Step back in time to a world of yesteryear when draught horses ploughed the fields and pulled the wagons.
This weekend the Allora Showgrounds comes alive with the third annual Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival – a celebration of our agricultural history and the pioneers who built this great nation. With over 100 heavy horses, carriage ponies, mules, donkeys and working bullocks to feast upon and remind us of times past.
Competition is fierce but friendly with a busy schedule that shows off the Clydesdales, Percherons, Shires and other Draught breeds as they display their quality in hand and in harness; showing their skills through the ground-driven obstacle courses or under saddle.
Saturday culminates with the ever-popular barrel race that proves these big horses have a surprising amount of agility. And of course, the grand parades each day are not to be missed.
Outside the main arena, spectators can wander leisurely through the rare breed displays, watch the demonstrations of ‘old trades’ such as the wheelwright, blacksmith, shearer and hot shoeing, or the working ‘horse works’ where the horse was the true horsepower for everyday farm tasks.
The plough plot provides both demonstrations and competition from those determined to keep this skill alive.
Food vans, market stalls and local artisans create a vibrant ‘buzz’ in the marketplace, just a short stroll to the covered arena which is also a hive of activity.
From jousting and ‘liberty’ displays to heavy horse dressage and show jumping, there is something for everyone.
Our ‘little people’ have not been forgotten with a range of young and miniature animals for them to discover.
For the adults, the licensed bar and live music help to make this truly an event for the whole family.
Festival date: 16 – 17 March 2024 at the Allora Showgrounds
For more information and a daily timetable, visit our website heavyhorsefestival.com.au or follow us on Facebook “Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival”
Tickets available at the gate (cash or card) or online through the website.
This article appeared in the Allora Advertiser, 13 March 2024.
