The Australian Stock Horse may be traced back to the landing of the early Colony at Botany Bay in January 1788, when nine horses were brought to Australia for the first time. The Thoroughbred, Cape of Good Hope Horse, Arabian, Timor Pony, and Welsh Mountain Pony was among the first horse breeds imported. Its origins may be traced back to the earliest horses imported to Australia from Europe, Africa, and Asia.
In Australia, horses were bred for endurance and strength, with inferior animals being culled and only the strongest being permitted to breed. Additional Thoroughbreds were introduced into Australia in the 1830s to strengthen the indigenous strains, and American Quarter Horse infusions were used in the mid-20th century.
Though they are unique breeds, the Australian Stock Horse and the Waler horse have similar origins. The Australian Army utilized the terminal horse, which was an ancestor of both breeds, in the First World War and was known for its tenacity and endurance. The Australian Stock Horse was developed specifically for the Australian climate.
When the Australian Stock Horse Society was founded in New South Wales in 1971, the breed was formally recognized. Three classifiers analyzed the conformation, breeding, and athletic abilities of a range of animals to establish the first studbooks. The best were chosen for inclusion in the studbook.
Many of these folks produced stock horses with genetics traceable back to native stock, as well as Arabians, Thoroughbreds, and a few exceptional ponies. The majority of the early ASH registrations were of horses from bloodlines that excelled in one or more areas.
Only the most capable offspring were allowed to grow up. Additional Thoroughbreds were brought beginning in the nineteenth century to strengthen local strains, and American Quarter Horses were introduced in the mid-twentieth century.
In comparison to the Waler Horse, the modern Australian Stock Horse is smaller. The horses that were taken abroad to fight in wars and then maintained back home to be bred into Walers were the larger animals since they had to carry a rider and the additional weight of weaponry. Water carts and carriages were pulled by some of the heaviest animals.
Body Structure
In many areas, the perfect Australian Stock Horse is appropriately balanced for its size. A clean edge, passionate head with large eyes, and a broad forehead are desired. The neck is broad and curved, and the head is firmly planted. The withers should have a distinct shape. Generally, the horse has a well-muscled but not bulky appearance, with appropriate morphology such as a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, a strong and broad back, and powerful hindquarters. Hands and feet that are firm are well-formed. The height of the model ranges from 15 to 16.2 hands and the weight is well proportional around 1200Ib.
The Australian Stock Horse is known for its cleverness, bravery, tenacity, and endurance. The horse will be healthy, nimble, and quick-moving, with a sure gait. It’ll have a calm and responsive demeanor. Colors of any hue are permissible.
Diets and Health
Roughage, such as grass, hay, and chaff, should be provided in sufficient quantities; items such as wheat, corn, barley, and oats provide energy, so the horse should be adequately exercised, and the horse requires an average of 20 liters of water each day. They have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.
A sturdy breed with no documented equine health issues; navicular syndrome, melanomas, arthritis, laminitis, and stringhalt are all possible problems.
Uses
It is still appreciated as a working horse by stockmen and stock women across Australia, and it is employed in a variety of disciplines. Stock horses are utilized in a variety of competitive sports. It’s also used in stockman competitions.