Our Horses
Part of the Family
The Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram would be nothing with out these superstars! Each of our horses is an absolute delight and a treasure.
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Our Clydesdales receive the best possible treatment, with their well-being always being our top priority. All of us who work at the horse tram are passionate about horses and are dedicated to ensuring they are in the best shape possible. Tram operations are immediately ceased if the weather does not allow for safe usage, despite the occasional disappointment this may cause the public – our horses always come first.
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It’s no exaggeration to say our horses receive more attention and care than the average human, with frequent physio, chiro, and massage appointments, and the vet on call for anything out of the ordinary.
For complex issues that go beyond the physical, we also have an animal communicator who helps us become aware of any hidden psychological needs. Additionally, they receive yearly dental treatments and vaccinations, plus a farrier who visits every five weeks to give them the horse equivalent of a ‘manicure and pedicure’, followed by brand-new shoes!
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Each day, when our horses work, they enjoy a stroll or ride on the beach, where we can assess how they’re feeling for the day and whether they are up for their duties. Afterward, they are treated to a mechanical massage, their bodies brushed, hair braided, hooves picked, and their feathers groomed. After three to four runs on the tram (with many carrot treats in between), they have a rinse-off to stay clean, with warm water as an option when those cold winter days roll in. Then they are let out into the yard for their lunchtime break!
Just like our employees, each horse has a work roster with regular days off each week to ensure they maintain the best possible work-life balance. Our horses are naturally active and thrive on their work. They are much like professional athletes who need to keep their fitness up to perform at their best. Simply grazing in paddocks doesn’t provide the exercise they need to stay in top condition.
Traditionally bred as plough horses, these breeds are capable of pulling loads of up to 1000kg! Pulling the tram is a light load compared to their traditional duties, such as working the plough or pulling heavy agricultural equipment. The tram weighs in at 4.5 tonnes, with a maximum pull weight of 170kg (MAX). Due to it has wheels, much like a shopping trolley, an initial push is all that is needed to get it moving, then once in motion, it becomes the driver’s task to slow and apply the brakes as it quickly gains momentum. At the beginning of the day, the tram is pushed out of the tram barn by a single person. If the average person can do it, a horse four times our size will have no trouble!
As horses are herd animals, they find safety in numbers, which is comforting for them as it closely mirrors their natural environment. Keeping our horses together gives them a chance to play and engage in social grooming. Not only do our Clydesdales have great relationships with the staff, but they also have close friendships within the herd and are always surrounded by friendly faces.
If you're curious to learn more about our gentle handling techniques and training methods, we invite you to join us at one of our 'Behind the Scenes Experiences'. Alternatively, if you're interested in discovering how horses can teach us valuable life lessons, book an 'Equine Assisted Learning' session. Help us share our passion for horses and the care we provide them.
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Meet our cherished Clydesdales behind the Victor Harbor Tramway!
ARCHIE
8 years old
16'3 hands high
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Archie joined the Horse Tram family with high hopes and an undeniable charm, quickly earning the nickname ‘Unicorn Clydie’ due to his stunning strawberry roan coat, white markings, and whimsical mane and tail.
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As one of our horses in training, Archie has a lot to learn but shows incredible potential. Affectionate, quick to understand, and always excited to please, he’s a natural people-pleaser and thrives on positive reinforcement. He loves posing for photos, getting dressed up, and gearing up for work—his enthusiasm is evident when he gets visibly antsy if left stationary for too long. With a conformation deemed perfect for tram pulling, Archie’s future is as bright as his vibrant coat, and we’re thrilled to see him succeed.
FINNISS
11 years old
16'3 hands high
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Finniss joined the Horse Tram at the start of 2023, alongside his half-brother Norman. Born just an hour apart, these brothers share an unbreakable bond and have been inseparable since birth. Their sweet affection for each other and natural teamwork made them a perfect addition to the Horse Tram family.
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Finniss is a sensitive soul who’s been taking his time to settle into his new role. He’s currently practising long reining at the paddock, spending time in the office yard to watch the other horses in action, and receiving plenty of love and care. With his intelligence and honest nature, Finniss’s future is looking bright as he prepares to take on Granite Island long reining and riding under saddle.​
NORMAN
11 years old
16'2 hands high
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Norman, with his beautiful dark bay coat and striking white bald face, is a gentle, friendly soul who charms everyone he meets. Speckled with white across his legs, chest, and face, Norman is as cuddly as they come, with a curious and cheeky personality. He joined the Horse Tram in early 2023 alongside his brother Finniss, and the two are inseparable, grazing and exploring side by side.
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Though not a tram-pulling horse, Norman excels in other roles. His calm and social nature makes him perfect for Equine Assisted Learning sessions and Behind-the-Scenes Experiences. He’s also a valuable helper for staff learning long reining, the foundation of tram operations. While Norman thrives on love and attention, he struggles with separation anxiety when away from Finniss and has a strong dislike for the camels that occasionally visit the causeway.
BARNEY
7 years old
18 hands high
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Barney is our tallest and youngest tram horse, with a rich red roan coat and a thick, lush mane that perfectly complements his kingly presence. His regal demeanour gives him a high-and-mighty air, but beneath that noble exterior lies a gentle soul who’s always first to greet you at the gate, eager to learn and quick to respond to training.
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He loves food—plenty of it—and has grand ambitions of becoming the herd leader one day. However, until he earns his place among our joint rulers, Albert and Murray, he’ll have to learn the art of leadership with a little patience. Like true royalty, Barney detests being kept waiting, has a refined palate, and can’t stand worming paste. With his towering stature and commanding personality, Barney is undoubtedly destined for greatness.
