Harness hung up on horse day

The popular Heavy Horse Demonstration Day in Yangan may be in its final year. Caleb Crouch, 3, from Warwick got up close with one of event's participants, Barney, this week. Picture: TERRY WEST

By SONJA KOREMANS

THE man behind an annual heavy horse day that has thrilled crowds for 15 years and attracted tourists to the region may be hanging up the harness.
Mick Bradford’s Heavy Horse Demonstration day hosted at his Yangan property has given thousands the chance to step back in time with working displays of horse drawn equipment used in the 1800 and 1900s.
The much-loved event on the small town’s calendar is on this Sunday and brings tourists from as far away as Brisbane and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, with all proceeds donated to RACQ CareFlight. The day has helped raise more than $100,000 for charity over the past 14 years.
But Mr Bradford said it might soon be time for him to take a step back from the event that took months of organisation.
He said his health would determine how involved he was in next year’s event.
“I am in my eighties now and the horse day requires a lot of preparation, so I might not be up to it next year,” said Mr Bradford, who grew up in the area.
“I hope I will be, but I’m not sure.“
Southern Free Times visited Mr Bradford’s farm this week which was a hive of activity with horses being shod and harness and machinery rolled out for the event.
Mr Bradford said he has kept draught horses for as long as he can remember, owning an AIS stud for several years before dedicating his time to the Heavy Horse Demonstration day.
“I used to put my horses in the shows and that started my interest in holding a heavy horse day.”
Mr Bradford will lead his team of 16 draught horses to show eventgoers everything from chaff making and corn threshing, along with demonstrations from blacksmiths and wheelwrights. There are also vihtage car displays and 20 craft and food stalls.
The event begins at 9am at 122 Swanfells Road, Yangan.