Vale Graham 'Kanga' Parham

Equestrian Australia is saddened to hear of the passing of equestrian stalwart Graham ‘Kanga’ Parham.

Graham was a lifelong servant of the sport and his contribution to the equestrian community is unrivalled. In 2013 he was honoured for his services to equestrian sport receiving an Order of the Medal of Australia.

Best known as the founder of the Gawler Three Day Event (which moved to Adelaide in 1997 and is now known as the Australian International Three Day Event), Graham’s desire to bring high level eventing to South Australia inspired a new generation of eventers, particularly when Gawler secured the right to host the 1986 World Eventing Championships.

“It was his idea, his conviction and his ability to gather like-minded people around him that successfully brought this elite level of eventing to South Australia,” said author Maggie Dawkins.

The Gawler Three Day Event is the focus of the book Horse on Course, which was written by Dawkins after “persistent requests” from Graham.

“Graham (was) a self-effacing gentleman who has not been known to blow his own trumpet. He (went) about his business in a quiet methodical way.

“When asked what he considered to be his greatest achievement, Graham said he is most proud of his appointment as one of the Chief Technical Officers for all equestrian disciplines at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.”

Graham dedicated his life to providing opportunities for emerging riders to reach their potential, also establishing what is now known as the Naracoorte Horse Trials (where the 1 star class is named in Graham's honour) and establishing the first Trans Tasman Young Rider team’s competition.

He was also an accomplished rider and was considered for selection to Australia’s trailblazing eventing team that competed at the 1956 Olympic Games.

In later life he served the sport as a high ranking FEI official as an FEI Course Designer, FEI Technical Delegate and FEI Chief Steward. He played a key role in bringing FEI World Cup Show Jumping to the Gawler Show which continues to attract Australia’s leading riders and was held in 2015 the day before Graham’s passing.

Graham was 86 years of age.