The historic town is known as the “Horse Capital of Australia” and 2020 marks 40 years since the inception of the festival, which pays homage to all breeds of horses, including thoroughbreds, Australian stock horses and draught horses, as well as the men and women who breed and work with them.

Events throughout the festival always include a street parade, charity rodeo, sheep dog trials, yarns night, polo, farrier’s competition, tent pegging, stud tours, a two-day race carnival including the Scone Cup, yearling sales and the grand finale fireworks family picnic event on Lake Glenbawn.

Unfortunately, this year’s Scone Horse Festival was cancelled due to COVID-19 after a meeting of the festival committee in mid-March to discuss the impact of coronavirus on local events.

“The planned music event, horse parade, Scone Cup Carnival and picnic at Lake Glenbawn all attract large crowds and would have breached the federal government’s decree,” said David Gatwood, president of the Scone Horse Festival Committee.

However, the staff and students of St Mary’s Primary School, Scone took matters into their own hands last Friday 15 May and hosted their own version of some events that would have taken place as part of the festival.

“St Mary’s Scone Cup Day” involved a street parade, garden party, fashions on the field and a five-race “hobby horse” event that culminated in the running of the “Scone Cup” itself.

Charlie Janson riding Lift The Restrictions was the winner of the feature event, with a four-pack of toilet paper rolls the major prize. The students and staff thoroughly enjoyed the activities of the day as a means of taking their minds off the COVID-19 pandemic.

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