SCOTTY
10 years old
16'3 hands high
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Scotty is our littlest tram horse, but don’t let his size fool you. He is an absolute power house. Scotty easily pulls a tram and really gets it up and moving too. Scotty loves a game and loves to play a little ‘catch me if you can’ in the mornings, but if staff don’t play the game then he approaches staff and catches them. He doesn’t really mind getting haltered, he’s just having some fun.
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​Scotty is also a lovely riding horse and a frequently chosen favourite of the staff. Scotty has great balance and rhythm and really enjoys long rides on the beach and splashing in the ocean. Scotty is pretty fearless, especially for his tender years. Scotty has been carrying passengers on the tram since he was five.
MURRAY
14 years old
17'2 hands high
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Murray, the Rolls Royce of the Horse Tram family, is a true champion and staff favourite. At 14 years old and 17.2 hands high, this bright bay gelding with four white socks and a bold white blaze pulls the tram with such ease that you’d hardly know it’s there. Named after the Murray River, he’s also an exceptional riding horse, bonding deeply with his rider and loving long beach rides where he can stretch into a free-spirited canter. Sensible and serious, Murray holds a senior role in the herd, sharing hay biscuits with his best mate Albert and commanding respect from all.
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While Murray loves his work and thrives on praise, he’s selective about his interactions, preferring familiar faces and keeping strangers at a distance. His sensitivity is cherished by the team, who ensure he’s always comfortable and respected. A standout at the 2023 Heavy Horse Festival, Murray impressed with his impeccable condition and performance, showcasing his love for work and his place as a valued member of the Horse Tram family.
ELLIOT
13 years old
17 hands high
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Elliot is easily recognisable as he has a big white face and a blue eye on one side. Blue eyes are normal and healthy and Elliot’s vision is perfect. The eye appears blue due to a lack of pigment.
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He pulls the tram easily and is one of the Horse Tram’s strongest and fittest horse. He is reliable and steady. If something goes wrong, Elliot will get you through! Elliot teaches new tram drivers the ropes. He also teaches new juniors how to long rein. Elliot inducts all of our junior riders, and Elliot’s latest accomplishment is helping teach one of our new horses, Leo, how to lead from a rider on a horse. Elliot is worth his weight in gold!
NED
8 years old
16'3 hands high
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Ned is the ultimate sweetheart of the Horse Tram family, with his white bald face markings, rich light bay coat, and soft, endearing eyes that perfectly match his gentle personality. His athletic and hardy build only adds to his charm, making him a true delight to be around.
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He adores people, thrives on attention, and is always up for a cuddle. His quirky habit of licking everything and everyone has earned him the playful reputation of being part dog—a theory we’re not entirely ready to dismiss!
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Ned’s love for carrots and affection knows no bounds, but he draws the line at cold water and cold-hearted people who resist his cuddles. Honest, trusting, and always ready to give something new a go, Ned is the cuddliest and most affectionate Clydie you could ever meet.
RUSTY
16 years old
17'2 hands high
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Rusty, affectionately known as our ‘Counterfeit Clydesdale,’ stands out with his dappled brown coat, striking white blaze, and unmistakable charm. While he may look like one of the Clydies to the untrained eye, Rusty is, in fact, a stunning Australian draught horse—and we wouldn’t have him any other way!
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Strong-minded yet cuddly, Rusty is a dedicated worker with big dreams of becoming a tram horse. Though he’s the only non-Clydesdale in the team, he tries his hardest to fit in, and his loveable personality has made him a favourite among staff and visitors alike.
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Despite his award-winning past as a plough horse, Rusty’s transition to tram work has come with its challenges. He can light up the training yard but occasionally suffers from stage fright when it’s time to shine on the causeway. With his determination and practice, though, we’re confident he’ll master it.
KARNI
18 years old
16'2 hands high
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Karni, the elder statesman of the Horse Tram family, boasts a stunning strawberry roan coat and a windswept mane and tail with a touch of distinguished grey. As the shortest and smallest tram horse, he carries an undeniable cuteness—but don’t let him hear that! Karni has a reputation to uphold, and his calm, cool, and collected demeanour radiates ‘chilled surfer dude’ vibes.
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Semi-retired but still keen to help out, Karni takes life at his own pace, preferring slow strolls along the causeway and splashing in the water on beach days. He’s the perfect training horse and a dream to ride, always strutting along with quiet confidence. As the ‘Granddad’ of the team, Karni is a lone ranger who commands respect from all, with no time for nonsense or disruptions to his flow.
ALBERT
16 years old
17'3 hands high
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Albert, with his kind and loving spirit, carries himself like an old soul, wise beyond his 16 years. Named after Lake Albert, he exudes quiet dignity, pulling the tram as if royalty were aboard—head held high and chest puffed with pride. His beautiful strawberry roan coat only adds to his noble appearance. Albert is unique among the tram horses as the only one who refuses to wear winkers. While the rest of the team is happy with their limited rear vision, Albert insists on seeing the world around him, so no winkers it is!
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Albert’s best friend is Murray, and the two are inseparable—grazing, grooming, snoozing, and even sharing hay. A firm favourite of the human crew, Albert is a gentle leader, guiding both horse and human trainees with ease. He loves pats and scratches, particularly behind his ears and under his chest, and enjoys lazy summer days, breakfast, and the final gentle trot home from Granite Island. Albert’s only dislike? Winkers—this observant soul wouldn’t have it any other way.
