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Big, loud and proud. That’s Rodney O’Regan OAM.
Rapid fire words in a barrage of sentences reveal his earnest love of country, service and a passion for giving life to military history. There’s always humour, always something politically incorrect in a conversation – it would seem nothing could quiet this giant of a man – that is, until you hear him speak of horses. His smile softens, the tone of his voice changes, and his words, well, they simply slow to a gentle pace.
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Six horses now graze the paddocks at Rodney’s property in Hillville and it is the new arrival, Gallant, a bay gelding standing 16 hands high, that will feature in the next chapter of the 69-year-old’s colourful life story.
“I can’t believe I have Gallant, I can’t believe I’ve got him.” It is a repeated statement and reveals Rodney’s respect for a horse that is now retired from the NSW Mounted Police Unit.
Rodney recalls that years ago he put his name down on a list to care for a police troop horse on its retirement and he had forgotten the decision. He says life was busy, travel, events to promote the Australian Light Horse Association filled his calendar and tragically, the trauma of the sudden death of his horse, The General.
The General carried Rodney in numerous parades and in one terrible moment on Wallis Lake Bridge last August their pairing came to an end. The General suffered a brain aneurysm during a parade as they crossed the bridge en-route to Tuncurry.
He went over and hit two cars coming in the opposite direction. I got him off the bridge as quick as I could onto the grassed area and took him home. He died three hours later.
“We were lucky to get off the bridge and lucky he did not die on the bridge. I haven’t been back on a horse since, I just can’t bring myself to do it.”
Rodney chose to begin promoting the Australian Corps Cyclist Battalion, restored a bicycle used on the western battlefields in World War I and decided to change from “four hooves to two wheels”.
That is until he got the call about Gallant – he needed a home and in an instant everything changed.
“After the one I just lost, I can’t believe I got Gallant. Of all the horses to get, I got Gallant, I just can’t believe it!”
Rodney reveals Gallant to be the “one who led everything, everywhere” and describes him as “the best horse in his time.”
“He is an extra quiet horse, you name it, he’s done it and has served the community so well.”
Gallant’s service includes performing at two Edinburgh Military Tattoo events, being The Memorial Horse in Sydney Anzac Day Parades from 2010 to 2017, working at the Sydney Royal Easter Show as well as taking part in community events and general patrols.
Rodney also served for five years in the mounted police unit and so to be offered the responsibility of caring for Gallant so soon after the death of The General feels serendipitous.
Gallant is 18 years old and the list of ailments on his discharge sheet is long and requirements for his ongoing care reveals Rodney’s decision to care for him to be an act of generosity. Arthritis, navicular syndrome, numerous bouts of cellulitis as well as lameness in multiple limbs are some of the health challenges Gallant is enduring and Rodney is willing to provide him with the best veterinary care and management. Rodney has yet to ride Gallant, he is letting him settle into a paddock with “a girl called Lucy.”
“She is another thoroughbred and they’ve mated up really well. If we do a parade then he can go with Lucy, she is as quiet as him.”
Gallant’s delivery to Hillville came with a prayer from Reverend Helen Holliday – a blessing for his service with the Australian Light Horse Association – a ritual she also performed for The General.
Rodney predicts he will share many years with Gallant.
“Horses can live to 33. I have a mare who is almost 28 and she jumps around the paddock and carries on.”
Age has wearied them, yet they will now work together to ensure the community learns the history of Australian Light Horse regiments and continues to commemorate the sacrifice of the mounted soldiers and their horses who served and died to protect our freedom. Lest we forget.
Almighty God, creator and author of peace, we thank you today for all those who across the ages who have been examples of courage, all whose words and actions have given inspiration to subsequent generations. We give thanks for the war horses who faithfully served and of whom so many were sacrificed during the Great War. We ask for your blessing on Gallant, a retired troop horse with the NSW Mounted Police, who will now serve with the Light Horse Association. May he remain a symbol of courage, hope and strength, and may he and all who serve in the NSW Police and armed forces experience your firm support, gentle love and compassionate healing. Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness into light, now and forever. Gallant, I bless you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
- Gallant's Blessing Prayer by Reverend Helen Holliday