All about the Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival

A two day celebration of the Gentle Giants that helped build this great nation. 

The Clydesdale, Shire, Percheron and Draught Horses along with Gypsy Cob, Drum Horses, Donkeys, Mules and working Bullock teams that helped clear the land, till the soil, plant and harvest the crops and haul the loads. They helped build this great nation and forged a bond that would continue for decades. Generations of people have connected with these Gentle Giants that have become increasingly popular for pleasure harness and ridden horses as time marches on.  Join us to celebrate the past and showcase the future of Heavy Horses. Bring the whole family and experience a weekend their sure to talk about for a long time!

The team behind the Darling Downs Heavy Horse Festival is passionate about Heavy Horses and we work tirelessly to bring you a festival that not only pays homage to their role building this great nation and but also showcases our wonderful region.

The various breeds are judged against their respective Breed Standard by qualified judges. The Champion from each breed will then line up to see who wins the hotly contested Supreme Led Exhibit of the Show!

A rare opportunity to see the heavy horses working as they did in days gone by. Experience the power of these majestic creatures and their skillful trainers  performing tasks that helped build our great nation .

Working Blacksmith Display, an operational  Horse Works and Wheelwrights rebuilding wagon wheels. Rope Making, Ploughing, Harness Fitting

Heavy Horses showcasing their versatility and popularity as a ridden horse. Competing in Hack and Utility classes, Dressage and even a Barrel Race!

Our marketplace features Trade Vendors, Local Artisans, Old Trades, Hand Crafts, Breed displays and Local Community groups