Australian
Screen

Teacher’s notes

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Three sequences separated by intertitles are shown in this black-and-white silent clip from a documentary made in the 1920s about the Sydney Royal Agricultural Show. A small boy prepares his Shetland pony for display; we see him groom it, paint its hooves and saddle it before the final shot shows him mounted. An Arab stallion is led towards the camera and then its head appears in close-up. Clydesdale working horses are shown lined up for judging and then one is led before the judges.

Educational value points

• Equestrian events referred to in the different segments of this clip continue to occupy a central place in the Sydney Royal Agricultural Show, an annual event celebrating the achievement of rural industries. Horse judging featured from the earliest years of the show and equestrian events were introduced in 1882. Displays of riding, including show jumping, horse-and-carriage driving and rodeo events, are a popular part of the entertainment held in the central arena.

• The boy featured in the clip captures the attention of the viewer through his confidence and persistence in handling his pony, remarkable for a child so young. His understanding of how to prepare and handle the Shetland pony suggests that he has been raised in a ‘show-family’ that regularly competes in equestrian events.

• There is a charm associated with the sequence showing such a young boy performing energetic grooming techniques and displaying perseverance in saddling the pony, even though we do not see him succeed. His actions may be a little clumsy but his demeanour is determinedly serious as he works through the tasks expected in preparing a pony for competition.

• The Arab breed of horse, such as the one shown in the clip, contributed to the foundation of several Australian breeds and the improvement of racehorses. The breed’s display and judging at Royal Agricultural Shows was an equestrian highlight. Its head held high, the horse displays the distinctive characteristics of the Arab: the supple back, wedge-shaped head, arched neck and high tail carriage that are important marks of quality for judging.

• The judging of the draught horses featured in the clip continues a tradition maintained by all Royal Agricultural Shows: the celebration of the role of working horses in Australia’s history. The criteria for judging these horses have changed with their evolving role. At the time of filming, their work in heavy haulage meant that judges rewarded size and weight, broad chests and a steady temperament as well as the ability to move with ease.

This clip starts approximately 6 minutes into the documentary.

This is a silent clip. We see a young boy preparing a Shetland pony for an appearance at the agricultural show. He brushes its tail and mane, cleaning its hooves and fitting it with a saddle. The boy sits atop the pony as it taps its front hoof on the ground. A title card reads ‘An Arab Stallion.’ A white Arabian stallion and rider are paraded in the showground. A title card reads ‘A difficult task for the judge.’ Horses in competition are presented for the judges.