{"id":1598,"date":"2010-08-13T02:35:23","date_gmt":"2010-08-13T02:35:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=1598"},"modified":"2025-10-28T23:59:51","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T23:59:51","slug":"waler","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/waler","title":{"rendered":"Waler Horse"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

Not an officially recognized breed, the Waler Horse is a definite type that has made themselves renowned worldwide for their hardy nature. The name Waler was coined in India in 1846 referring to the horses of New South Wales. The walers were a popular breed for the Australian Light Horse mounted forces.
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Origins<\/h3>\n

There are some that believe the pureblooded Waler Horses are actually extinct and their living ancestors are the Australian Stock Horse<\/a> (and possibly some of the feral Brumbies<\/a>). However, whether through natural selection or the intervention of man, neither of these breeds resemble the Waler physically.<\/p>\n

The first horses were taken to Australia around 300 years ago by European settlers who named their new home New South Wales. Eventually their animals became known as Walers. Their bloodlines were influenced by a variety of breeds over time including Arabian<\/a>, Thoroughbred<\/a>, Anglo-Arabian<\/a>, Timor ponies<\/a>, Clydesdale<\/a>, Percheron<\/a>, Suffolk Punch<\/a> and Cleveland Bay<\/a>. Survival in harsh Australian conditions and the periodic infusion of exotic, outside blood created a definite type, essentially all animals locally bred in Australia with obvious signs of good blood were considered Walers. <\/p>\n

Only a handful of the old Waler breed remains, usually in the hands of private enthusiasts or in remote outposts. The DAD-IS reports that as of 2022, there were between 30-400 left in Australia. <\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Average height 15.2 – 16 hands<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

There is a wide variety of conformations, some heavier displaying draft influence and others lighter with more desert horse characteristics.<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors<\/h3>\n

All colors<\/a><\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Loyal and true
\nIntelligent and willing<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

Riding horse
\nMilitary<\/p>\n

Helpful Links<\/h3>\n

* all links open in a new window<\/small>
\nWaler Horse Society of Australia<\/a>
\nWaler Horse Owners & Breeders Association<\/a>
\nRare Breeds Trust of Australia<\/a>
\nAustralian Stock Horse Society<\/a><\/p>\n

Where to Buy<\/h3>\n

Grassbrook Walers<\/a>
\nTreasure’s Walers<\/a><\/p>\n

Waler Horse Studs<\/h3>\n

Emu Gully Heritage Stockhorse Waler Stud<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
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Video<\/h3>\n