Australia’s most famous and longest running heavy horse field day … Gatton Heavy Horse Field Day !
Annual event in Gatton, west of Brisbane, see heavy horses that built our nation – Clydesdale, Shire, Percheron and Australian Draft breeds with ancestral roots back to first settlers who brought their horses to explore Australia.
See displays of heavy horses in action … living history revisited … working team ploughing … obstacle courses … breed judging, ridden events in dressage and barrel racing …
Magnificent horses – ‘show-piece’ event for breeders and general public … largest, most prestigious heavy horse event in Australia, where spectators can see best in all areas of competition – from plough ring to restored horse-drawn carriages, parades … just amazing to watch !
Clydesdale doing dressage … breeders lining up their hoses for judging … mini pony as mascot … country singer belting a tune or two …
Farriers in hot-shoeing competition … demonstration of skill at manoeuvring log through tight obstacle courses … or just appreciating these amazing animals in action ! Lots to see and appreciate.
There is something alluring about these magnificent horses … enjoy being up close and personal … intelligent eyes, pleasant disposition, gorgeous mane, shining coats … fall in love over and over again with each animal you see …
Clydesdale Horse
One of world’s major heavy horse breeds; standing about 16 – 17 hands, weighing over 800 kgs … origins in Valley of the Clyde, Lanarkshire, Scotland … selective breeding methods … blood infusions from Europe and England … resulting in separate and distinct breed of Clydesdale.
Used for over 150 years in Victorian gold rush and hauling of farm machinery in country Australia; Clydesdale horses were favoured due to its strong, long-lasting, quick long stride. Coupled with weight and power, fineness and quiet temperament, Clydesdale horses are also known as ‘The Gentle Giant’ … popular colours being bays, brown and black mainly.
The Percherons
Originated from La Perche, north-west France, with Arabian horses crossed with Flemish stock have been around for over 12 centuries. Today, Percherons are known as world’s leading breed of draught horses, weighing 680 – 950 kgs, about 16 – 17 hands in length.
Do you know that there are close to 1000 purebred Percheron horses and numerous crossbreeds in Australia?
South Australian Mounted Police uses part Percherons and Victorian Mounted Police uses Percheron Drum Horses as their rides … Check them out when you next see them on the streets !
It is said that the Percherons have undertaken every role from war horse, coach horse farm horse to gun horse and riding horse, as breeders are able to breed the horse to suit conditions. Just amazing !
The Australian Draught Horse
Over a century breeding of heavy working horses, Australian Draught is bred for harsh Australian conditions … evolved and survived tough conditions as work horses for early settlers. Mix of Clydesdale, Percheron, Suffolk and Shire, weighing between 600 and 900 kgs, 16 – 17 hands length, they are most versatile – used for farming, pulling wagons and taking the family to town or church on Sundays – part of the family … just like the working dog !
Most popular breed available in Australia today … the odd farmer may still be using them to work their land – part of Australia’s living history !
See them competing in harness and led classes, acrobatics, they are exceptionally intelligent, strong, versatile, kind temperament and people orientated.
Novice to horses or passionate horse lover, there is latent beauty in a well-groomed happy horse. Magnificent, intelligent creatures, pleasant temperament, lovingly cared for by their owners … just beautiful to admire and pat … if you have the opportunity to do so. The bond between owner and horse is inseparable and a real treat to see !
