The Australian Stock Horse is a hardy, selectively bred animal descended from the first English thoroughbreds and Spanish horses that arrived in 1788 with the first fleet of British ships, which included settlers and convicts. Although they have the same origin as the Australian Water Horse, they are now considered to be different breeds.
Bob Langrish Photo
The Australian Stock Horse benefited from the later introduction of Arabians, Timors and Welsh Mountain Ponies, which further improved the breed and gave it the strength and endurance needed to survive in the harsh, wild Australian outback. They were bred for employ by explorers, stockmen, settlers and bushrangers, and by 1850 Australian Stock Horses were being exported to India, where they were used by the British as cavalry horses – a role for which they were ideally suited due to their stamina and soundness.
The Australian Stock Horse Society was formed in 1971 to maintain a stud book and promote the breed, of which there are currently about 50,000 registered horses. Their list of prominent breeders is a who's who of the Australian equestrian society. The list is updated annually and includes all members who breed and register a significant number of horses. The member must have bred and registered at least six horses born during the last two breeding seasons at the time of updating.
Characteristics
Australian Stock Horses have pretty heads, broad foreheads, straight noses, alert ears and expressive eyes. They are smart and have a genial appearance, broad chest, long neck, well-developed hindquarters, robust legs and sturdy hooves. The breed is known for its intelligence, athleticism, speed, endurance, obedience and pleasant temperament. Any solid coat color is acceptable, but the most common is brown. These horses generally range in height from 14 to 16.2 hh.
Application
Australian Stock Horses are suitable for riding and working cattle on farms, but are also successful in equestrian sports such as dressage, polo and polocrosse, eventing and pony club events. They are also used in campdrafting, a popular Australian sport in which the participant selects an animal from a herd of cattle and runs it around a course.
For more information, see:
Australian Stock Horse Society
Bob Langrish Photo
