Groundshaking Fun at the 5th Annual National Heavy Horse Festival

The ground will be shaking at Werribee on February 25 and 26 as large numbers of heavy horses ‘plod along’ to the National Equestrian Centre for the fifth annual National Heavy Horse Festival.

The weekend festival has been growing in popularity each year and is becoming an event not to be missed on the heavy horse enthusiast’s calendar. 

Whilst it may almost be 100 years since tractors started taking over from the mighty draught horse in Australian agriculture, most people have some kind of fond memory to recite when you mention the words ‘Clydesdale’ or ‘Draught Horse’.

Whether it be a memory of a story their grandparents told them about the milkman or baker, or exciting times they had at the Royal Melbourne Show as a child watching the magnificent Clydesdales in the grand parade or harness events; most people have a special story to tell.

There are a number of breed classes included in the two-day program, including the giant Clydesdale, Shires, Suffolk Punches, Percherons, and the smaller, though still magnificent breeds, such as Friesians, Gypsy Cobs, Fjords and Highland Ponies.

For those wanting to see a bit more action there will be harness classes and ridden heavy horses, as well as horse drawn implement and some fun novelty driving events.

A variety of trade stalls will feature, for those wishing to do a spot of shopping – and there will be plenty to learn with displays and demonstrations occurring throughout the festival, including a vintage horse drawn fire cart from the fire museum.

With fun for the whole family, why not bring the kids along to learn about our rich ‘horse drawn history’ and grandparents to reminisce about the good old days?

Tickets are $12 for adults, and kids are free.

For more information please call Robert Ronzio on (03) 9746 1488 or email ronzio12@activ8.net.au

Quick Link

• View Clydesdales for sale on Horsezone
• View Draught Horses for sale on Horsezone
• View Percherons for sale on Horsezone