Bits And Pieces Of Equine History
Newcastle Herald
Wednesday February 20, 2008
SCONE wants to acknowledge the animal that has had such a profound effect on the region and given the Upper Hunter town the reputation as being the horse capital of Australia.
A horse heritage centre is planned in honour of all horses and their contribution to the social and economic life of the region.There's no reason why it can't be established very soon, horse historian Judy White of Belltrees via Gundy says."There is a tremendous amount of material waiting to be housed," Dr White said.Dr White has a large number of items she would like contribute, including a collection of bits.Bits are a piece of equipment crucial in controlling a horse and fitted to its mouth. She has 300 of them.Another treasure in private hands is a set of colours given to Dr White's son-in-law, trainer Greg Bennett, who broke in three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva. The jockey's silks were given in thanks by the champion's owners.Veteran bloodstock writer Brian Russell of Muswellbrook, who has been writing about the industry for 45 years, likes the idea too.He remembers a W. J. "Knockout" Smith who sold Upper Hunter horses to Hollywood stars."There is so much history that has been lost because no-one has put it down," Mr Russell said.Dr White and a committee working to establish the heritage centre plan an exhibition of horse memorabilia during Scone Horse Week in May.
© 2008 Newcastle Herald
