While you've likely heard of the Australian Stock Horse, did you know that there's another breed that was hugely influential to Australia’s development? The Waler, a lesser-known breed, proved itself to be a phenomenal cavalry horse during the 20^th century.

The Waler's history begins with the importation of horses to Australia in 1788 and 1795. Ships brought a total of 40 horses from the Cape of Good Hope to fulfill the demand for work horses and riding mounts in the developing Australia. Though the exact breed of the horses imported is unknown, it’s believed that many of them were Barbs.

The horses faced harsh conditions in the Australian country. Once they had survived their sea voyage, they needed to thrive on poor quality pasture that faced frequent drought. The horses also had to be strong with good endurance and speed, since they were used for both farm work and riding.

Colonists bred the most successful of the imported horses and created a breed of horse that was hearty, athletic, and strong. Thousands of these horses were bred to serve as work horses and, eventually, to serve as cavalry horses. As the heart of the breeding program was in New South Wales, this new breed of horses was referred to as The Waler.

The Waler proved itself to be a tremendous cavalry horse. Its strength allowed it to serve as an artillery horse, while its endurance and great temperament proved it to be a fine mount in battle. The British Army frequently used Waler horses, and the Waler was exported from Australia as a cavalry horse beginning in 1816.

Walers had a tremendous influence on Australia's history through wars. The breed first proved its value in battle during the Boer War. Approximately 160,000 Walers were exported during World War I, and they repeatedly performed admirable wartime achievements. The breed was also exported during World War II, though to a lesser degree due to advancing technology and the beginning mechanization of warfare.

It was this advancing mechanization that led to the decline of the breed’s numbers. While Walers still served as stock horses and even found employment as mounted police horses, their numbers continued to decline through the early 20^th century. Breeding programs ceased and some horses were set free.

During the late 19^th century fans of the breed that had so influenced Australian history took measures to preserve it. Some of the Walers that had been set free were captured and bred in an attempt to reestablish the breed. Today the Waler Horse Society of Australia and the Waler Horse Owners and Breeders Association Australia continue to work to ensure the breed’s survival in the future.

If you would like to learn more about the Waler, visit the Waler Horse Society of Australia's website.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/machefsky/4597819141

Original Source: The Waler Horse