Australian Stock Horse: Moving Beyond Traditional Uses

Tags: Austrailian Stock Horse, Competition, Dressage, Jumping, Show

 

Traditionally the Australian Stock Horse was used as a military remount, as a working horse, as well as light agricultural use. As livestock ranching became more popular throughout Australia, the use of the Australian Stock Horse turned more to livestock and general riding work, with the horses having a natural ability to work with herding cattle and sheep. Their surefootedness, natural toughness, as well as their outstanding adaptation to the sometimes harsh environment of Australia made them an ideal all round horse.

Although not typical of a sports breed or competitive type of horse in that it was not bred exclusively for competition, the Australian Stock Horse has many of the same attributes. The temperament of the Australian Stock Horse makes it an ideal horse for any type of competition since they have a determination as well as a gentle and willing disposition. Breeding has selected for the best temperament as well as physical ability, which has helped prepare the Australian Stock Horse for any style of riding.

While still used for traditional livestock work as well as a pleasure riding horse, the Australian Stock Horse is routinely used as a dressage horse, show jumping, eventing, driving and as a gymkhana and polo horse. In addition the Australian Stock Horse is also used in pony club events as well as for other equestrian types of games and exhibitions. Recently the Australian Stock Horse has proven an excellent competitor in endurance races and competitions.

Campdrafting, a unique Australian horse sport, highlights the versatility of the Australian Stock Horse. Campdrafting combines cutting as well as penning and athletic abilities as the horse and rider must cut out a calf from a herd, then work the calf through a designated course. Polo and polocrosse are sports that require the horse to move quickly, turn on a dime and work at a gallop throughout the game. The horse and rider must work together as well as with other horses and riders on the team. Although horses used in polo or polocrosse are always known as polo ponies, the Australian Stock Horse is an outstanding competitor.

Dressage involves a high level of flexibility as well as excellent communication between the horse and rider. Dressage horses are in excellent physical condition and must be well balanced as well as highly athletic to be able to compete, especially at the higher levels of dressage. Like all horses with both Thoroughbred and Arabian blood, the Australian Stock Horse is both fast plus has the ability to jump. The Australian Stock Horse makes an excellent show jumping horse, although they are not usually seen in higher level competitive events. For younger riders moving up from pony club show jumping events the Australian Stock Horse makes a perfect choice.

Driving the Australian Stock Horse in teams or in single harness is also a popular use of this versatile horse. While not as flashy in gait as the Hackney cross horses, the Australian Stock Horse has a natural gait that is very pleasant to watch.

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