27th Light Horse Regiment - Townsville Troop

14/12/2025

🇦🇺 Community Message – Urgent Need for Blood Donations 🇦🇺

The 27th Light Horse Regiment, Incorporated extends its deepest sympathies to the victims, families, and all those affected by the tragic events that occurred in Bondi.

In response to this devastating incident, Red Cross Lifeblood Australia has advised that blood supplies are urgently needed. Blood banks are currently low across Australia, and additional donations are critical to support those injured and receiving medical care.

If you are eligible and able to donate, we strongly encourage you to attend your nearest Red Cross Lifeblood centre. Donating blood is a simple yet vital act that can help save lives and support our community in a time of great need.

Australians have always answered the call in times of hardship. This is one such moment.

Please consider donating and sharing this message to assist where it matters most.
Lest We Forget. 🌺

Our thoughts are with the injured, their families and those who have lost loved ones because of this tragedy.
On Sunday evening Lifeblood issued several life-threatening orders for O negative blood, in the wake of the incident at Bondi Beach.
Please make an appointment for the coming days and weeks if you can https://app.lifeblood.com.au/XW3k/d9wncrn5

01/12/2025

Beach rides: 10/10.
Cleaning the float: 0/10.
Would not recommend. 😅💩

The horses had the time of their lives — my nose… not so much.
Riding: majestic. Clean-up: tragic.
All in a day’s work with the 27th Light Horse Regiment. 🐎✨

14/11/2025

🎖️ 27th Light Horse Regiment – Proud Moment Shared 🇦🇺🐎

We’re honoured to share this post from our mates at the 3rd Brigade - Australian Army.

The 27th Light Horse Regiment is incredibly proud to have taken part in both the 55th Birthday Parade and Beersheba Day Parade alongside the 2nd Cavalry Regiment - Australian Army.

These events stand as significant moments in our Regiment’s history and in the story of the Corps. Marching beside such a distinguished armoured regiment was a privilege, and a testament to the enduring spirit, professionalism, and camaraderie within our mounted heritage.

Thank you to everyone involved for making these parades unforgettable.

Lest We Forget.

01/11/2025

A huge thank you to everyone who attended the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Australian Army’s 55th Birthday Parade today! 🎉

It was an honour for members of the 27th Light Horse Regiment Incorporated to help es**rt the Guidon onto the parade ground — a proud moment for all involved. 🇦🇺🐎

Our members had an incredible time celebrating alongside such a distinguished regiment, and we look forward to working together again in future parades and events.

31/10/2025

The Charge at Beersheba — 31 October 1917 🇦🇺

The 27th Light Horse Regiment played a vital role in one of the most daring cavalry actions in Australian military history: the Charge at Beersheba.

As part of the Australian Mounted Division, the 27th helped secure the town and its vital wells, enabling the Allied forces to advance across the Sinai and Palestine campaign. Riding across open desert under heavy fire, these brave men relied on discipline, horsemanship, and mateship to overcome entrenched Turkish defenders.

This action was not only a tactical victory, but also one of the last great cavalry charges in history, cementing the Light Horse’s legendary reputation. The courage and skill displayed by the 27th Light Horse and their comrades remain a defining example of the ANZAC spirit.

🌺 We honour their service, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of the Light Horse.

30/10/2025

🎖️ Day Two of Rehearsals — 55th Anniversary Parade of 2nd Cavalry Regiment 🎖️

Another fantastic day out on the parade ground as rehearsals continue for the 55th Anniversary of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment this weekend. The teamwork, professionalism, and esprit de corps on display have been nothing short of outstanding!

As we look forward to the big day, we also pause to remember Beresheba Day tomorrow, 31st October — honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who came before us. Lest We Forget. 🌹

We can’t wait to see all past and present veterans of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment joining us for this special occasion — a proud moment of reflection, camaraderie, and tradition.

29/10/2025

Equipment Education — Then & Now 🪖🐎

Take a closer look at the gear that made the Australian Light Horse a legendary force.

Saddles:

Historical Light Horse saddles were designed for long desert marches and combat, with a simple design to allow quick mounting and dismounting during charges.

Modern saddles are often more padded and ergonomic, focusing on rider comfort and horse performance rather than battlefield utility.

Bridles and Reins:

Original Light Horse bridles were durable and minimalistic — designed to withstand harsh conditions while giving soldiers control at speed.

Today’s bridles often include adjustable bits and softer materials, prioritizing horse comfort and precision for training or sport.

Uniforms & Equipment:

Soldiers wore practical, rugged uniforms with pouches for essentials, slouch hats for identity and sun protection, and belts to carry rifles and bayonets.

