Local Olympic Hero has a Birthday

Today is the Horse’s Birthday 1 August – and time to honour a great local Olympic Hero, Mirrabooka the Horse!

In December 1959 an equestrian team sailed to England on the Blue Funnel liner s.s. Jason with the intention of competing in events in England in the run up to the 1960 Olympics in Rome. They returned a year later in triumph with two gold and one silver medal one in the three day equestrian events.

Neale Lavis from Bodalla and his Monaro-born horse Mirrabooka were part of the team, and Neale also won the individual silver medal.

In 1957, Neale bought Mirrabooka for 100 pounds and a partnership between horse and rider was immediately formed.

He was so tractable and understanding. He had a great temperament. He was so careful and gentle and above all he would always try his heart out. I was offered 10,000 pounds for him after the Olympics but would never sell.

Neale Lavis about Mirrabooka

Eventually settling near Braidwood, Neale continued to breed racehorses and mentor young riders. Neale was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1989, one year before he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the equestrian sports as a competitor, coach, administrator and to the community.

Mirrabooka lived out his retirement with Neale at Braidwood. He was 26 years old when he died suddenly in 1979 after an attack of colic. His name lives on in the Mirrabooka Riding Club in Moruya, which hosts junior competitions and a summer school. When the track between Vulcan and Page Street in Moruya was upgraded and sealed, the Shire decided that it would be called Mirrabooka Avenue. In 2016 Mirrabooka was inducted into the Equestrian Australia Hall of Fame as an outstanding horse.

More information:

• The Horses’ Birthday – The Story of Mirrabooka
• Australian bush horses and riders – National Museum of Australia
• AOC Mourns Loss of Neale Lavis OAM
• Equestrian Australia – Mirrabooka