The Waler Horse

By defining the Waler horse in a Standard of Excellence, an ideal is set for breeding programs based on the old bloodlines of the Australian remount horses. A Studbook and Horse Register set up and maintained by the WHSA establishes the Australian Waler horse as a breed as distinct from a type. The WHSA aims to build awareness and provide information within the horse world and the wider public of the Waler heritage, their importance in Australian history and possibilities for their future.

The Waler is classed as a Warm-blooded breed, with the breeding based on the old bloodlines of the Australian remount horses.  Since the Society was established it has successfully researched, located and classified many Walers whilst documenting the history that led to their development as a breed today.  Walers today are categorised into one of four different types of remount horses originally sought from Australia in the early 1800s through to the mid 1900s. The Pony (Scout horse), an agile type used for relaying messages, polo and sporting; the Light (Officers horse), an athletic type with more thoroughbred influence; the Medium (Troopers horse), a stocky type, versatile, strong and fast with Thoroughbred, pony and draft influences the heavier of these sometimes used to carry supplies of ammunition; and finally the Heavy (Artillery horse), a heavier type with more draft.

The Waler is a handsome outstanding horse showing remarkable bone and robustness, the Waler has many excellent attributes.  Its jumping ability is well known and can be seen in the length of gaskin, splendid quarters and well-formed hocks.  His comfort as a riding horse shows in his long ground-covering walk coming from a good, well sloped shoulder, strong back, powerful legs, big clean joints and correctly sloped pasterns, at an angle corresponding to the shoulder.

His stamina and endurance are unsurpassed, his chest spaced for plenty of heart and lung room, his girth deep and his ribs well sprung. A strong head with an alert appearance, wide set kind eyes, well positioned onto a graceful but strong neck with a good length of rein.  As befitting a cavalry horse, some carry their heads high, to protect the rider.  His make-up originates from a diverse mix of pony, draught, coach and riding horse.  From saddle horses such as the Thoroughbred and Arab he inherited speed, grace, endurance, stamina a good shoulder, deep girth and well-formed joints.

Pony breeds, such as the Timor, Welsh and hackney ponies from which he has gained agility and hardiness, courage. Draught breeds such as the Percheron, Clydesdale and Suffolk to harness their mighty bone, strength, gentle nature, powerful hindquarter and good work ethic. Coaching breeds such as the Cleveland Bay and Norfolk Trotter for their regular gait, good wind, hard hooves style and iron legs.

Colouring is predominantly solid bay, chestnut, black, brown and grey. Some taffy colouring may be seen in the mane and tail. White leg and facial markings and some feathering are not uncommon however a darker colouring, skin pigment and hooves are preferred to ensure the horse remains sound, strong and minimally affected by harsh environmental conditions.  His feet are tough and open, with a well defined frog, not flattened underneath to avoid stone bruising or sliding in sand and mud. Perhaps heavier than is fashionable, intelligent, versatile, with an easy flowing movement, a quiet friendly temperament that takes kindly to humans, the Waler is truly a horse for all seasons.

The hardy Waler, with their versatility, intelligence, speed and stamina make them very competitive in all forms of equine sport including Endurance, Dressage, Eventing, Show Jumping, Cutting, Roping and Pony Club.

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