At the MCG’s Anzac Eve service, Coleman carries the torch on horseback into the stadium – a deeply moving moment. “It’s an indescribable feeling,” he says. “You can feel the respect from the crowd.” The troop arrives early to allow the horses to settle, often letting them mill around outside the MCG to take in the atmosphere. “The crowd loves them, and the kids always ask the best questions.”
Coleman’s wife, Lisa, is a lifelong equestrian involved in showing, dressage, and jumping. Together, they care for six horses, two of which Coleman rides in his role with the Light Horse. The horses are carefully chosen for their temperament. Belle, a reliable quarter horse, is ideal for ceremonial duties, while Ace, a large, calm-headed Standardbred, is better suited for the longer marches. To prepare them for noise and movement, Coleman trains the horses along truck-heavy highways near his home outside Warrnambool. “At Flemington, they’re usually fine – the smells are familiar. But we’ve had a few ex-racehorses that think it’s time to bolt!”
Authenticity is vital to the troop’s presence. Their uniforms, bridles, and saddles are either replicas or original pieces, much of which is personally funded by the riders themselves.
“We don’t carry the full 80 or 90 kilograms of wartime gear, but even just wearing the woollen undershirt, heavy jacket, and leather leggings, you can appreciate some of what they went through,” Coleman says.
For Coleman and his fellow riders, maintaining this legacy is a passionate commitment.
“Many of us are driven by a love of history, horses, or both,” he says. “It’s a small sacrifice to honour those who came before us.”
This commitment is entirely voluntary – each rider donates their time, covers transport costs, and cares for their own horses. Events like the recent six-week Chauvel Ride (an event that honours all who served under General Sir Harry Chauvel, leader of the famous 1917 Charge of Beersheba), where riders cover 750 kilometres through regional Victoria, rely on the generosity of local communities for accommodation.
The troop continues to welcome new members, and contrary to what many people think, you don’t need to have served. “There’s a misconception that we are all part of the army. Some people have been, but lots haven’t. We just have a strong interest in history,” says Coleman.
Through their presence at public commemorations and community events, the troop plays a vital role in keeping the stories of the Light Horse alive – honouring the past while inspiring a deeper understanding of our shared history for generations to come.
For more information, visit The Australian Light Horse Society
