Southern Highlands Thoroughbred Week

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.

Silverdale Farm Open Day

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

Is an OTT really right for you?
Join us at Scribbly Farm on Thursday 26 November for a relaxed and inspiring day celebrating the Thoroughbred’s next chapter — and the people who make it possible.
We’ll be joined by Dressage Olympian Brett Parbery, who will lead a practical clinic featuring Off The Track Thoroughbreds at different stages of their retraining.
Brett will share his insights into understanding and retraining the Thoroughbred, helping to dispel some of the myths around OTTs and demonstrating just how adaptable and versatile these horses can be in their life beyond racing.
Network with Brett and for a casual farm lunch, a glass of wine and an informal Q&A — with Thoroughbred owners— from nervous newcomers to experienced non-professional riders — who’ll share their own journeys.
Particularly relevant for women riders considering their first OTT
Adults: $85
Under 16s: $25
Whether you’re considering your first OTT, already have one in the paddock, or simply love Thoroughbreds and want to know more about their life after racing, we’d love you to join us.

The Parklands Stables OTT Equine Experience

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.

Gow-Gates Young Event Horse Festival at Wallaby Hill

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.