Community & Business
12 June, 2025
Horsepower at the Woolshed
The strength of horses was on full display at the Heavy Horse Weekend at Jondaryan.
On a weekend when shearers would have been shivering in days gone by, competitors and patrons came to the Jondaryan Woolshed in their hundreds for a display of horsepower in action.
The Marlie Draft Horse Team, sponsored by New Acland Coal, drew a big crowd, while hauling in a team of eleven.
Another highlight for visitors was the vaulting gymnastics by an exhibitor from Cabarina Beach on the Tweed Coast.
Riders competed in events including Ploughing, the Led Classes, Barrel Race, Log Snigging, Long Reining, Slide Obstacle, Harness Classes, and Novelty Slide.
“Competitors came all the way from Casino, Minden up to Mundubberra, with local entries from Alllora, Clifton, and us at Mount Irving,” Event co-ordinator Carolyn Kohler said.
Leader of the Marlie Draught Horse was Alex Berzins from Exeter in the New South Wales Southern Highlands, who was joined by Shane Carroll from the Sunshine Coast and Darcy Quinn from Braidwood on the Southern Tablelands.
“We had a brilliant time,” Mr Berzins said.
“It was an amazing set up and display of history; (the Woolshed) is a national treasure - it’s really special.
“Pulling up with the team, you can imagine wagons pulling up in years gone by.”
Outside of competition, visitors enjoyed all the usual attractions of the Woolshed, including the Damper Hut, sheep shearing, wheelwright and blacksmithing demonstrations, music on the verandah of the former Woodview State School building and food and craft stalls.
Heavy Horses Weekend co-ordinator Carolyn Kohler said the event was a hit with competitors, which boded well for the ongoing viability of a Heavy Horses competition at the Woolshed.
“Competitors appreciated the event, and said the Woolshed was well suited to hosting the event,” she said.
“The public loved seeing horses around the grounds, and the kids enjoyed the wagon rides.”
Crowd numbers were slightly below anticipated, with around 800 in attendance across the weekend.
The Jondaryan Woolshed historical precinct, is currently owned by Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) until at least late 2026, after which the ownership arrangement, initiated by the former Jondaryan Shire Council, will be reviewed.
At least one Councillor has asked Council to consider selling the historical site, with Cr Bill Cahill saying at the last review in 2023 that he did not consider ownership of the Woolshed to be core business of Council.
At a time when TRC’s budget is constrained by Dam upgrades, the burden continues to fall on a small, but dedicated group of volunteers to maintain the heritage-listed venue.
