The Australian Stock Horse is a newer breed and has yet to achieve a specific type. There are many variations, depending on the breeder, but it is basically an Anglo-Arabian horse with a touch of Thoroughbred. The shape is that of a saddle horse with a muscular Thoroughbred style.

Often used as an all-round work horse on ranches and farms throughout Australia, the Stock Horse is a versatile beast. Strong legs and sturdy hooves make it well-suited to work, while a tractable temperament and friendly personality make it a genuine companion.

The Australian Stock Horse provides a comfortable ride, but also the responsiveness to commands and intelligence that are needed in a good cow pony. Because it is so multifaceted, the Australian Stock Horse can also be seen in harness, playing polo, show jumping, or even dressage - a discipline of riding that requires an impressive amount of training and is often referred to as 'ballet on horseback.' The sport represents one of the highest levels of training a horse can achieve. To compete, a horse must be willing, agile, and graceful.

The first horses brought to Australia came from South Africa in 1788. The descendants of these are now the Australian Stock Horse, a breed developed mostly from the Waler, a horse originally from New South Wales. It was officially introduced as a registered breed in Australia in 1954. There are almost two hundred thousand registered Stock Horses in Australia today.

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Australian Stock - Horses for Sale