SOVEREIGN Hill's draught horses are enjoying a longer than usual holiday but their routine remains vital behind the museum's shut gates.
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The 18-strong team has been in a holding pattern of sorts since Sovereign Hill's closure to the public on March 20, amid the state's initial coronavirus restrictions.
Handlers are keeping up shoeing and basic exercise for the horses who, as athletes, will need to go through a fitness build-up before going back on duty.
Sovereign Hill horse operations manger Alex Chandler said this process would be gradual because intense exercise now was of no major benefit to the horses but it was important to keep a base readiness.
"Once we get a bit more light on a possible opening day or when restrictions will be lifted (for more handlers to help) then we have an ability to get the horses fit and ready, working towards a date," Mr Chandler said.
"Fitness is really important for our horses. Everybody tends to believe horses are just able to do what they do.
"They work reasonably hard but do need RnR (rest and relaxation). They need to be strong so they can do their job as easy as possible and reduce injuries through their work."
Sovereign Hill's horses work in a rotation seven days a week, year-round, except on Christmas Day, which until the coronavirus pandemic was the only day the museum closed to the public.
Mr Chandler said there were generally 12 horses working at any one time in five-hour shifts, including the well-known Clydesdales.
Every horse had at least six weeks' holidays during the year, usually in two-week spells.
He said whether the restrictions would force the horses into two or three months' holidays would not matter greatly - they were all enjoying their time in the paddock with handlers visiting them every day.
Sovereign Hill was one of the first places in Ballarat to close indefinitely due to the pandemic with full and part-time staff working reduced hours.
The open-air museum had been set to celebrate its 50th anniversary later this year.
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