History
The early history of the Australian Stock Horse began back in 1778, when horses first arrived in Australia with the First Fleet. The horses in the initial imports included Thoroughbreds, Arabians, and Spanish horses. Horses were selectively bred for intelligence, reliability, and hardiness to suit their new untamed environment.
They developed into a strong and handsome type that became the preferred mount for explorers, stockmen, settlers, bushrangers, and troopers. The breed was further developed through the 1800’s and early 1900’s.
The Stud Book for the Australian Stock Horse and a breed classification began in 1971 when The Society was formed. Horses were assessed for conformation, bloodlines, and athletic ability to be included in the Stud Book, approved for an appendix, or rejected.
Early History in North America
The Australian Stock Horse was first brought to North America in 2002. Kip Gates from Colorado first met the breed in 2001 when he participated in the Man from Snowy River Challenge. When he returned for the 2002 challenge, he purchased 4-year-old Stockmans Swagman from Bill Scott.
Marilyn Murphy from Pennsylvania was instrumental in establishing the breed in North America. In 2002 she imported the stallion Ballandown Zorro and the mare Winona Amy. Through the years, she brought over more mares and the stallion Haydons Satellite.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, the Thompsons in California were looking for a reliable and versatile horse. John grew up in Australia and remembered the Australian Stock Horse, so they searched for horses to bring over. They worked with David Wilson of Glen-Lee Stud to bring over their first mare in 2003, Glen Lee Rivoli Brandy, who was in foal to Glen Lee Rivoli Ray Tech. They later imported two more mares and a stallion to complete the foundation of their program.
The same year, the McArthur family from Canada met the Australian Stock Horse at the inaugural 2003 Polocrosse World Cup. During a second visit to Australia, it was clear that the breed’s versatility, mild temperament, rideability, and lack of hereditary health concerns would be well-received in North America by all levels of riders and competitors. They imported several horses from Marilyn Murphy in the United States to start their program, and in 2009 they worked with Maryanne Gough of Icewood Australian Stock Horses for the first direct from Australia import to Canada. The imported horses were Condamine Glen Idol and Yallatup Regina.