By Anita Prowse
The amazing Yarra Valley has a very rich equine history, be it the amazing heavy horses that built our roads, dams and infrastructure, the timber cartage and the more day-to-day aspect of colonial transport. Some of these Gentle Giants were on show at the Upper Yarra Museum on the weekend and hopefully, some of the younger generations got to marvel at them working with man and machinery.
Another aspect of our history is the rarely seen side saddle for women on horseback. This was considered a more “lady-like” fashion and is a skill that we all need to preserve, respect and enjoy.
Thankfully, there are emerging a few fantastic opportunities to teach our younger generations this historic way of riding and continue to grow it back into our more mainstream equine activities.
Same-side equestrian and others are fantastic for Pony Club/HRCAV rallies, with informative presentations on the gear used and the teaching of this most elegant of equestrian riding forms, we need to keep all our amazing history alive and available to all.
Private lessons are also available to those wishing to perfect the craft. Would be fantastic to see some younger riders out there giving this a go and enjoying our abundant history.
