Expect to be swept-up in celebrating our 200-plus year heritage of top tier thoroughbreds and equine culture from 20th November to 6th December 2026.
From as early as the 1820’s, horses have been at the heart of the Southern Highlands way of life. Essential to the region’s rich agricultural roots, and the crowning glory of renowned estates like Milburn Creek, Silverdale, The Chase, Meredith Park, Rheinwood and Bong Bong Farm.
GROW Southern Highlands have secured an Incubator Fund thanks to the endorsement of the Minister for Tourism, toward a Highlands Thoroughbred Festival highlighting the region’s top tier thoroughbred culture.
The initiative will support local industry and the admirable work of Horse Aid to give retired racehorses a fresh start.
“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 during late November/early December, with more events under development.”
The 2026 Southern Highlands Thoroughbred Festival will open doors to prestigious breeding farms, world class training facilities and forums on turning your retired racehorse into a riding horse.
A key focus is showcasing the second career of racehorses and what’s involved in transitioning them to trail riding, endurance, dressage, show jumping and riding schools.
Funds raised will contribute toward nominated charity, Horse Aid, which is dedicated to the healing and rehabilitation of retired racehorses to give them a second chance at life and supporting first responders.
“Thorough engagement with the Highlands equine community over a number of years revealed widespread desire for The Southern Highlands Thoroughbred Festival. Grow jumped on the inaugural National Thoroughbred Week to test the waters for something bigger with 7 sold out events.” Brigid Kennedy said.
“We pushed for the grant to expand our event and are thrilled the Minister recognised our endeavours to showcase the welfare of the racehorse and create an opportunity for the public to engage with this.”
Programming will include meet and greet sessions at Parklands Stables, the Thoroughbred Girls Awards Night at the Botanical Gardens, trail rides through Belanglo Forest with a talk by pro horse trainer Scott Brodie, a Silverdale Farm experience up-close with magnificent thoroughbreds, Clydesdales, ponies and goats, free access to Wallaby Hill to see thoroughbreds competing in their career after racing, weekend workshops with Horse Aid around settling your thoroughbred into new horizons as a riding horse, and Canyonleigh Trails pony rides.
“Keep an eye out for ‘bumperstickers’ to identify former race horses re-homed by Horse Aid,” Brigid says.
More events are being added to the calendar week by week.
