Sid Slavin: Renowned Warriewood Valley horseman farewelled in style
The northern beaches' legendary ‘man on horseback’ has made his final journey along the shoreline where he became a living reminder of Australia's simpler times.
One of the northern beaches’ most colourful and beloved figures, renowned over decades for riding his beautiful horses along the sand, has been farewelled in style.
Sid Slavin, who was a regular sight atop his horse Dakota cantering through the Warriewood Valley and on to Narrabeen and Warriewood beaches, made his last ride on Tuesday morning.
The humble horseman, husband of Pamela for 57 years, father of six and grandfather of nine, died, aged 77, on September 9.
Dakota, his treasured horse, died, aged 34, just three days before Sid.
Ahead of a memorial service and celebration of his life at North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club, Sid’s coffin was placed on a traditional horse drawn hearse as part of a procession past his favourite cafes and beaches.
Hundreds of friends and locals lined Narrabeen Park Pde, Sydney Rd and Ocean St to view the Victorian-era carriage, organised by local business Funerals By Design, and say their final goodbyes.
It paused for a few moments outside the Sunrise Cafe, above Warriewood Beach, and then again at Zubi Espresso at North Narrabeen.
For many years Sid, and his riding buddies, would tether their horses outside Zubi’s while they had a coffee. They always attracted attention from passers-by wanting to say hello.
One onlooker at the procession on Tuesday said that over the years, Sid became a tourist attraction in his own right.
Sid, a glazier by profession, was also known for many years as the manager of the O’Brien Glass outlet at Mona Vale.
In messages to a memorial Facebook page, “The heart of the Warriewood Valley” was remembered as gentleman and, through his horses, a reminder of Australia in a more gentle time.
“He was such the gentleman and looked you in the eye and smiled as he talked,” Michael Turner wrote.
“He was a reminder of past times, watching him ride around Warriewood and always happy to have a chat,” Sandra Parkin remembered.
Jenni Asbridge wrote that Sid had “brought so much joy to so many just by doing his own thing with his horse.
“A great nod to the ‘old Warriewood” of days gone by. Kids loved to see the man on his horse riding in the shallows of Narrabeen Lagoon near the caravan park when they were young. He brought a unique experience to city life for them.”
Sid had his larrikin side.
The Manly Daily reported in 2006 that the then Warringah Shire Council wanted to stop Sid and Dakota from riding between Narrabeen and Long Reef beaches. He was threatened with $110 fines.
He said, at the time, that it was only the council rangers, and not the beachgoers, who complained about his horse.
“The people are happy to see a horse on the beach,” he said.
“I’m Australian, riding a horse is the Australian way.”
Sid said he tried to ride before 9am or after 6pm when fewer people were around.
“The beach is good for the horse, it keeps him fit,’’ he said.
“And for me, it’s a bloody enjoyable part of my day.
“I just don’t see what I am doing wrong.’’
Sid’s daughter Keira, on horseback watching the carriage go by, said the turnout to say goodbye to her dad “was amazing”.
“He deserves it,” she said.
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Originally published as Sid Slavin: Renowned Warriewood Valley horseman farewelled in style
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