Celebrating 140 years of racing and thoroughbred culture, Southern Highlands Thoroughbred Week presented by GROW Southern Highlands will span three weekends, from 19th November to 6th December.
Made possible by an Incubator fund endorsed by the NSW Minister for Tourism, the program opens the gates to historic breeding farms, world class training facilities and hands-on workshops.
A key focus is second careers of retired racehorses.
Take this rare opportunity to explore the great work being done to transition thoroughbreds from the track to:
- o Trail and pleasure riding
- o Endurance
- o Dressage
- o Show jumping and eventing
- o Riding schools and pony club
Southern Highlands Thoroughbred Week is proud to partner with Horse Aid. A charity dedicated to giving off-the-track racehorses a second chance at life while also supporting the wellbeing of first responders.
“Industry enthusiasm has been tremendous right out of the gate,” says local thoroughbred breeder Brigid Kennedy for GROW Southern Highlands. “We have programming locked in over three big weekends.”
A jam-packed program of unique experiences includes:
November 19 Frocks & Finish Lines with Leona Edmiston at Peppers Manor House
November 19 The Finishing Post – Life After Racing with The Inglis Family. Joh Bailey shares his insights to identifying a thoroughbred’s potential for a second career.
November 20 Thenford Farm condensed demonstration of their no-stress approach to educating young horses.
November 21 Scott Brodie from Race Track to Second Career for Horse Aid. A condensed masterclass on turning your off track thoroughbred into a safe, confident leisure horse.
November 23 DIVAS Equestrian GSH Equine Vet Hospital and Burton Stallion Showcase. Opening The doors to a state of the art facility on our doorstep.
November 24 Behind the scenes with Willinga Park Vet Hospital to meet the team, ask questions and see what goes into their specialist equine care and rehabilitation.
November 24 Thoroughbreds on The Trail. A meet & greet with the super quiet thoroughbreds who have left the track for trail riding. Plus pony rides for the kids.
November 26 Silverdale Farm Open Day showcasing the broodmares, foals, young thoroughbreds, people and work that goes into this premium breeding operation.
November 26 OTT’s The Next Chapter from hoof care to horsemanship at Scribbly Farm. A practical day and lunch, with Brett Parbery, Matt Bilderbeck, Jacqui Basquil and Charlie Brister.
November 26 The Six-Legged Athlete. Training the rider to enhance the horse. With Dr Fiona Hargraves at Bowral Co-Op.
November 28 & 29 Sue Williams Ranching Clinic at Snake Creek Cattle Co.
December 1 The Parklands Stables OTT Equine Experience to deepen the bond between horse and rider.
December 5 & 6 Gow-Gates Young Event Horse Festival at Wallaby Hill. Celebrating the future of Australian eventing.
“Keep an eye out for ‘bumper stickers’ to identify former race horses re-homed by Horse Aid,” Brigid says.
Plan your visit around the November 20 GROW Southern Highlands luxury trackside marquee experience.
Sipping sparkling and savouring Sapphire Coast Seafood, in support of Horse Aid. GROW have partnered with Leona Edmiston to offer the chance to WIN 2 VIP tickets AND the designers’ elegant dresses.
Entry via the GROW Southern Highlands Website.
Follow Southern Highlands Thoroughbred Week on Facebook, Instagram and linkedin for details and watch this space as it evolves.
