The workhorse of many early 19th and 20th century farms – the shire horse – will be strutting its stuff at the National Shire and Southern Highlands Heavy Horse Show at Moss Vale in March.
President of the Shire Horse Breeders Association, Cai Thomas, said it was the eighth National Show and the seventh one in Moss Vale.
“It’s definitely become a fixture on the horse show scene and is a must for all heavy horse owners and enthusiasts,” he said.
Shire horses were originally imported into Australia in the 1800s for both heavy hauling and agricultural work, but there were not enough of them to sustain the breed.
By the mid 1920s they had died out. Through the dedication of a number of shire owners in Australia, the breed was reintroduced in the 1980s.
“We also recognise the role that other heavy horse breeds have played in the development of Australia, so we are encouraging all heavy horse breeds to come along to Moss Vale and join with us to celebrate these magnificent horses,” Mr Thomas said.
The program includes standard led and ridden classes, as well as the amazing spectacular of the Concours D’Elegance – a parade of horses with riders dressed in the most stunning outfits.
“Younger riders and novices haven’t been ignored and there will be barrel races, harness classes and also the public will have an opportunity to see these giant horses as working horses,” Mr Thomas said.
Details: Moss Vale Showground, March 30-31, 2019.
To view or download a program, visit shirehorse.com.au/shhs/
