Return to normality for Scone Horse Festival

The 2022 Scone Horse Festival was one to remember.

Visitors from across NSW flocked to our nation’s horse capital for a fortnight of fun and activities as hundreds lined the streets for the popular horse parade on Sunday, May 8.

THE PARADE

The last parade took place in 2019 and the community were out on force showing support for the much-loved event, on and off the road.

Mounted police led the parade, with six officers taking part in the event showcasing current dress uniforms, general duties uniform and a historic dress uniform.

Entrants embraced the theme of ‘Back in the Saddle’, with awards presented to those that stood out to officials.

Arrowfield Stud took out best stud, Scone Pony Club for best horse entry, Charlotte Betts from Scone Pony Club was named as best individual horse and rider.

Best float went to The Yellow Cottage, best school was Scone Preschool with Scone High School and Scone Thoroughbreds Junior Rugby League both receiving a highly commended for their efforts.

Crowds then flocked to Scone Grammar School to enjoy the annual Fete and Market where lines were long but smiles abundant, making up for missed years.

Paul and Alice Messara (Arrowfield Stud), Tyler Kelly, Cr Lee Watts (SHF President) and Andrew Cooper (Vice President) pictured at the VIP night.

THE VIPS

Prior to the parade, the 2022 Scone Horse Festival (SHF) awards were announced at a private evening, hosted by SHF Gold Sponsor, Arrowfield.

James Balfie was declared as the Scone Horse Festival VIP, Efficient was the Horse of the Year and Tyler Kelly was the Young Achiever.

Born in Ireland, James Balfe has always loved horses. He trained and has worked as a farrier all over the world – Ireland, UK, US and Australia. He has been heavily involved in the Professional Farriers Association of NSW and is a wonderful mentor to young farriers.

Efficient is a 13-year-old Australian Stock Horse Gelding owned by the Wamsley family. He has played Polocrosse at a high level for 10 years and is known all over Australia.

Tyler Kelly, 18, is a talented Equestrian Rider – competing in both Show Riding and Eventing. His most memorable win so far would be Grand Champion Rider at the 2017 Grand Nationals.

Neil Carpenter (judge), Dee Price (judge), Bryony Tayler (best dressed lady), Craig Smythe (best dressed man), Honourable Natalie Ward MP (judge), Anna Campbell (best dressed woman) and Sharon Lenton (events manager) at the Darley Scone Cup Fashions’ on the Field on Friday, May 13.

THE FASHIONS

Though many will remember the Darley Scone Cup race, which was won by the Kris Lees-trained Rustic Steel, the Fashions on the Field competition proved just as popular.

Friday’s competition was an outstanding line up of contestants travelling near and far.

“All Ladies and Gents went above and beyond with original looks and incredibly style which made it difficult for our three judges to choose,” Sharon Lenton of Thoroughbred Events Australia told The Hunter River Times.

“It could have gone either way as it was extremely close between all final line ups of six competitors in each category.”

On Saturday, Fashions on the Field took a new look in the promotion of Family Day.