A TOAST TO THE MEMORY OF FRANZ MAIRINGER.
“If you want to know how a Horse should be ridden, see how he moves by himself when
free.”
How he walks, trots, canters and how he jumps. Have a close look and see The Beauty, The
Rhythm and The Harmony of his movements. Then, sit down, close your eyes and try to burn
this picture of effortless Grace, Beauty and Harmony deep into your mind, your heart, NEVER
forget it...
BECAUSE THIS IS THE WAY YOU SHOULD RIDE YOUR HORSE.”
Mrs. Mairinger and Family, Horsemen & Women,
These are the words of one of the greatest HORSE MASTERS the World has ever known
FRANZ MAIRINGER.
Franz arrived in Australia in 1951. In 1955, he was appointed Trainer of the first Australian
Equestrian Olympic Team. In 1956 he takes them to Stockholm & has only months to prepare
his Team who have virtually no previous experience.
The European Trainers told him his cause was hopeless. He would be embarassed. Twenty
three teams started, seven finished, AUSTRALIA 4th! Just missing Bronze.
A stunning performance......perhaps never fully appreciated.
In 1959, Franz is appointed to take the Team to Rome for the 1960 Olympics.
Bill Roycroft said “We were only a bunch of rough Bushmen”.
Franz & his Bushmen sailed to Europe (the Horses on board). The Aussies thought they were
off on a relaxing sea voyage, Franz trained them & the Horses all the way to Europe.
The British Press had this to say: “The Australians are quite good Horsemen, but no match
for the sophistication of the European riders at this level.”
Badminton soon changed that;
Bill Roycroft
Laurie Morgan
Neale Lavis
John Kelly
Brian Crago
Our Solo
Salad Days
Mirrabooka
Adlai
Toscanella
1st
2nd
4th
8th
9th.
Cop that for openers sophisticated Europeans. “Perhaps these Colonial bushmen can really
ride.”
Then to Rome for the greatest upset in Olympic Equestrian history.
The Australians trained by a Genius display amazing skill, brilliant tactics & Olympian
courage & virtually streets the opposition to WIN
TWO GOLDS AND A SILVER.
Without doubt the most stunning victory in Olympic History. Franz and his Bushmen with
barely 12 months training grind the Cream of the World into the hot dust of Rome. All of
Europe, All the World was amazed.
The real scope of that achievement is absolutely BREATHTAKING, THE STUFF OF LEGENDS.
Today, 37 years on it STILL DESERVES APPLAUSE.
Jim Delamont is here tonight & could tell you many stories about it as he was an integral &
important part of the Team.
Franz Mairinger was a PHILOSOPHER who believed that Dressage imitated life & required the
same self discipline for success. His book “Horses are Made to be Horses” should be
compulsory reading for ALL Philosophy students.
Like all Philosophers he could simplify the complex & explain in just a few words.
“What’s the most important thing in riding a Horse?” he would ask his students at the
beginning of a School.
Much guessing went on and many technical answers came forth. “DO NOT FALL OFF” he
would say, “THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO STAY ON.”
Above all Franz LOVED & COMPLETELY UNDERSTOOD HORSES.
He once told his wife, Erna, “I’ve fallen in love with a beautiful Lady, but, she doesn’t like me
& won’t let me near her.” Eventually, the beautiful Lady succumbs to Franz’s charm. She
became a Champion. Her name was DESERT ROSE. She was previously unridable
Finally, let Franz tell you about the Horse.
“THE LORD HAD CREATED THE WORLD, THEN HE LOOKED DOWN ON A SUNDAY
MORNING AND SAW THAT SOMETHING WAS MISSING. SOMETHING THAT REPRESENTED
HIS PATIENCE,
HIS UNDERSTANDING,
HIS LOVE,
HIS EVERYTHING,
INDEED ALL THAT WAS GOOD
AND
HE CREATED THE HORSE.”
The last words in Franz’s book are;
“If you carry my thoughts to your pupils, it will mean that when I close my eyes one day I will
close them in the happy knowledge that I will live for a long time in the thoughts of my
pupils.”
How true the last words are. Franz Mairinger and his wonderful teaching and Philosophy will
live on in the thoughts of his pupils for as long as their lives last. I trust that all the good he
did will live even longer as you his pupils endeavour to pass it on to your pupils in turn.
He was a very wonderful man, may his memory & influence last as long as men and women
ride Horses.
TO THE MEMORY OF FRANZ MAIRINGER.
Tom Boyle,Bowral Dressage Club’s Mink & Manure Ball, 1. 2. 97.