Ernie Walker OAM had the opportunity to meet a horse who was not only re-named in his honour, but holds a special place in his extended family's heart.
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Previously named Louis, the horse was renamed Tobruk, to commemorate Ernie's efforts in Libya, during World War Two.
Tobruk made his way to Penrose with the Mounted Unit Police to greet the centenarian, his family and friends.
While it was the first time Ernie met the brown stallion, it was a reunion for his great-granddaughter Aislinn D'Arcy.
Aislinn competed and trained with him during high school, and needed another horse who could focus on different tricks.
So she, and her mother Rachel D'Arcy, got in touch with someone and requested that he join the Mounted Unit Police as a working animal.
They asked that if he qualified to work with the force, that he would be named Tobruk.
It is extra special because Mr Walker OAM trained horses in the Olympic disciplines of dressage, cross country and showjumping and sold them.
"It was a pleasant way to make a living," Ernie said.
"I thought 'Ernie has had a lifetime with horses' and asked... and they said yes," said his granddaughter Rachel.
"It was really good to see him," Aislinn said when she saw Tobruk once again.
"He seems the same, always an affectionate horse, is happy to be close to you."
Honourary secretary of the former Rats of Tobruk Association NSW branch Deb Goodwin initially attempted for Ernie and Tobruk to meet at a service at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway, but the horse was unavailable.
The home visit was then arranged.
Members of the Mounted Unit Police brought the horse from Redfern, but made sure he was not lonely - he had fellow colleague Joker with him.
Tobruk and Joker were guided out by police and enjoyed pats and attention.
Tobruk in particular, stood still for the cameras and when he stopped with an officer in front of Ernie, he stayed still then sniffed him.
The veteran was happy to meet the horse and said he was "well put together".
Everyone then had a cup of tea or coffee with some sweets while the horses galloped and stretched their legs in a paddock on Ernie's property.
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