands-on learning experience as they interacted with the Light Horse riders and fed the horses some carrots. The visit was particularly special for the rural school, as opportunities for such experiences are limited due to travel costs and other constraints. The riders, Pat Leary and Ross Smith, emphasized that the visit was about remembering the sacrifices made by soldiers 100 years ago, rather than glorifying war.
Pat Leary spent six weeks in the saddle, meeting with veterans and community groups in 33 towns along the Chauvel Border Light Horse Trail. The trail, which runs from Shepparton in northern Victoria through southern New South Wales, aims to raise awareness of the Light Horse and encourage people to visit landmarks related to their history. Despite the physical challenges of the journey, including saddle sores, Leary emphasized the importance of pacing oneself and maintaining the well-being of the horses throughout the ride.
