Honouring Reg Cleland OAM Sixty years of service to Australian equestrian sport

Reg Cleland has been recognised for an extraordinary lifetime of service to equestrian sport, receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours List.

This recognition acknowledges more than six decades of dedicated contribution across governance, officiating, course design, mentoring and volunteer service. It adds to an already distinguished list of honours, including the Australian Sports Medal awarded in 2000, and induction into the Victorian Showjumping, Equestrian Victoria and Equestrian Australia Halls of Fame.

Across generations and disciplines, Reg is widely regarded as an equestrian all rounder. His depth of knowledge, generosity with time and consistent willingness to step in wherever help was needed have shaped events, pathways and people throughout the sport. Over many years, he has given thousands of unpaid hours to equestrian sport.

Reg’s journey with horses began when his father brought home a pony from the pound that proved impossible to keep in a yard. Rather than give up, Reg and his best mate at the time, Murray Wheatley, decided to see what the pony could do over rails.

The pony, measuring 14.2hh and aptly named Doubtful, became the starting point of Reg’s lifelong involvement in Jumping. With Murray riding and Reg acting as strapper and truck driver, the pair began attending shows together. It was during this time that Reg naturally gravitated toward helping in the jumping ring, picking up poles and assisting wherever he was needed.

In 1960, Reg formally trained as a course designer and judge under Lester Lowerson and Colin Kelly. From there, his influence grew steadily. He went on to build courses and officiate at most of Australia’s major shows, judge across the country and in South Africa, and represent Australia overseas at events and conferences.

Reg spent 20 years as chairman of the Melbourne Showjumping Club and has also been a long serving volunteer steward with the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.

At a state level, Reg served on the Equestrian Victoria board for more than 20 years, including eight years as branch chairman, and is a Life Member. Nationally, he was a member of the Equestrian Australia Council and Board from 1993 to 2002 and served as National Showjumping Selector from 1988 to 1992.

During his time as Chairman and later Grounds Manager of the Werribee Park Equestrian Centre, Reg oversaw the creation of the two indoor arenas and the construction of the stable blocks that continue to serve riders today.  During the Equine Influenza outbreak, he continued to work at the centre without pay, ensuring it was maintained and ready for use when horses could return. 

His wife Fran has spoken openly about how deeply Werribee Park means to Reg, describing it as a place he loves without reservation. She has even shared that she intends to scatter his ashes there one day, a reflection of the bond he feels with the venue and the sport it supports.

Reg also gave generously to the development of young riders. He served for many years as Vice Chairman of the Pony Club Association of Victoria, delivered clinics and training days, and was instrumental in establishing the Equestrian Victoria Young Rider of the Year Awards.

Now retired, Reg continues to take a strong interest in equestrian sport from his home in Kilmore, which he shares with his wife Fran and their son Jeff.

Equestrian Australia congratulates Reg Cleland on receiving this honour and sincerely thanks him for his outstanding service and lifelong commitment to the sport. His contribution has left a lasting impact on Australian equestrian sport and on the many people who have benefited from his knowledge, leadership and dedication.