John Hutton, Arana Hills, QLD, August 2009
Q.M.I Historical Troop: Former Ceremonial Co-Coordinator (1988-1998)
This is a testimonial to my friend Jim Simons, a quiet achiever and possibly the best horseman I have ever known. I first met Jim in 1992 during a recruiting drive we were having for the Queensland Mounted Infantry Historical Troop, of which I was the Ceremonial Co-Coordinator. The other members of the executive and I rapidly became aware of Jim’s ability around horses and men. Horses that were a problem to load, did not hesitate to load when Jim took control of them. With a few pointers from Jim the owners were able to overcome this really annoying problem, many of whom who had tolerated it since purchasing the animal. Some events that we attended may have had up to sixteen riders and horses, so it was critical that we were able to show a high degree of competence when handling and under the saddle.
Occasionally we would have new members or those who had upgraded or changed their mount for any number of reasons. Quite often these new horses would not be as settled with the drills and routines of the troop, at first. It was usually Jim who would selflessly swap mounts for the drills and put the horses through the paces. We never ceased to be amazed that a fidgety, undisciplined horse, with an unconfident rider would rapidly turn into a controlled and disciplined mount with Jim in the saddle. Sometimes he may have found it necessary to spend some time to re-educate and correct bad habits on both horse and rider. The end result was always a better troop horse and a more confident and competent rider.
Riding in ceremonial parades was a very stressful activity for both horse and rider, therefore it was imperative for us to present to the regiment and the public audience, a display of horsemanship that would have been expected of Lighthorse regiments from the past. Jim played a vital role in achieving this standard for us, and troop became the benchmark for other troops on the East Coast. Jim and I were also responsible for classifying both horse and rider for suitability for ceremonial parades etc. Horses had to fall into a Remount category and riders would have to pass a designated riding test. This task which I did with Jim’s guidance, gave me a far better idea of horse quality, not only regarding confirmation, but also temperament and movement everyone in the troop accepted Jim’s advice without question because one could be certain without doubt that his vast knowledge of horses and horsemanship was beyond reproach.
In Australia there are countless thousands of horse riders, but very few are true horseman like Jim. I’m sure that any person seeking Jim’s services will achieve results for themselves and their horse, far in excess of what they thought could be achieved, if they take on board his comments and guidance.
Tamra Newman, Gumaracha, SA, July 2009
A true ‘horseman’ – there is no better word to describe Jim Simons. I first met the warm and friendly, quietly spoken Jim in 2007, as I was struggling to come to terms with my first horse a nervous thoroughbred.
Never intrusive, but always keeping a watchful eye, I would see Jim observe my less than perfect riding skills from a distance. Then, at the appropriate time, Jim would pass on valuable advice which made perfect sense! The results were immediate. I never (and still don’t) know how he was able to “fix” my issues, but he did. Jim’s calm manner, and the results that manner produces around me (the relatively inexperienced and not quite so calm rider), other horses and horse rider combinations, were, and continue to be absolutely amazing.
I have seen Jim “break-in” a young and feisty TB/WB colt, gaining its absolute trust and affection within the hour. Within the week the nervous colt was being ridden by Jim and progressing with remarkable ease. In no time at all, Jim was loading the colt on to a truck, with my own and other horses, and taking us to neighbouring properties to ride some pretty steep country for fitness work. I was in awe of his ability.
I have now outgrown my first horse, moving on to a new thoroughbred ‘eventer’ – a 6 year old and 16.3 raw ball of energy. Jim is teaching me ways to deal with his sheer size and ‘bossiness’ – and my confidence increases with every new strategy he shows me...because they just ‘work’. Thanks to Jim I no longer have to stand on a crate to put on my horse’s bridle! I have seen Jim work beautifully through so many “issues” with different people and horses of all ages, producing some quite remarkable outcomes- only possible because of his true knowledge and years of experience.
Horses just seem to ‘trust’ Jim- and so do I.
Sally Hawxwell, “Inverwood” Agistment Centre, Woodside, SA, August 2009
Ex Advanced 3 Day Eventer, FEI Dressage Competitor and world’s oldest beginner polocrosse player
I have known Jim Simons for over two years now and during that time Jim has helped me tremendously with my understanding of horses. I have been working with horses for many years and have done Advanced Eventing and FEI dressage, training young horses up through the grades. I am classically trained.
I took up polocrosse 2 years ago and although I am a bit old for such a feat, I am totally hooked on it. Two types of riding appear totally at opposite ends, but it is the work with Jim that has shown me that basic principles and good horsemanship is the same no matter what discipline you choose.
Methods may differ but in the end we all want, need and deserve a confident, obedient and trusting horse under us. Equally the horse is confident, happy, trusting rider on his back. It needs to be a partnership in the true sense of the word.
My work with Jim of course started with him helping me with my polocrosse horse, but as I professed I started to apply this information to my dressage riding and I found myself riding with a softer hand, happier horse and a mutual confidence in the work we were doing. I use my polocrosse horse for dressage, trail, cattle work and of course polocrosse and I love him. Jim’s quiet manner, his affinity with horses, his confidence in solving problems and explaining the problem and the solutions. The sheer horse history of the man makes him an invaluable source of information and I have never enjoyed my horses so much.
Dennis Smith, Ipswich, QLD, August 2009
A.L.H.A Director
I have known Jim Simons since 1973 when as a young family man he was cattle dealing, running a horse stud, breeding stock horses and Arabs well as developing a commercial cattle herd in the Peak Crossing area of the Fassifern Valley South East Queensland.
