MEMBERS of the Australian Stock Horse Society (ASHS) are introducing the breed to new audiences around the world, with Murrurundi’s Peter Haydon leading the charge.
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The ASHS is excited about the current growth with its international associates – and recent exports.
The newly-formed New Zealand branch will host its first event, being an Information Day, on June 23.
It is expected to encourage equine enthusiasts to learn about the breed and gain an understanding of traditional stock horse disciplines.
The branch is also planning to conduct a challenge event in October and exhibiting at Equidays, which is New Zealand’s premier equine event with more than 22,000 visitors annually.
“We are keen to grow awareness about the ASH branch and get going with events in New Zealand,” NZ president Paddy Cornelius said.
“We feel the time is right, on the back of exhibiting recently at Equitana and with expat Karen Harrison joining the committee with her experience as an ASH judge in Australia before relocating recently.”
On the other side of the world, the USA branch is also gaining momentum with a Canadian Show at the Ranahan Polocrosse Club in Alberta on June 30.
The organisation plans to offer a program of led, hack and working disciplines as an open breed event to encourage newcomers to get involved with ASH showing.
“We thought this would give members in Canada an opportunity to compete with their Australian Stock Horses following the success of last year’s National Show in Colorado where Canadians travelled 23 hours to attend,” USA committee member Mat Tate said.
Speaking of travelling, the ASHS is pleased to hear about the safe arrival of Haydon Oracle - HSH into the United Kingdom.
This two-year-old colt, bred and sold by Mr Haydon, was purchased and exported from Australia by a partnership consisting of Jason and Penny Webb, and Nadine and Keith Bristow.
This colt’s dam is a full-sister to Hall of Fame ASH mare Haydon Angel Jewel and comes from a pedigree of many high-level polo horses, who have played the Argentine Open.
When asked why he selected this Australian Stock Horse colt, Mr Webb replied: “We looked for a colt that was going to be easy to market to a number of different disciplines, particularly polo, which is very popular in the UK and Europe.
“Oracle’s bloodlines, coupled with his outstanding temperament, conformation and ability, fitted the bill perfectly.
“We will continue with his education before promoting him as a sire.”
Mr Webb was pleased to represent the ASHS recently by attending The Prince of Wales’s 70th Patronage Reception at Buckingham Palace, along with chairman of the ASHS board Craig Young.
With more than 200 Australian Stock Horses registered internationally, the popularity of the breed is certainly increasing.
Amanda Riordan from Australian Equine Exporting Services continues her relationship with the Thailand Royal family sourcing quality Australian Stock Horses and assisting with their breeding programs.
Plans are also underway for the society to support large high profile sporting events such as the 2019 World Polocrosse Cup in Warwick, Queensland, in April.
That will provide further opportunities for the Australian Stock Horse to gain further exposure as a truly versatile and elite performance horse that is renowned for its temperament, athletic ability and conformation, not only within Australia but worldwide.
