Australian Stock Horse

Intro

Perhaps made most famous by a scene in The Man from Snowy River, during which an Australian Stock Horse and his rider plunge down the side of a mountain. This breed owes some of its quickness, toughness and adaptability to their brumby blood.

Origins

Developed over time from the original Australian horse breed the Whaler, the Australian stock horse’s original bloodlines arrived on the Australian continent in 1788. This included Thoroughbred, Cape of Good Hope Horse, Arabian, Timor Pony and Welsh Mountain pony.

Early horses on the continent were bred for strength, stamina and easy care in difficult environments. Only the strongest offspring were allowed to reach adulthood. Early in the 19th century additional Thoroughbreds were imported to improve local strains and the mid-20th century saw an infusion of American Quarter Horse.

Sister Breed

The Australian Stock and the Waler horse have similar genetic roots, but are separate breeds today. Their common ancestor, the Station Horse was used during WWI by the Australian Army. They were prized for their endurance and robust nature.

Modern Australian Stock Horses

The breed was officially recognized in 1971 when the Australian Stock Horse Society was formed in New South Wales. Initial studbooks were created by three classifiers who assessed the conformation, breeding and athletic ability of a variety of animals. The finest were accepted in the studbook. There was controversy over adding American Quarter horse bloodlines, as some purists prefer older strains of the breed. Bringing outside blood into the studbook requires paying high fees to the society.