From tiny Shetland ponies to the towering Shire horses, all Clydesdales great and small will be celebrated in the Scenic Rim over the weekend of June 17 and 18 for the hugely popular Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular. Now in its 11th year, the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular is the richest Clydesdale Show in the Southern Hemisphere, where the grand champions of the breed are judged, the heritage of the breed is shared, and the history of the breed in Australia is toasted. In a major coup – an epic 11-horse team of Marlie Draught Horses is confirmed to attend. One of the largest teams in the country, they will pull a Bennett’s Wagon and perfrom twice daily. Known as the Gentle Giants of the horse world and recognised in Australia as ‘the breed that built the nation’, yet listed as ‘vulnerable’ internationally, Queensland has a long history with the Clydesdale.
“Our region owes much to the majestic Clydesdales which played a key role in establishing the Scenic Rim’s incredible agricultural base by clearing vast tracts of land, ploughing the paddocks and bringing in the harvest,” said Organising Sub-Committee Chair, Rick Stanfield. “While the advent of machinery saw a decline in the breed in the 1960s, the efforts of fan, breeders and this event committee to preserve and celebrate the 130-year history of these gentle giants here has resulted in the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular becoming one of Queensland’s most significant events.” The event generates some $2.3 million for the region, generated 10,109 visitor nights over the weekend in 2022 and contributed to more than 13,000 visitor nights throughout Queensland. The full schedule of Clydesdale competition takes place in the main arena, while rare trades are showcased including harness making, blacksmithing, wheelwrights, horse-drawn demonstrations & driving displays, whip plaiting and more. Additional highlights include the Queensland Whip Cracking Championships, World Billy Boiling Championships, wood chopping, working dog displays, Friesian Horse Troupe performances, artisan coopering & bush poetry.
Tribute to the Scottish descendants
In tribute to the Scottish descendants who moved to the region and brought with them their beloved Clydesdale, the event includes a stirring massing of Pipes and Drums, Calling of the Clans, the Clydesdale and Clan class and traditional Scottish caber tossing. There’ll be haggis burgers a whisky bar and Scots are encouraged to attend in their clan kilts! Andy Scott’s Clydebuilt which sits proudly at the roundabout into Boonah, was built in a local Butter Factory workshop and a local economic development committee raised the funds to buy it after it had been displayed at the Swell Sculpture by the Sea Festival in Sydney. The sculpture is recognised by the Queensland National Trust.
“The event will feature some of the top Clydesdales in the country and shouldn’t be missed by anyone who has an interest in this magnificent breed, or anyone who loves horses, or for that matter anyone who wants a brilliant experience in the country where there is literally something to watch and experience at every moment!” said event organiser Greta Stanfield. The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular will be staged in the middle of the region’s famous EAT LOCAL MONTH, creating just another reason to visit, stay and experience.
Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular 2023 takes place Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th June 2023 at Boonah Showgrounds at 8 Melbourne Street, Boonah. 8am until late both days. More information and tickets: www.clydesdalespectacular.com.au