Last weekend we drove down to Apple Tree Creek {it was David’s Birthday weekend} for the DraughT Horse Heavy Horse Heritage Day which was not very well advertised because the week before we had been to Apple Tree Creek to meet up with another travelling family – to the very same location and there was no signage around to say what day it was on or time.
Luckily we have a family member who heard it on the radio and then I did a google search for the details – which came up with Central Queensland Information about the day! Glad we drove down there to see the Horses at work – it was beyond spectacular to see so many fine Draught Horses {Clydesdales} on display. Some were working in the main arena, some working on the field and then we were able to view the others in small enclosures with all of their information about their Proud Blood Lines, and who broke them in for harness.
Seen as how we all are Horse Mad it was a day to remember, and even though we didn’t stay all day {it was too hot and we were keen to check out another place in Bundaberg} we did enjoy the smells of the horses {yeah I love that smell}, the great displays and the many different ways they used to farm.
David was able to explain to our boys the each different machinery parts, and how they horses were able to use them for the land. It was interesting to also read about the different style buggy’s and the years they were used! Never realised how many buggy’s/horse drawn carts there were for either city living or out of town living!
And the day really set in our minds of an idea that David has had for some time – but I can’t reveal any more on that topic at the moment cause the planning stages are still too early!
The Spring Cart :: “The horse drawn spring carts were a very common commercial vehicle in Australia from about 1860 until 1940 both the city and the country. They were used by farmers for carrying light goods such as milk and cream from the diary to the factory.
For city shop keepers and businesses the spring cart was the all purpose delivery vehicle, the transit van of the day!”
The Two-Wheeled Dog Cart:: “The Dog Cart was one of the simplest vehicles you could ever find. They could transport two to four people, and a small amount of luggage and were typically pulled by one to two horses. They received their name because they were originally used to transport hunting dogs when the masters of sprawling country estates went out hunting!”
“HEAVY HORSE DELIVERY DRAY – Owned by Ollie and Maryann Geissler – Childers -Champion turnout at 2012 QLD Showdriving championships-Rainbows Seeds of Childers Seed Murchants 1953 Era”
2012 QLD sHOWDRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS – Driver – Ollie Geissler – Horse – Sommerville Reflection
Turnout – Rainbows Seeds Childers – Era – 1953 Seed Merchants
2 wheel turnout – 1st place
Heavy Horse Turnout – 1st place
Delivery Turnout – 1st place
Period Turnout – 1st Place
Champion Turnout
Concous De Elegance – 1st Place
Heavy Horse in Harness – 1st Place
Gentlemen Whip – 2nd Place
“Rainbows End Sterling. Born on 19/12/2011 – Sire – McMurchy Regency. Dam – Dunbrae Schottish Skye. Sterling was oprhaned at 9 weeks old. Champion 2012 at Biggenden – Maryborough Champion 2013 – Biggenden – Maryborough – Childers – Gympie Supreme Champion Heavy Horse – Gympie Champion Yearling at 2013 QLD Clydesdale Junior Championships 2014 Champion – Goomerie”
As we were getting ready to leave, Kyle looks over at this tree at he Rest Area {near the car parking across from the play ground} and spots this Love heart in the tree!!! draught-horse-heavy-horse-heritage-day
We loved out day at Draught Horse Heavy Horse Heritage Day – wished we could have stayed for the Shoe throwing competition or even for more displays…maybe another time when its not so hot!
Do You Love the Heavy Horses?
Have You Been To A Horse Heritage Day?
I have ridden a Clydesdale’s before – and loved every minute of it! There is something magical about them.
** linking up with A Hole In My Shoe – European Christmas Discovery – Travel Insurance Blog.
Cheers
Lisa
New Life on the Road