Modern equestrian attire focuses on safety, mobility, and comfort, but the principles of durability and functionality remain unchanged.

Understanding historical equipment helps us appreciate the skill and resilience of both horse and rider. Every piece of tack tells a story — from the dusty deserts of WWI to today’s parade grounds and training arenas.

💡 Fun fact: The upturned side of the slouch hat allowed soldiers to rest their rifles on their shoulder without disturbing their gear — a clever bit of practical design!

Which piece of Light Horse equipment fascinates you the most? Share your thoughts below! 👇

28/10/2025

🐴 Desensitisation Training for Riders and Horses at 2nd Cavalry Regiment

This week, our riders and horses are undertaking desensitisation training alongside the vehicles of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Australian Army, in preparation for parade rehearsals and the Regiment’s 55th Anniversary celebrations this weekend.

Desensitisation is a vital part of mounted training, ensuring both horse and rider build confidence and trust when exposed to unfamiliar sights, sounds, and movement — especially around military vehicles. Horses are gradually introduced to the sounds of engines, movement of armoured vehicles, and busy parade environments, allowing them to remain calm, focused, and responsive under pressure.

For the riders, this training reinforces their communication, patience, and control, helping to strengthen the bond between horse and handler. Working alongside the 2nd Cavalry Regiment not only prepares the teams for parade day but also highlights the cooperation between traditional mounted disciplines and modern military operations.

This weekend’s parade will commemorate 55 years since the raising of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, celebrating the Regiment’s proud history and service. We’re honoured to be part of such a meaningful milestone and look forward to standing alongside the Regiment during this special occasion.

28/10/2025

🐎 Horse Care Tip of the Week

Whether in the field a century ago or on the parade ground today, healthy horses are happy horses!

This week’s tip: Always check your horse’s hooves daily.

Remove stones, dirt, and debris to prevent soreness or injury.

Look for cracks, bruises, or signs of thrush.

In historical campaigns, Light Horse soldiers relied on careful hoof care to keep their mounts strong for long marches and charges — often carrying out these checks multiple times a day in harsh desert conditions.

A few minutes of daily hoof care can save your horse from discomfort and keep them performing at their best — just like the heroes of the past!

💡 Pro tip: Pair with brushing and checking the legs to catch any cuts or swelling early.

Do you check your horse’s hooves daily? Let us know your routine in the comments! 👇

04/10/2025

📜 On This Day – 4 October 1918

Captain Blair Wark, 32nd Battalion, displayed extraordinary leadership and bravery during the attack on the Hindenburg Line, the battalion’s final action of the war.

Constantly moving ahead of his men, Wark was responsible for capturing field artillery, silencing enemy machine guns, and securing large numbers of prisoners. His actions inspired those around him and earned him the Victoria Cross.

After the war, Wark became a respected businessman and community leader in Sydney. He later commanded a militia battalion in WWII before his sudden passing in 1941, aged just 47.

🌿 We remember his courage and service.

03/10/2025

🐴💛 The Man Who Carried the Wounded: John Simpson Kirkpatrick

Born in Britain but calling Australia home, John Simpson Kirkpatrick enlisted in August 1914 and served with the 3rd Field Ambulance, Australian Army Medical Corps at Gallipoli.

Simpson became legendary for using donkeys to carry wounded soldiers from the frontlines in Monash Valley to safety on Anzac Cove—working day and night under deadly snipers and furious shrapnel fire. His bravery saved countless lives, earning praise in the war diaries of the 3rd Field Ambulance.

Tragically, Simpson was killed in action on 19 May 1915, while carrying two wounded men. He was posthumously Mentioned in Despatches, and his first donkey—known as Abdul, Murphy, or Duffy—remains a symbol of his extraordinary courage and compassion.

💬 Simpson reminds us that heroism isn’t just about the charge—it’s about service, sacrifice, and protecting those who can’t protect themselves.

02/10/2025

🐎 Unsung Heroes of the Light Horse: The Australian Army Veterinary Corps (AAVC)

When we think of the Australian Light Horse in WWI, we often picture the riders charging across deserts—but behind every successful mission were horses kept strong, healthy, and battle-ready.

The AAVC, formed in 1909, was responsible for the veterinary care of every horse and the training of farriers in shoeing, horse care, and first aid. During the First World War, 120 officers served overseas with the Australian Imperial Force, ensuring that the Light Horse could fight, survive, and thrive in harsh conditions.

Without the skill, knowledge, and dedication of these veterinary officers, countless horses—and their riders—would not have survived the harsh realities of war. They were critical to the Light Horse’s endurance and success.

💬 Next time you read about a daring Light Horse charge, remember: behind every rider was a team making sure their horse could carry them through.