Riders from the Waikato Mounted Rifles and the War Horse Group who took part in the Anzac Day march in Hamilton on Tuesday.
Riders from the Waikato Mounted Rifles and the War Horse Group who took part in the Anzac Day march in Hamilton on Tuesday.
Twenty-five horses and four riders from the Waikato Mounted Rifles joined the Hamilton City Council's Civic Service Parade which left from Knox Street on Anzac Day.
The riders and their horses arrived at Claudelands Showgrounds to saddle up and prepare their horses for the march by grooming and plaiting upto ensure that they looked good.
After a short practice under the leadership of John King they formed pairs and clip clopped across Claudelands Bridge and down Victoria Street to join the parade which had gathered at Knox Street to commence their march to Memorial Park.
Mr King ensured the riders were in formation of lines of four riders with five marshalls walking alongside each row of the horses to ensure the public did not get too close.
The crowds were obviously impressed with the sight of the horses especially the children who waved in delight as they passed by.
Some of the riders wore their fathers', grandfathers' and great grandfathers' medals. It was a moment to remember them which was very emotional as one rider said.
She said her father was in World War II and it was a day she could wear his medals with pride.
The horses seemed to know that it was a special occasion and were very well behaved.
