THE chance to see rare heritage breeds was a highlight of the Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Festival for the large crowd at Werribee Park last weekend.
As well as Australia's favourite heavy horse breed, Clydesdales, there were chestnut Suffolk Punch horses - of which there are only 300 left in the world - Shires, coal black Friesians and a magnificent American Percheron mare.
Spectators were also fascinated by the appearance of seven Norwegian Fjord horses.
Their unique colouring and striped manes generated much comment.
They showed under saddle they are quite capable of performing well.
An imported black and white Gypsy Cob stallion also put on a display.
One of the unique features of the show is that all horse entrants were paid.
Organiser Robert Ronzio says the group felt this was a good incentive and a way to evenly distribute funds to breeders of small and large numbers of horses alike.
Where breeders of a larger number of horses could increase their chances of winning, it gave single horse entrants the chance to also benefit from coming to the show.
The $50 incentive payment benefits all entrants and has been a popular feature with those showing their horses at the event.
Supreme champion heavy horse was A.T. Marriot and Sons' Clydesdale Colt Aarunga Flash Nicholas.
The champion Shire horse was Souhern Cross Diamond Princess, shown by Peter and Mary Lou McKeon. They also showed the Champion Percheron, Bellvue Joy.
The Gypsy Cob champion was Minstrel of Surrey Springs, shown by Robin and Robert Brew. The Friesian champion was Hendrick van Frisio, owned by Roanne Crewith and Chris Bowles.
The Suffolk Punch champion was stallion Frederick Nash, owned by Jane Greenman, and the Fjord champion was Blackwood Ridge Zajro, shown by Greg Smith.
As well as the horses on show, the traditional farm vehicles showed how the work on farms was done.
Vehicles used in trade and at home were lovingly restored and several trade stands did good business.
A vehicle specifically designed to be driven by disabled drivers was also demonstrated.
The Farm turnout class went to Princess and Rose, driven by L. Drayton.
The tradesmen's turnout was won by Graeme Burns' Ben Koi Holdbrook.
The Nesbit family showed Myrtle Park Gilbert, the winning ridden horse.
