The National Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Festival went ahead last weekend with a heavy heart, marred by a road accident on the afternoon before the show began that claimed the life of one of its own.
Clydesdale breeders Max and Kristin Marriott were travelling down to the show from their home in north-east Victoria when their car left the Hume Highway and hit a tree.
Kristin died in the accident, while Max remains in hospital with serious injuries.
Organisers however, decided the show must go on and put on a cracker of an event to mark the 15th anniversary since it was first held at Werribee Park in 2008.
It’s a weekend very much loved in Victoria, with heavy horse breeders using it not only as a showcase but to meet and chat at the trade stands and stables.
The general horse loving public enjoys it too.
The Clydesdales, as always, put on a magnificent display but the heavy horse breeds were also well represented, including a number that are listed on the rare and endangered lists both in Australia and internationally.
Spectators were treated to seeing the rare Suffolk Punch horses, Shires, Percherons, powerful black Friesians, Gypsy Cobs, Haflinger, Highland Ponies and Fjords performing in led classes, harness and under saddle.
When came down to judging of the supreme in hand exhibit, Lorraine Fritsch’s Clydesdale mare Lowan Vale Yvonne was chosen as winner from the top four champions in the breed challenge.
The harness classes – featuring drivers elegantly dressed in charge of jinkers up to four-in-hand teams with jingling harness and beautifully polished gear maintained by loving hands – never fail to impress.
A drive-past was held as a mark of respect for the Marriott family by the harness exhibitors.
The supreme champion tradesman’s turnout went to Blakeley & McKeon, who were also awarded the Lloyd Cameron Perpetual Trophy, and the Supreme Champion Delivery Horse in non-Heritage Vehicle was Scott Finnemore with Winston.
The overall champion from the working horse ring was Katrina Klemm-Ellis and Wheelabarraback Flash Molly.
Charlotte Wood and Quickstep Diallo had a terrific show being names the highpoint dressage champion, novice dressage champion, supreme ridden heavy horse and champion Friesian male.
See the comprehensive gallery of photos from the event taken
by Kathryn Potempski of Dreamscope Photography
at The Regional.
Other winners included:
Supreme Champion Drum Horse: Norm McCosker, Percius
Supreme Champion Haflinger: Kate Wingad, Manuka Ridge Moira
Supreme Champion Fjord: Rachael Smith, Black Wood Ridge Norton
Supreme Champion Gypsy Cob: John Smith, Wooly
Supreme Champion Highland Pony: Holly- Jade Praszczalek, Senlac Sunny Boy
Champion led Clydesdale Gelding: Peter Strafford, Samara Park Thomas
Supreme Champion Friesian: Rebecca Campbell, Elke
Supreme Champion Suffolk Punch: Andrew Lucas, Field Barton Charles
Champion Led Clydesdale Mare or filly: Lynette Fritsch, Lowan Vale Yvonne
Supreme Champion shire Gelding: Southern Cross Hamish
Junior Champion Led Clydesdale Filly: Gale Watson, Farleton Flash Sally
Champion Clydesdale Stallion: Will Lewin, Willis Park Clifford
Champion Tradesman Turnout: Blakely Family, Southern Cross Nickolas
Champion Tradesman Pair Turnout: Blakeley & McKeon
Champion Show Cart Turnout: Julie Barber
Junior Champion Led Clydesdale Colt: Lynette Fritsch, Lowan Vale Pheonix
Champion led Registered CCHSA Part Bred: Alison Richardson, Montgomery
Champion rider: Neveah WaetFord, Willis Park Ellen
CH Partbred Heavy Horse: Scott Finnemore, Churchill
Download working horse results.
See more images from this event by Kathryn Potempski of Dreamscope Photography.
This article appeared on The Regional on 1 February 2023.
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