Waikato War Horse March Group

Noeline Jeffries has provided us with the details of the involvement the Waikato War Horse March Group with the Anzac Day celebrations and Paula Stuart took some amazing photos.

Jane Thompson

May 10, 2016

Leading the parade: Karl Johnstone Waikato Mounted Rifles leads the Riderless Horse at the front of the parade. Photo Paula Stuart — Leading the parade: Karl Johnstone Waikato Mounted Rifles and the Riderless Horse at the front of the parade (Image: Paula Stuart)

On Anzac Day this year, the Waikato War Horse March Group joined the Civic Service Parade down the main street of Hamilton. It’s the first time so many horses have been in the march. even though riders were limited to 25. Also present were the Waikato Mounted Rifles, headed by Karl Johnstone who led the symbolic ‘Riderless Horse’ in memory of fallen soldiers. The parade was organised by Tracey Wood, Hamilton City Council’s Events Manager.

Four wranglers walked with the horses, which took about one hour.

Delwyn Izod, Chris Davies, Rae Whitley, Vikki Madwick followed by Kate Small and John King. Photo Paula Stuart — Delwyn Izod, Chris Davies, Rae Whitley, Vikki Madwick followed by Kate Small and John King (Image: Paula Stuart)

The Waikato War Horse March riders all wore purple sashes with ‘War Horse’ written on them in white lettering, and with the dark jackets they looked spectacular.

We were all really impressed with the behaviour of the horses and there were lots of favourable comments from the crowds. The horses were also mentioned in the speeches at the Cenotaph.