The roots of the Australian Stock Horse are parallel to those of the Waler. Many breeds have influenced the development of the Australian Stock Horse, however Thoroughbred bloodlines dominate. Working abilities, especially campdrafting, have been prioritised above bloodline pedigree in selective breeding of this horse.
Like the Waler, The Australian Stock Horse is a descendant of the original stock to arrive in Australia from Europe, Africa and Asia. The breeds in the early importations included the Thoroughbred, Cape of Good Hope Horse (descended from Barb and Spanish horses), Arabian, Timor Pony and the Welsh Mountain Pony. Selective breeding processes eliminated the weak and only allowed the superior to procreate. The 1800's and 1900's saw Thoroughbred and American Quarterhorse bloodlines enhance the local strains.
Throughout the years, these horses were responsible for heavy labour such as clearing timber, ploughing and cattle work.
It wasn't until the 1971 that the Australian Stock Horse was acknowledged as an official breed, when the Australian Stock Horse Society was founded. The objective of this group was to promote, preserve and develop horses of ‘Waler Type', with a special focus on their capacity to work cattle. It is at this point that horses of ‘Waler Type' diverged into two distinct breeds.
To be eligible for entry into the ASHA, a horse was judged by a panel of three classifiers. Selection criteria included conformation and type, breeding, ability (working). There was no particular mandate to prove Waler origins. Those horses that sufficiently fulfilled the relevant criteria were subsequently registered as Australian Stockhorses. The studbook expanded rapidly, and in 1988, the Association closed it. Now, only the progeny of registered horses could qualify for entry. Since then, special regulations and exception rules have been created. Unlike the ASHA, The Waler Horse Society of Australia, established later in 1986, stipulated that horses must be of proven Waler origins in order to be eligible for entry.
Today, the society has 66 branches throughout the country, who organise competitions and activities for members of the registry.
The Australian Stock Horse has an innate ability to serve as a cattle worker. Although, the speciality of the Stock Horse is campdrafting, the breed participates in number of other equestrian activities including polo, polocrosse, hacking, dressage, show jumping, eventing and endurance riding. Some are still seen working on rural properties.
Australian Stock Horses usually stand between 14 and 16 hands high and can come in any solid colour. Long, arched necks, deep chests are broad backs are also characteristic.
