The Warburton Estate Agents Scone Horse Festival has announced a positive financial turnaround ahead of its 2026 event, marking a significant milestone that reflects the spirit, dedication, and resilience of the Scone community.
At the festival’s Annual General Meeting (AMG) yesterday, Treasurer Robyne Smith, a well-known dressage rider and proud owner of ‘Lord Larry’ the 2025 Horse of the Year, delivered the Treasurer’s report with an impressive update: the festival’s financial position has not only stabilised but is now tracking in the black.
“The financial turnaround the Warburton Estate Agents Scone Horse Festival has achieved is excellent,” said Festival President Jason Hill said.
“This is testament to Treasurer Robyne Smith’s outstanding stewardship, the hard work of our Executive and full Festival Committees, the support of GRO Events Group, and our incredible sponsors, volunteers and community. And we need that support to continue”
“The Scone Horse Festival is more than an event; it’s a celebration of who we are. It brings people together, attracts visitors from across Australia and showcases the depth of equine excellence that defines this region.”
Regional events are key to growing the NSW visitor economy while tourism continues to play a major role in the prosperity of regional NSW, according to Destination NSW.
For the year to September 2024, regional NSW contributed a record $26 billion, nearly half of the state’s total visitor economy, demonstrating that events such as Scone’s festival are at the heart of the state’s tourism success.
Mr Hill said the festival’s improved position was due to a growth in community engagement, event attendance, improved budgeting, cost management and additional sponsorship.
“The committee extends its sincere thanks to Naming Rights Sponsor Warburton Estate Agents who signed a record three-year deal in 2023, as well as Platinum sponsors Scone Equine Hospital, Godolphin, Duncan Equine and Upper Hunter Shire Council, and ALL our incredible Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors. Their support has kept the festival going, and we need it to continue.
The 46th Warburton Estate Agents Scone Horse Festival will be held from 8 to 17 May 2026, with the official theme to be announced next month.
The 10-day celebration will feature exciting and educational equine events including the iconic Scone Equine Hospital Horse Festival Parade, Horses & High Tea, stud tours, yarns night, farrier demonstrations, finale fireworks and the two-day Darley Scone Cup Carnival!
The festival showcases the versatility of the horse and the important role they play within the Upper Hunter region and around the world, as well as paying homage to all breeds and equine skills and the people who breed and work with them.
Scone is the birthplace of over 50% of Australia’s Thoroughbred racehorses, and the Hunter region is internationally renowned as a champion breeding ground, recognised alongside Kentucky and Ireland.