Horse Statue Gallops into High Street Home

Published on 28 September 2023

The bronze horse and foal statue generously donated by Dr Will and Margie Twycross has been installed in High Streets median strip, opposite Eisner’s lane.

Installation works were undertaken by Tectonic Civil and included the relocation of the rocks and town signage to the other side of the footpath to make way for the sculpture.

Mayor Cr James Tehan said the statue will prompt many stories about "the Horse" and that it was great to see it already becoming a meeting place where people stop and gather.

Dr Will and Margie Twycross conveyed the following message around the donation of the sculpture

“Since the High Street median upgrade in 2006 to enable better access and public spaces, Council and the outdoor staff have done a great job with continuous improvements. Where there were once powerlines and car parks, there is now underground power, grass, footpaths, and public open space.

Horses have been integral to our district's post settlement history, so we thought the dynamic image of a mare and foal would embody both that history and a sense of renewal. We would like to thank Council for their involvement in this further development for our median strip, and everyone for their very positive response. One hope is that it will resonate especially with children.

The statue honours the role of our district's horses in early agriculture, the timber industry, road building and transport, their tragic but heroic contribution to the Australian Light Horse and their essential part in the great traditions of the High Country Cattlemen and "The Man from Snowy River" films. The Mansfield Pony Club, MADEC, Campdrafting, our vibrant trail riding industry, recreational riders, and the ongoing use of horses in farming all demonstrate that "the horse" remains a central part of our district's High Country culture and identity.

On Anzac Day in Merrijig, on Australia Day, at the High Country Festival, at the Mansfield Agricultural and Pastoral Society Shows, at the Merrijig Rodeo, and at The Mansfield Races, horses give our ceremonies and community gatherings a uniquely local meaning. There is also the very special role of those who teach riding, and all the professionals that care for horses ..  vets, farriers, animal chiropractors, breakers and even the slightly mysterious "horse whisperers" who bring their special skills to our relationship with horses.  Horses also have a very special place in therapy, at MASS, and at other venues, due to the very special bond that neurodiverse children and adults can develop with horses.

Margie's mother was involved with many other local (mainly women) early on in the foundation of the Mansfield Pony Club, and the Cummins family in the district date back to Peter Cummins and Eliza Burns, who emigrated from Ireland in 1841 with three children at the height of the potato famine. Peter was a farrier, and worked at Doon and Wappan in the early 1840s, so for the Cummins family, this is a very special symbol.

We hope it will resonate in a similarly personal way for everyone who has their own personal and family stories to tell about "The Horse".”

Pictured L-R: Margie Twycross, Dr Will Twycross, Mayor Cr James Tehan, Deputy Mayor Cr Steve Rabie & Cr Mark Holcombe