After 1976, I lost contact with him until 2000, when I became a member of the Australian Lighthorse Association and found myself in the same troop as Jim (QMIHT) Queensland Mounted Infantry Historical Troop which he was a President of. This troop worked very closely with the Australian army and was called upon many times to provide ceremonial escorts to Governor, The Queen, The Duke, Prince Charles, Government Dignitaries and senior high ranking military personal. The troop as well as performing ceremonial duties also completed and demonstrated military skills i.e. tent pegging, rescue race, dispatch race, dismount for action etc. Most people can hop on a horse and go for a ride and some are excellent riders. However, Lighthorse activities take horses and riders to a much higher level in that strict discipline, precision, timing and execution are required. Not just with horses and riders but as horses and riders. Pony Club and Dressage have adopted some of the disciplines. Because of the nature of the activities carried out by the Lighthorse particularly where large and very close crowds of people are, riders and horses need to be classed suitable and capable before being allowed to participate, to remove and minimise risk to the public, horse and rider.
Jim Simons and John Hutton, because of their knowledge and experience were the troop’s classifiers for many years. John Hutton’s opinion of Jim Simons is that ‘he is the best and most capable horseman that he has ever known’. Jim has a deep and wonderful understanding of horses who also seem to share an affinity with him with his no fuss, quiet and calm style he is able to transform both riders and horses into a more cohesive unit. Riders have told Jim that they or their horse can’t do that but with Jim’s calm persistence they find themselves and their horse are doing it and enjoying the experience. Time spent with Jim makes a real difference to both you and your horse’s outcome.
Jim is also on the national board of directors of the Australian LightHorse Association and is a senior judge of Lighthorse events. He is a very committed person and is dedicated to giving people and their horses the opportunity of his experience so that they may enjoy better outcomes in their experience together.
Daryl Welsh, August 2009, Morayfield, QLD
Jim and I have been associates and friends for over a period of 15 years. Within that time we have shared a common interest and love of horses as members of the Queensland Mounted Infantry Historical Troop and South Queensland Logistic Group. Over the years he has held positions as Chairman and Ceremonial Coordinator. In addition, Jim has been an active and invaluable trooper, contributing his skills and knowledge as the QMIHT Light Horse Instructor. He has also been a member of the Board of Directors for the Australian Light Horse Association.
His education of both military and civilian personnel in all aspects of horsemanship has contributed to the troop’s success in both military skills’ competitions and parades. These include Anzac Day parades, State Government dignitary escorts and the escort of HRH Prince Charles.
In closing, Jim’s experience in all aspects of horsemanship, has led him to be selected as a judge on numerous occasions at various light horse events, offering his fair and honest appraisals of all participants.
Kate O’Connell, Eden Valley, SA, July 2009
I have known Jim for about 2½ years where I met him at the world cup polocrosse. Last year he helped me with my highly strung thoroughbred that I was beginning at polocrosse. I was having trouble getting him to settle in chukkas. My horse and I spent most of the time leaping and plunging around at trainings. Jim spent a great deal of time riding my horse and insisting he stop the moment he misbehaved. He was extremely patient with both the horse and rider. My horse has settled down and is more responsive and obedient in exciting situations. Thanks Jim for all your help. You are an experienced horseman who achieves fantastic results in a calm, firm but gentle manner.
Jayne Hinton, Jimbommba, QLD, August 2009
Queensland Mounted Infantry Historical Troop Inc
I have known Jim Simons for nearly ten years. Our association started as being club members of Queensland Mounted Infantry Historical Troop.
After a couple of years Jim offered to assist some of our fellow members with their mounts. This is when I began to appreciate Jim not only as a rider but also as a tutor and horse trainer. Jim always made himself available for when one of us wanted to better ourselves and/or our horses. He always did this with kind consideration to horse and rider. He has also been known to take a completely green rider and have him riding so well after a short period of time that we allowed this person to participate in the Brisbane Anzac Day March. This is one of the hardest rides a person will ever do.
I have also seen Jim teach a young lady for her first Ag Show. You can well imagine this teenager’s delight when she won her class. Jim has an understanding of the horse and its needs and has always demonstrated this when dealing with horses and their owners. Although Jim no longer resides near me I still intend on picking his brain either by phone or email. If you are having problems, just starting or wanting to improve on what you already have I would not hesitate in recommending Jim Simons to you. You have nothing to lose but everything to gain by using his extensive knowledge.
Jenni Murphy, Darling Downs, QLD, August 2009
Equine Sporting Interests, Light Horse and Carriage
Driving CDE
Jim’s calm manner puts both rider and horse at ease, he has a knack of pin pointing the fundamental issues of basic balance, and position of both horse and rider.
I found by working through the basics with him Iris and I were achieving much more, with a balanced seat I was no longer trying to tell her what to do but allowing her to work naturally. (eg; changing leads) . Once the basics were back in place we were able to achieve a softness and perhaps a willingness to listen to each other,( may be she wasn’t the problem, it could have been the clot in the saddle.) Jims to much of a gentleman to have said that.
Phil Hood, Brisbane, QLD, August 2009
I started riding late, at the age of 40, and was taught dressage and basic horse skills for 8 years. Four years ago I joined the Qld Mounted Infantry Historical Troop (QMIHT) and was introduced to Jim Simons. Jim was the troop's equitation instructor and mentor. I was impressed how he could recognise the ability, and the limits of the riders, and their horses. More importantly, he could assess the combination of both rider and horse. He gave instruction on how each could improve, and improve together.
Over the last few years I have attended various light horse events where Jim has been both judge and instructor, and have benefited from his advice.
I have the upmost respect for his horsemanship and his ability to instruct both experienced and novice riders.