Training the Australian Stock Horse to work with cattle, sheep, and livestock is very traditional and is often a fairly natural form of training for this breed. Since the Australian Stock Horse has been used as a stock horse since their first introduction to the country in 1788 with the First Fleet, it is not surprising that they would really be a great match for the type of events and day to day work of the stock horse.
The key to training the Australian Stock Horse to work with cattle and sheep is to allow the horses to become familiar with the livestock. In most of the traditional stations or large ranches and farms the horses and stock are pastured together, making the horses very familiar with the actions and movement of the livestock. It also allows the horses to become familiar with the natural environment and get a chance to develop their muscles and sure footedness by being out in the same areas they will have to work when they get a bit older.
As with the Quarter Horse, Mustang, and Quarab, the Australian Stock Horse seems to have the natural ability to respond to the movement of the herd or animal. This is really an inherent talent, not one that can be taught. The horse must be intelligent enough to respond appropriately to the movement of the livestock as often the horse is moving before the rider registers what needs to happen and cues the horse. The horse is under the general control of the rider, and the horse and rider must be working together, but for many of the stock horse's daily chores they must be able to react without waiting for the rider's prompt.
Training the stock horse typically starts in a sort of "on the job training" for the horse. After the horse is well trained under saddle, he or she is then worked on the larger cattle ranches, feedlots or sheep ranches found throughout Australia. Horses in these jobs must be able to work for up to 10-12 hours a day, every day of the week. They will be moving through rough terrain, deep valleys, rocky hills and terrain as well as dry and rather desolate desert areas. The athletic ability of the horse is increased through this type of work and training, with riders careful not to overwork the younger horses until they are fully mature and athletically developed. Horses are carefully monitored for their ability and stamina throughout training.
For the Australian Stock Horse that shows a high natural ability level for working with stock there is always the option for competition. Campdrafting, a combination between cutting, working and penning is a popular and uniquely Australian stock horse event. Traditional events such as calf roping, team roping, cutting and even penning are popular events for stock horses to compete in. Reining competitions are also popular with the Australian Stock Horses as they are able to demonstrate their response to the rider as well as their athletic ability.
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