Australian Stock Horse

The first horses were taken to Australia in 1788 by Governor Aurthur Phillip and were imported from the South African Cape. From that time on, an increasing number of horses were imported, mainly Thoroughbreds and Arabians, and these were selectively bred in the New South Wales area for ranch work on the huge sheep stations. The tough and enduring horse that evolved was called a Waler, after the region, but was never registered as a breed.

The early Walers were highly regarded both as working ranch horses and as cavalry, and then later, during the First World War, they were used in huge numbers by the allied forces. In fact, during this time so many Walers were exported that numbers were severely depleted and by the end of the Second World War they had largely disappeared. The Australian Stock Horse developed from the Waler and was based on a largely Anglo-Arab type, having evolved through crosses between Arabians and Throughbreds. In 1954, there were large infusions of American Quarter Horse stallions - Vaquero, Jackeroo, Risbon, and Gold Standard - were to have an important effect on the Stock  Horse breed. There is probably also Percheron blood in the breed, which may account for their substance. In 1971, the Australian Stock Horse Society was formed and continues to promote and regulate the breed. They are an excellent versatile horse and have good temperaments, being willing, lively, quick, and possessed of good stamina.

In appearance, the Stock Horse is a quality animal rather similar to the Thoroughbred, but with more bone and substance. They should have an attractive and fine head with a broad forehead and large, kind eyes. The neck should be in proportion to the body, and should be well-set onto good, sloping shoulders. They are deep through the chest, though not excessively wide, and should have a strong back and rounded ribcage. The quarters are very powerful and muscular, and the legs strong and tough with well-formed feet. They can be any whole color, although are often bay, and stand at between 14.2 hh and 16.2 hh.