Nhill Draught Horse Memorial

Situated on a grass patch in the rural Australian town of Nhill lies the Nhill Draught Horse Memorial. This interesting statue commemorates and tells the story of the significance of draught horses to the local area. The work was designed by Australian artist Stanley Hammond, before being constructed from bronze by Joseph Oscar Swift in 1968. 

Australian draught horses are best known for their strength and temperament. They were used for many purposes including plowing fields, delivering products, and transporting goods over long distances. This made them an integral part of the development of Nhill and other similar farming communities across Australia. 

Situated between Adelaide and Melbourne, Nhill was one of the first towns in Victoria to receive electricity supply in the late 1800s and the draught horses were used in the area until the 1950’s when their hard work was replaced by tractors and other motor vehicles. 

The memorial reads the following message which pays tribute to the animals: “Let all who stand here know that a major part of Australia`s development was due to the toil of the faithful Draught Horse.”