Roots and History

The Australian Stock Horse, possibly the world's most versatile horse, evolved through selective breeding in response to the demands of the environment.

The history of the breed began with the arrival of the First Fleet which brought the first horses to Australia in 1788. These were of English Thoroughbred and Spanish stock. Later importations included more Thoroughbreds, Arabs, Timor and Welsh Mountain Ponies.   All horses sent to the Colony needed strength and stamina - not only to survive the long sea journey, but also to work in the foreign, untamed environment that had become their home.

After Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson crossed the Blue Mountains in 1813, settlers ventured inland and strong reliable horses became a necessity.  Explorers, stockmen, settlers, bushrangers and troopers all relied on horses that could travel long distances, day after day. Weak horses were culled but the stronger types were used to breed sturdy saddle horses which were essential for the Colony's settlement.  Despite the mixed origins of these horses, they developed into a strong and handsome type which was eventually called the Waler after the Colony of New South Wales.

The hardiness of the Waler made him a natural mount for the cavalry and when the British found themselves under- mounted at the time of the Indian Mutiny the Waler came to the rescue. By the end of 1858, nearly 3000 had been sent to India and had proved themselves far superior to the local breeds.  In the Boer War, the Waler was exported in even greater numbers
and from 1899 to 1902 nearly 16,000 horses served in such regiments as the Lancers, Commonwealth Horse, Mounted Rifles and Bushmen's Troop.

Later in the Middle East during the First World War, generals and cavalrymen from 20 nations, fighting on both sides, saw that the Australian horses were again more reliable and showed greater endurance than the other breeds.  About 160,000 Australian horses served in World War 1 and their performance was best summed up by R.M. Preston D.S.O. in his book "The Desert Mounted Corps" - "The majority of horses in the Corps were Walers and there is no doubt that these hardy Australian horses make the finest cavalry mounts in the world".

After the First World War, despite the recognition Australian Horses had won and although the Waler was known as a distinctive type, there was no Stud Book or Registry. Mechanization of primary industries reduced the need for working horses and it was not until the 1960's that an interest in horses was revived due to the increasing leisure time available to society.

Mr. Alex Braid of Wellington invited Mr. John Kenneth Mackay, from Dungog, to chair the Inaugural Meeting on 28th April 1971 at the Cole Dudgeon Hall, Sydney. Mr. Herbert Griffith of Scone, and Alex Braid gathered together a group of enthusiasts to discuss the formation of the Society at the Inaugural Meeting. Ken Mackay's opening address spoke of the Waler   in the Boer War and the War of 1914 - 1918 as well as Stock Horses in general.

On 15th June 1971, a General Meeting was called at the Tamworth RSL Club to launch The Australian Stock Horse Society. At last our home-bred horses were given the recognition and formal organization they deserved. Approximately one hundred people gathered at the meeting where Office Bearers and a Management Council were elected.

The Society quickly spread and Branches were formed in Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory. The movement reached Victoria in 1973, Western Australia and Tasmania soon after. In 1973, due to the number of Branches which were already formed, the Branch delegates formed State Management Councils. A Federal Council was then elected consisting of delegates from the respective State Management Councils.

The Inaugural President, Mr. Bryant Gavin, once stated that although the climate and economic conditions from time to time make it very difficult for some members to participate in the Society's affairs, we must remain indebted for the obvious sacrifices which so many country folk are prepared to share. Without members to organize Branches, Classification days and many other activities throughout Australia, there would be no Society in the future.

Mission Statement

The Vision:

The Australian Stock Horse Society wants the Australian Stock Horse to have the highest profile of any breed of horse in Australia with worldwide recognition.

The Goals:

To preserve the heritage and identity of the Australian Stock Horse.

To promote the development and popularity of Australian Stock Horses throughout Australia and the world.

To maximise the benefits of owning a Registered Australian Stock Horse and being a Member of The Australian Stock Horse Society.

                                                The Mission:

To maintain the heritage and to promote the bloodlines and high performance of the Australian Stock Horse among equestrian activities and the general public. 

As Australia developed rapidly with the exploration following the 1830's, knowledgeable horse breeders imported a steady stream of Thoroughbreds to improve the local horse strains. The use of Thoroughbred stallions over the condition-hardened local mares produced the beautiful strain of tough but stylish animal exemplified by today's Australian Stock Horse.

The Australian Stock Horse will excel at all equestrian sports including: Campdrafting, Polocrosse, Polo, Working, Led, Ridden classes, Showjumping, Hacking, Pony Club, Dressage, Sporting, Polo, Eventing, Endurance and Riding for the Disabled.

...The Australian Stock Horse truly is... The Breed for Every Need