Southern Highlands Thoroughbred Week is an inaugural three-weekend celebration of thoroughbred horses and equine culture in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, running from 20 November to 7 December 2026. Presented by GROW Southern Highlands with an Incubator Fund endorsed by the NSW Minister for Tourism, the program opens the gates to historic breeding farms, world-class training facilities and hands-on workshops, with a focus on the second careers of retired racehorses.
A central theme of Southern Highlands Thoroughbred Week is what happens after the racetrack. Thoroughbreds are versatile, athletic and intelligent horses, and many go on to excel in new disciplines. Forums and workshops show what’s involved in transitioning an off-the-track thoroughbred into:
Trail and pleasure riding
Endurance
Dressage
Show jumping and eventing
Riding schools and pony club
Whether you own a retired racehorse, are considering one, or simply want to understand the journey, you’ll hear directly from the trainers and organisations doing this work every day.
Your enjoyment gives back. Our nominated charity, Horse Aid, is dedicated to the healing and rehabilitation of retired racehorses – giving them a second chance at life – while also supporting first responders. Proceeds from Southern Highlands Thoroughbred Week events go toward this work.
Breaking and Training Demonstration – Thenford Farm, Friday 20 November
Thenford Farm is a world-class equine facility specialising in early education and pre-training, rehabilitating and spelling thoroughbred racehorses. The demonstration is a condensed version of what normally takes 20 to 30 days.
This is a fulfilling experience for our visitors, showing them that we go through a no-stress process of educating the young horses.
GROW Southern Highlands Luxury Bong Bong Picnic Races Marquee, Friday 21 November
Be quick…Be in the Bong Bong Race Day Dozen. The champagne will be bubbling over for 12 special guests at GROW Southern Highlands’ elegant trackside picnic.
Willinga Park Vet Hospital Tuesday 24 November 10am – 1pm
Go behind the scenes at Willinga Park for a rare opportunity to discover the expertise, facilities and care behind our equine health services.
Designed for horse owners interested in specialist equine care, this exclusive tour provides a closer look inside a leading equine hospital and rehabilitation environment.
During the visit, guests will explore the Specialist Equine Hospital and Rehabilitation and Recovery services, meet members of the veterinary team and see first-hand the facilities, technology and expertise that support equine health, recovery and performance.
This is a valuable opportunity to meet the team, ask questions and become familiar with the hospital before you may need its services.
Thoroughbreds on the Trail, Tuesday 24 November 10am – 2pm
Come to Canyonleigh Trails and meet our super quiet thoroughbreds now that they have left the track and moved into their cushy new life as trail horses for us. Pony rides will be available for the kiddies
Silverdale Farm Open Day, Thursday 26 November 10am – 2pm
Join us at Silverdale Farm for National Thoroughbred Week and experience one of the Southern Highlands’ boutique thoroughbred breeding operations.
Set across 260 acres in Avoca, Silverdale is home to broodmares, foals and young thoroughbreds at various stages of their journey.
Throughout the day, visitors will have the opportunity to experience Silverdale and gain an insight into the people, horses and work behind a thoroughbred breeding operation.
Whether you are already passionate about racing and breeding or simply curious to learn more about the thoroughbred industry, we look forward to welcoming you to Silverdale.
Life beyond Racing Clinic by Olympian Brett Parbery, Thursday 26 November
Own an OTT or thinking about taking one on?
Join us at Scribbly Farm for a relaxed, informative and practical day with some fantastic equestrian talent, sharing their knowledge and experience to help OTTs thrive in their second careers.
⭐ Matt Bilderbeck — internationally recognised farrier, recently named among the world’s top 10, will kick off the day with insights into hoof care and a practical demonstration.
⭐ Brett Parbery — Olympian and internationally renowned dressage rider and trainer, will work with two local OTT horses and riders, talking us through the fundamentals of flatwork and building towards more progressive dressage movements.
⭐ Jacqui from JB Equestrian — local showjumper and EA Level 1 Coach, will work with two OTT combinations, demonstrating how to develop confidence and technique, progressing from polework through to jumping.
Throughout the demonstrations, our experts will share practical tips, techniques and insights you can take home and use with your own horse — while helping to dispel some of the myths that still surround OTTs.
We’ll finish with a relaxed Q&A over lunch — your chance to ask questions, share experiences and learn from the experts.
Adults: $65
Under 16s: $25
The Parklands Stables OTT Equine Experience, Tuesday 1 December 9.30am, 11.30am, 1,30pm
You’re invited to meet our beautiful team of Off The Track Thoroughbred school horses.
At the heart of the experience is a 40 minute equine encounter. Horses communicate through touch and body language, and you’ll share both with your horse during this special experience.
We’ll introduce you to your horse and support you to begin bonding through gentle grooming. You’ll learn about your horses’ life and personality before choosing an activity for you and your horse to enjoy in the round yard or on a lead line. We’ll show you how to use body language to deepen your bond and work with your horse in a connected and safe way.
Finally, we’ll show you where to scratch your horse to mimic the mutual grooming horses do to re-enforce their friendship bonds. It’s a magical moment.
We’re excited to share our kind, curious equine team members with new people and celebrate our wonderful thoroughbreds.
$45 per person, spaces limited
Gow-Gates Young Event Horse Festival – Wallaby Hill, Saturday & Sunday 6-7 December
Spectators can expect a celebration of the future of Australian eventing, with talented young horses competing across dressage, show
jumping and cross-country at the picturesque Wallaby Hill.
A special feature of the Festival is the Thoroughbred classes, celebrating the breed’s transition from racing into successful careers in equestrian sport and highlighting the strong connection between the eventing and Thoroughbred industries.
That connection is exemplified by Sophia Hill and Humble Glory, a former racehorse who rose to the highest level of eventing, representing Australia at the World Equestrian Games. Their story demonstrates the incredible potential of Thoroughbreds beyond the racetrack—and the Festival provides an opportunity to discover the next generation of stars.
Contacts
various locations throughout the Southern Highlands
W. www.growsouthernhighlands.com.au/southern-highlands-thoroughbred-week/
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS EVENT PLEASE USE THE ORGANISER CONTACT DETAILS ABOVE
