Richard Blackman has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his many years of service to the community of Coonabarabran.

Now retired to Mudgee from his cattle property east of town, eighty-six-year-old Mr Blackman has long been a driving force in the equestrian community.

“Years ago we all used horses for our work and it was a natural thing to do either one day eventing, play polo cross or do camp drafting for your recreation,” he said.

“Nowadays horses aren’t used that often on properties as bikes are more effective, but it is not as nice a way of working with cattle. It has become more of a sport, but a great sport to be involved in.”

Amongst other things he fostered generations of new riders through the Pony Club where he served on the committee for 43 years, encouraged the sport of eventing through his ongoing involvement with the North West Equestrian Expo (the largest high school equestrian event in Australia) since 1992, and served for 36 years on the committee of Coonabarabran Show.

He says he has enjoyed being part of it all and got a lot of satisfaction from helping others, particularly the next crop of riders.

“You feel you have really achieved something if you can turn a rather scared little kid into a confident rider,” he said.

Mr Blackman is keen to acknowledge the IT and other support provided by his wife Shaen, and the work of other committee members over the years.

“You don’t get things done on your own – you need a good active committee around you to get things done with a minimum of fuss. That’s the main reason I managed to stay there involved for so long,” he said.

“We’ve stepped back to let the younger ones run it, but we are always happy to help if we are asked to give some advice.”

He encourages others to get involved in helping their community by doing their bit to help in any way they can.

“For me it has been a good journey,” he said.

In announcing the awards on Australia Day, the Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC said, “The qualities and accomplishments of this year’s honourees reflect Australia’s values for service, community, kindness, curiosity, tenacity and care.”