THE ANIMALS OF CELTICFEST
Get to know some of the animals you'll see at the 2023 CelticFest. You can even get up close and personal with some of them! (Highland Coos!)
HIGHLAND COOS
Prepare to fall in love with the Highland Cow, affectionately referred to as a Heilan coo. This heritage cattle breed originates from the Scottish Highlands and Western Islands of Scotland, and is visually majestic, with sweeping horns, a long shaggy coat, and a distinctive messy forelock, known as a dossan. While primarily raised for beef (and yes, it is hard to believe anyone could eat these gorgeous animals), Highland cows are currently considered endangered in the UK, their homeland, as of 2021, and are a growing breed in Australia.
At CelticFest Warwick 2025 you can experience at first hand the magnificent highland cattle from Keans Agri Leyburn Highland Stud. Ian and Carolyn Keans are local highland cattle breeders near Warwick who will share their insights on raising Highland cattle in Queensland, through informative talks. They are dedicated to ethically and sustainably keeping grass-fed cattle while focusing on preserving Highland cattle genetics. You will also have opportunities for pats and selfies with the cows. So don’t miss this chance to get up close and personal with a Highland Cow!
Fun fact: While most groups of cattle are known as ‘herds’, groups of Highland cows are called a ‘fold’ - this is because in days gone by, Highland cows were traditionally held in stone-walled shelters called folds, to protect them from the weather at night in the freezing winters of Scotland.
IRISH WOLFHOUNDS
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest breeds of dog, with the males standing up to 86cm tall, and weighing over 50kg! They were used as a hunting dog by the Gaels (the Celtic peoples of Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man), who called them Cu Faoil, which translates to ‘hound’ and ‘wolf’ - ergo, wolfhound! While they look imposing, the Irish Wolfhound is typically quiet in nature, with the historical motto of ‘gentle while stroked, fierce when provoked’.
CelticFest Warwick is very pleased to have some of these striking creatures at the 2025 event - and if you ask their owners nicely, I’m sure their wolfhounds would love a pat or two!
Fun fact: The Irish Wolfhound is the regimental mascot of the Irish Guards.
FRIESIANS
CelticFest welcomes back members of the Friesian Performance Group to Warwick for the 2025 event, with their beautifully choreographed routines and colourful costumes creating a must-see show for young and old alike - and they may also be available for pats too!
The Friesian is a horse breed that originates in the Friesland area of The Netherlands, and is believed to date back to the 4th century. In medieval times the Friesian was used to carry knights into battle, and then in the 18th and 19th centuries for agriculture and harness work, but these days the breed is mainly used for recreational riding and carriage driving.
This elegant animal is known for its all-black colour, long flowing mane and tail, high stepping action when trotting, and feathering on its legs.
LIGHT HORSE
CelticFest is delighted to welcome back the 11th Light Horse Darling Downs Troop to CelticFest Warwick 2025, where it will participate in displays of horsemanship in the Main Arena. Come and watch this historical re-enactment group, as they bring Australian military history to life!
The 11th Light Horse Darling Downs Troop retains a close association with the modern 2nd/14th Regiment, and competes in cavalry Skill at Arms events, ANZAC Day ceremonies and other formal events across the Darling Downs region to honour the legacy of the Australian Light Horse. The Australian Light Horse was a skilled formation of mounted infantry of the Australian Imperial Force; these men fought at Gallipoli (without their horses) and mostly served in Egypt and the Middle East.
In February 1915, the former 3rd Darling Downs Light Horse was expanded and renamed the 11th Light Horse Regiment. It remained under the command of Lt Col William Grant from Bowenville, and served with distinction at Gallipoli and subsequently across North Africa.
The purpose of the troop is to honour the skills and ethos of the Australian Light Horse and the contribution these made to the formation of the Australian character. Whilst it has a military connection, all members are volunteers with an interest in horse skills and various other forms of equestrian activities.
CAMPDRAFTING
Campdrafting is one of Australia’s most iconic and thrilling equestrian sports - and it is coming to CelticFest Warwick! It is a fast-paced display of precision, partnership, and stock sense that celebrates the unique bond between horse and rider. A sport born from the bush, riders must demonstrate control, courage, and lightning-quick decision-making. The rider has to show their ability to cut a beast from the camp on horseback and show their control with at least two or three turns of the beast whilst blocking it from its herd. The rider will then take it out of the yard and through a course around pegs involving right and left hand turns in a figure eight, before guiding it through two pegs known as “the gate”.
The first formal campdrafting competition was held in 1885, at the Tenterfield Show. Clarence Smith, a respected cattleman and horse breeder, laid down the original rules of the sport. His legacy lives on not only in the spirit of modern campdrafting but also in a commemorative monument at the Tenterfield Showgrounds, unveiled 120 years after that very first event. Today, campdrafting continues to thrive across regional Australia, bringing together generations of riders, horses, and spectators.