Australian Stock Horse facts for kids
Australian Stock Horse
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| Country of origin | Australia |
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| Breed standards | |
| Australian Stock Horse Society | Breed standards |
| Horse (Equus ferus caballus) | |
The Australian Stock Horse is a special type of horse from Australia. It was bred to be tough and strong, perfect for the Australian environment. This hardy breed of horse is known for its amazing endurance, quick movements, and calm nature. Its story began when the very first horses arrived in Australia from Europe, Africa, and Asia. Today, these horses are used for many different activities. They are still very important working horses for stockmen and stockwomen across Australia.
Contents
The Story of the Australian Stock Horse
The history of the Australian Stock Horse goes back to January 1788. That's when the First Fleet arrived in Botany Bay, bringing the first nine horses to Australia. These early horses came from different breeds. Some were Thoroughbreds, others were Cape of Good Hope Horses (which had Barb and Spanish horse roots). There were also Arabians, Timor Ponies, and Welsh Mountain Ponies.
Over time, horses in Australia were bred to be very strong and have great stamina. Only the toughest animals were allowed to have foals. In the 1830s, more Thoroughbreds were brought in to make the local horses even better. Later, in the mid-1900s, some American Quarter Horses were also added to the mix.
The Australian Stock Horse and the Waler horse share a similar past. The "station horse" was an ancestor to both breeds. These horses were famous for being tough and having great endurance. The Australian Army even used them in World War I.
However, the modern Australian Stock Horse is not as big as the Waler Horse. The larger horses were sent to war or kept for breeding Walers. They needed to carry soldiers with heavy weapons and packs. Some of the biggest horses also pulled carts. But the Australian Stock Horse today still has that amazing toughness and endurance.
In June 1971, people decided to officially recognize the Australian Stock Horse as its own breed. Over 100 campdrafters and horse breeders met in Tamworth, New South Wales. They formed the Australian Stock Horse Society. Many of these people had been breeding stock horses from old Australian lines. They also used some Arabians, Thoroughbreds, and a few excellent ponies. Most of the first horses registered were known for being great at campdrafting and working with cattle in the rugged Great Dividing Range.
At first, three experts would check each horse before it could be registered. They looked at its body shape, family history, and athletic skills. The best horses were added to the main Stud Book. Some others were approved for a special appendix.
Fourteen specific "foundation sires" (male horses) are very important to the breed. Most well-bred Australian Stock Horses can trace their family tree back to one of these horses. Some were from old Australian stock, like Saladin, Cecil, and his son Radium. Others were Thoroughbreds, such as Rivoli and Commandant. Later, horses like Rivoli Ray and Warrenbri Romeo, and some American Quarter Horses, also had a big impact.
Using Quarter Horse bloodlines can be a bit of a debate. Some breeders prefer to stick to the older lines. Breeders who want to bring in outside horses have to pay high fees to the society. This encourages them to only choose truly worthwhile horses.
What Makes Them Special?
The Australian Stock Horse is bred to be smart, brave, tough, and full of stamina. These horses are strong, quick, and sure-footed. They also have a calm and willing personality. All colors of horses are allowed. They usually stand between 14 and 16.2 hands.
A perfect Australian Stock Horse has good proportions for its size. It should have a refined, expressive head with big eyes and a wide forehead. The neck is long and arched, connecting well to the head. The withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades) should be clear. Overall, they are well-muscled but not too bulky. They have a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, a strong, wide back, and powerful hindquarters. Their hooves are hard and well-shaped.
Australian Stock Horses Today
About 190,000 Australian Stock Horses are registered with the Australian Stock Horse Society. These horses are used in many different sports and activities. This includes polo, polocrosse, dressage, campdrafting, show jumping, eventing, and endurance riding. They also compete in stockman challenges, Pony Club events, and general hacking. Of course, they are still used for stock work on large cattle stations.
While motorcycles and helicopters are now used for rounding up cattle in flatter areas, horses are still essential. They are needed for mustering (rounding up) livestock in rough mountain areas.
Famous Moments
The Australian Stock Horse was honored at the 2000 Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony. One Stock Horse reared up, and then 120 more were ridden into the stadium. They performed amazing movements to music from the film The Man from Snowy River. An Australian Stock Horse named Crown Law has even represented Australia in World Championship and Olympic dressage competitions.
As of 2008, the Australian Outback Spectacular show on the Gold Coast, Queensland, used 42 Australian Stock Horses. Thirty-one of these horses performed in the show on a rotating basis.
See Also
- Horse breeds originating in Australia
