Kings and Queens of the Stable theme for 2023
BY ALEX TIGANI
First year Scone Horse Festival president Andrew Cooper has revealed this year’s theme is Kings and Queens of the Stable.
The annual ten-day event which will take place this year from Thursday, May 4 until Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14 has attracted equine enthusiasts from all around the world since it was first held in 1980.
Founded by horse passionate men Jim Rodgers, Mike Pritchard, Brian Russell and Barry Chapman, what was initially a horse parade and gala day to accompany the Scone Cup has been nurtured and grown into the equine capital’s biggest event.
Andrew, who first joined the Scone Horse Festival committee as vice president in 2022, explained that this year’s theme was based on two things.
“We treat our horses as the king and queens of the stable, no matter what you do whether you’re a weekend warrior, professional or just love horses,” he told The Hunter River Times.
“The other one we thought was fitting was because of the passing of Queen Elizabeth, she loved her horses and all other disciplines and the other irony is that King Charles’ coronation is the same day as the street parade on May 6.
“It all ties in quite nicely.”
Having competed in Show Jumping competitions overseas on top of his 17-year involvement with the Royal Easter Show in Sydney, Andrew Cooper is the quintessential horseman.
Originally from Moree, he held the role of CEO of the Australian Stock Horse Society in its 50th year.
He hopes to steer the Scone Horse Festival in the right direction ahead of its milestone 45th year in 2025.
“There is something about horses that draws you in and for some people once you’re drawn in you never lose it,” he explained.
“We have had some quiet years because of covid and we are building up to what will be the 45th anniversary in two years’ time.”
He has also praised the events sponsors including Warburton Estate Agents.
“It is a way to give back to the community,” Sandy Warburton, principal and licensee in charge of Warburton Estate Agents, concluded.
“There was a break in proceedings with the dreaded covid but three years in support and this year as a platinum sponsor we are book ending it as we are telling the team.”