Nearly four decades ago, four community minded, horse passionate men combined their vision to turn a major country race meet into a festival for many to visit Scone, the horse capital of Australia and experience a love of horses and all that goes with it.
Jim Rodgers, Mike Pritchard, Barry Chapman & Brian Russell created the Scone Horse Festival, by adding a horse parade and forming a volunteer committee to nurture and grow the festival.
Each year, the passion of horses and creating an experience for the masses, grew stronger, through the stability of the equine industry and our strong, energetic and caring community.
Thirty seven years on, we are able to offer something for anyone and everyone with or without a love of horses. A festival filled with fun, unique and ‘once in a year time’ country experiences which we want to share with you.
A parade of family fun at the front end of the festival with around 80 colorful entrants, flows into the Scone Grammar School fete and markets. The original race meet is now followed the next day by a family orientated race day, and combined, form the highest paying standalone country racing carnival in Australia offering $2million in prize money.
Around 60 experiences over 10 days culminating with a spectacular fireworks display at the picturesque Lake Glenbawn.
Live shows from Farrier displays to Australian Tent pegging Championships, Equestrian Vaulting, Polo, Thoroughbred Horse demonstrations, Rodeo, Stud tours to sheep dog trials and Australian Stock Horse demonstrations.
Loads of exhibitions and mostly free events!