A new festival celebrating the Southern Highlands’ rich thoroughbred heritage is set to launch later this month, with more than a dozen equine-focused events planned across three weekends.
Southern Highlands Thoroughbred Week, presented by GROW Southern Highlands, will run from November 19 to December 6 and showcase the region’s racing, breeding, training and equestrian industries. Organisers say the festival has a strong focus on giving retired racehorses a second career after life on the track.
Local thoroughbred breeder Brigid Kennedy said industry support for the inaugural event had been strong from the outset.
The program features a range of experiences, including tours of breeding farms, veterinary hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and training centres, along with workshops and demonstrations highlighting the retraining of off-the-track thoroughbreds.
Among the highlights is “Frocks & Finish Lines” at Peppers Manor House on November 19, featuring Australian fashion designer Leona Edmiston. The event will explore race-day fashion and include lunch, prizes and fundraising support for the charity Horse Aid.
Other events include educational clinics, horse welfare demonstrations, trail riding showcases and behind-the-scenes access to some of the region’s leading equine facilities. Organisers are also encouraging visitors to learn more about the growing number of retired racehorses finding success in disciplines such as dressage, eventing, endurance riding and pony club activities.
The festival has partnered with Horse Aid, a charity that supports the welfare of retired thoroughbreds while also providing programs that assist first responders and defence personnel.
Organisers are encouraging horse enthusiasts and the wider community to explore the full program and booking details through the GROW Southern Highlands website.
