Mick Templeton learnt to walk holding onto a horse and they've figured in every layer of his life since.

The Templeton name is famous down Gippsland way, where the patriarch of the family, Alec, was a trainer of thoroughbreds who took to the sport of polocrosse as a hobby.

Alec was good too, playing a pivotal role in Victoria's first-ever Australian title win in 1972. A photo from the time shows another young bloke called Darryl Blackshaw in the team, a name familiar in racebooks for the past 50 years.

The Templeton tradition with polocrosse extends to four generations, something Mick is incredibly proud of. Though he's had success himself, his greatest moments have come with the achievements of son Angus, who has represented Australia.

Mick and Angus will put the final polish on a pair of thoroughbreds they will compete aboard, prior to loading up the float and pointing to Chinchilla for the Australian titles, from June 24-30. Regardless of the result, Mick and Angus will cherish more family memories.

The horses they will ride were never good enough to race but have found a career on polocrosse fields near and far.