UPDATE: The highly anticipated National Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Festival is set to gallop into Werribee Park on January 17-18, 2024, showcasing the grandeur of heavy horse breeds! Equestrian enthusiasts can expect a weekend filled with excitement as iconic breeds like the Clydesdale, Friesians, and Highland Ponies take center stage in a celebration of heavy horsepower.
JUST ANNOUNCED: The festival will feature a variety of educational workshops, including heavy harness demonstrations, long reining obstacle courses, and ridden heavy horse classes. This event runs daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the National Equestrian Centre on K Road, Werribee South.
Families can enjoy delicious food options while children under 16 enter for free, ensuring a day packed with fun for all ages. Attendees can also participate in the whimsical tradition of fancy dress, which has seen past participants don costumes ranging from dragons to circus clowns.
In a significant addition this year, renowned Canadian judges Amber and Ray McLaughlin will make their inaugural appearance in Werribee, bringing over 50 years of combined experience from North American shows. Amber McLaughlin, a fifth-generation Clydesdale breeder and former president of the Canadian Clydesdale Horse Association, will lend her expertise to the judging panel, enhancing the festival’s prestige.
Tickets are available for just $15 at the gate on the day, providing affordable access to one of Australia’s premier equestrian events. This festival not only celebrates the beauty of heavy horse breeds but also fosters community engagement and education about these magnificent animals.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: As the festival approaches, expect rising excitement across social media platforms as attendees share their preparations. This event is more than just a showcase of horsepower; it’s a gathering of passionate individuals eager to learn, celebrate, and connect with the equestrian world.
Mark your calendars for this extraordinary event in Werribee, where horsepower meets community spirit. Don’t miss the chance to witness the elegance of heavy horses and create unforgettable memories!
