The ground will be shaking at Werribee on February 25 and 26 as large numbers of heavy horses ‘plod along’ to theNational Equestrian Centre for the 5th 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 theheavy horse enthusiast’s calendar.

Whilst it may almost be 100 years since tractors started taking over from the mighty draught horse in Australianagriculture, 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 theyhad at the Royal Melbourne Show as a child watching the magnificent Clydesdales in the grand parade or harnessevents; 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 horsedrawn 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 tolearn with displays and demonstrations occurring throughout the festival, including a vintage horse drawn fire cartfrom the fire museum.

With fun for the whole family, why not bring the kids along to learn about our rich ‘horse drawn history’ andgrandparents 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 oremail ronzio12@activ8.net.au

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