Steadfast class and pure horsepower are set to make a gallant return to Werribee Park with the National Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Festival on 17-18 January.
Breeds such as the quintessential Clydesdale, Friesians and Highland Ponies will serve as the perfect ambassadors of equestrian elegance.
There will be educational workshops such as led stud heavy breeds, heavy harness, working draft, long reining/obstacle course, as well as ridden heavy horse and rider classes.
Coffee, tea and great food will be in abundance, while kids can take their pick at a handful of activities to ensure the horses are the only ones engaged in horseplay.
Historically speaking, fancy dress and flair have enhanced the weekend – dragons, elephants, circus clowns and a Christmas tree being some classic costumes to rock the event in past years.
Some of the greatest minds in the heavy horse world will be making the trip down under to lend a hand – or hoof.
Canadian judges Amber and Ray McLaughlin will be making their first appearance in Werribee, bringing with them five decades of family expertise from shows all across North America.
Ms McLaughlin herself is a fifth generation Clydesdale breeder, past president of the Canadian Clydesdale Horse Association, and has attended numerous shows in Scotland and Ireland.
Tickets can be purchased for $15 at the gate on the day and children younger than 16 go free.
The National Equestrian Centre is on K Road Werribee South the events will run 8.30am-4.30pm on both days.
