Stock Horse Society clocks up 50 years of history
The Australian Stock Horse Society’s big bash recognises the contribution of home-bred horses.
The Australian Stock Horse Society will celebrate its 50th anniversary on June 15.
After the First World War, despite the recognition Australian Horses had won and, although the Waler was known as a distinctive type, there was as yet no stud book or breed registry.
Mechanisation of primary industries reduced the need for working horses and it was not until the 1960s that an interest in horses was revived due to the increasing leisure time available to society.
On June 15, 1971, a meeting was held at the Tamworth RSL Club to launch The Australian Stock Horse Society and at last home-bred horses were given the recognition and formal organisation they deserved.
The society has 60 branches throughout Australia, one branch in the United States and one in New Zealand.
Branches conduct competitions and activities in their regions and help promote the breed within the industry.
The successful performance of the Australian Stock Horse is recognised throughout Australia, and exports to the United Kingdom, US, Canada, Africa, New Zealand and Asia have given them worldwide recognition.
Although not registered as an Australian Stock Horse, Bill Roycroft’s famous Our Solo was undoubtably a true Aussie.
Standing just 15.1 hands, he played polocrosse and completed stock work until his outstanding jumping ability made him Roycroft’s choice for the 1960 Olympics.
One of the most prestigious moments for the Australian Stock Horse was the Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony in 2000, when it took centre stage in front of an estimated 3.7bn viewers from 220 countries and territories.
Many events are planned for the 50th year.
For more details and a list of the Stockhorse Hall of Fame, visit https://ashs.com.au/horses/the-australian-stock-horse/hall-of-fame/
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