Australian Waler

Named for its place of origin (New South Wales), this saddle horse played an important role during the early settlement of Australia. While each of the Australian states developed separately, the horse retained the term 'Waler.' Australia has no indigenous horses and the first were introduced during the late 18th century by European settlers. These early introductions came initially form South Africa and South America, and later from Europe and the USA. English Thoroughbred and Arabian stock was in great demand by the local breeders. Hack mares were crossed with Arabians, Thoroughbred, and Anglo-Arabians. The Waler was also bred in New Zealand, and both Australia and New Zealand became major exporters of this excellent saddle horse.

The best of this breed carried many Thoroughbred characteristics. The Waler averaged 16 hands high and was available in all solid colors. A horse of equable disposition and more stamina than a Thoroughbred, the Waler was a good, general purpose saddle horse. This horse has an aptitude for riding and light draft, and it makes a good jumper or polo pony. It has a mesomorphic conformation, and stands between 14.2 to 16 hands high. Typically coat colors are bay, brown, black, grey, or roan. The head is well-proportioned with a straight profile, long ears, and flared nostrils. Its long and well-fromed neck flows into primonent withers. The shoulder is rather straight, and its chest is wide and deep. Its back is long and straight, and its croup slightly sloping. The solidly built legs are well-mucled, and have strong joints, and clean tendons. The feet are well-shaped. The Waler is even-tempered and possesses a good deal of stamina. Agile and brave, it is suitable for police or ranch work, and it is capable of galloping ofer long distances.

After 1932, the breed experienced a progressive decline as well as many conformational changes. These changes varied from the original physique of the Waler, and became today's Stock Horse. Defined as a country-bred breed, the Waler was given a new name in 1971 with the formation of the stud book for the Australian Stock Horse.

This hard-working horse played a key role in the development of Australia as a nation. From Basuto ponies, Cape horses, as well as Arabians, Barbs, and Thoroughbreds, the Waler was developed int he first 40 years of settlement of Australia. It carried farmers all day around their giant ranches, and became popular as a cavalry mount. The Australian army, as well as troops in India and South Africa rode on Walers. Approximately 16,000 of these horses served during the Boer War and another 121,000 served during the First World War. Walers were also used as police mounts and mounts for rodeo contestants. This sturdy breed lives on in its legacy, the Australian Stock Horse. It is no wonder that the Waler became the number one choice among Australian ranchers.

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© 1997-2002 NorthWest Breyer Horse Club.
Published June 2000 in the North West Breyer Horse Club newsletter. (em)

Animated horse-drawn wagon © 1997-2007 NW Breyer Horse Club
& Refiner of Gold Creations

Equinealities in place since 1997,
Section in place 2001,
Updated 3/13/2007
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