A new documentary made in this region tells the great story of the horses that form Australian culture and identity, drawing on Forbes locals' experience.
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From horses in agriculture to our very own Melbourne Cup connection, documentary maker Ross Harmer says the film explores it all.
Horses have long formed a part of Australian culture and identity, from the heavy horses, the stock horses right through to the thoroughbreds involved in many sporting and competitive events, he says.
Now Mr Harmer and West Wyalong Movies have released a documentary focusing on the role horses have played in Australian history, their impact on and interaction with Australians.
The feature-length documentary, Aussies in the Saddle (cover picture inset), sits at just under three hours long and looks at all things Australian and horses, including rodeo, Mr Harmer says.
Mr Harmer said the documentary explored a lot of historical connections to Forbes and local families, including locally-owned horse Sarcherie which placed second twice and third in the Melbourne Cup in the 1930s.
Highlights of the documentary include archival footage taken from around the area which includes several local families who were involved with various horse industries and events.
Mr Harmer said they had several interviews with people that could reveal insights to the various industries that relied on horses.
Among the people interviewed were Angus Bray about the Bray family stud and team, well known race caller Col Hodges and Mark Barton, who talks about the development of the Australian stock horse as a breed.
Aussies in the Saddle also explores various horse related sports and their history in the central west, including the sport of polo, with a look at the polo complex at Jemalong station.
The documentary also looks at the first international polo game between Australia and England, which was hosted at Bogan Gate.
Mr Harmer said his interest in making documentaries began when he was the chairman of the West Wyalong Show Society and put together a documentary celebrating the centenary of the show.
Since creating that first documentary Mr Harmer has put together 25 individual titles.
Aussies in the Saddle can be found at News on Rankin.
