THE 2025 Benalla Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Driving Day held May 3 was an outstanding success and a chance for the large crowd to see the strength and beauty of heavy horses in action and continue the legacy of these animals that built this nation.
The event began more than 20 years ago at the Marriott family’s farm and home of the Aarunga Clydesdale Stud at Tatong.
It has moved to the Moorngag Recreation Reserve in recent years, an easy 30-minute drive from Benalla.
Hosted by the Victorian Branch of the Commonwealth Clydesdale Horse Society (CCHS), it is one of several events that provides support for new members wanting to learn more about their Clydesdale horse.
The society considers sponsoring and mentoring its junior members a priority as was evident at the recent event which ran a junior ring.
There were senior and novice rings as well as horses available for beginners and tuition for those who wanted to gain driving skills.
Several of the classes were set up so competitors could gain points towards the championship.
The senior ring competitors showcased the skills needed to drive a single horse in long reins, with a tyre and a sled.
Driving a pair of horses in long reins proved more challenging with some pairing up for the first time.
This year’s winner of the Max and Kristin Marriot Memorial Trophy – Champion Horse of the Day was an emotional moment for Julie Barber from Walla Walla in NSW when her name was announced.
Julie and Aarunga Spot On also took out Best Purebred Clydesdale Horse of the Day.
The memorial presentation conducted by Max’s son Andrew Marriott was in honour of his father and Kristin who tragically died in 2023.
“The Marriotts bred Aarunga Spot On who is now eight years old, and I acquired him four years ago,” she said.
Julie spoke of the Marriotts with great affection and how winning the award “felt fantastic” after many years of hard work.
The Marriott family has shown both led and harness Clydesdales at royal and country shows since the 1940s.
“I have been actively involved with Clydesdales and the families Aarunga Stud all my life,” said Andrew.
He was recently appointed committee member to the CCHS Victorian Branch.
“I look forward to working alongside them to promote the breed for future generations," he said.
The Marriott Clydesdales were often seen at the November Mansfield Show over many years providing an opportunity for people to see these beautiful horses put through their paces.
The Mansfield link was further strengthened with Kristin (nee Arnold) when she worked as a veterinarian with Rod Manning and later on her own.
Many who knew her, speak of her dedication and willingness to do whatever it took to help a sick animal.
The horse world is known for its close-knit community and the Marriott family has always been respected and much loved.
This strong relationship is illustrated by Benalla’s Lucy and Brent Hansen who were part of the organising committee for the event.
“My connection to the Marriott family goes back to my grandfather, Ivor Barber, who also bred and showed Clydesdales,” said Lucy.
“It was through my auntie, Julie Barber — who was awarded the Max and Kristin Memorial Trophy on Saturday — that I was introduced to the Marriott family.
“Kristin and I shared a particularly close bond; my mum Elizabeth and Kristin would often joke that they shared a daughter,” she said.
“When my husband Brent and I found out we were expecting our first child, we both knew that if we had a boy, he would be named after Max Marriott — a man who was not only strong and knowledgeable, but also passionate, kind and deeply caring.
“We hope to instill some of Max Marriott’s qualities in our little Max,” Lucy said.
The legacy continues.
Results Benalla Heavy Horse Driving Day -2025
Senior Ring - Max and Kristin Marriott Memorial Trophy – Champion Horse of the Day (highest points scored) - Aarunga Spot On, driven by Julie Barber - Walla Walla, NSW.
Best Purebred Clydesdale Horse of the Day - Aarunga Spot On, driven by Julie Barber - Walla Walla, NSW.
The Spirit Memorial Trophy – Best Heavy Horse - Any Other Breed - Fashion, driven by Matt Fitzgerald - Katamatite, Victoria.
Novice Ring - Ross Hillis Memorial Trophy – Highest point scorer novice driver - Amy Scott, driving Bethany - Strathfieldsaye - Victoria.
Junior Ring - Nance and Dave Weavers Junior Driver Encouragement Award - Maddie Van Der Zalm, driving Jasper - Benalla, Victoria.