Australian Waler

The Waler is a horse originating from Australia, developed mainly in the state of New South Wales from the late 18th century.

It is the result of crossbreeding several breeds imported by European settlers:

• Basuto (South African horse derived from the Barb and Thoroughbred)
• Arabian horse
• Barb horse
• English Thoroughbred
• Occasional contributions from Timor ponies and Cape Horse types

This genetic combination, shaped by the vast landscapes and demanding climate of the Australian Outback, produced a hardy, enduring, and versatile horse, perfectly adapted to cattle work and long-distance travel.

The name “Waler” comes from the abbreviation of New South Wales horse, in reference to the colony from which most exports originated. From the 19th century onwards, it gained international fame, notably for its central role in the Australian and British cavalry forces.

The Waler holds a unique place in the Australian and global equine heritage.

Its genetic value is based on several aspects:

• Purity of ancient bloodlines: the official studbook (WHOBAA) aims to preserve lines without modern input since 1945, ensuring a genetic heritage true to the original colonial type.
• Demanding natural selection: developed in a harsh Australian environment, the Waler has acquired genes for toughness, endurance, and resistance to extreme climatic conditions.
• Functional versatility: its natural abilities make it an excellent riding, working, and sport horse, capable of maintaining its qualities over several generations.
• Role in the formation of other breeds: the Waler contributed to the Australian Stock Horse and influenced certain military and working horse lines in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Rare genetic resource: as a breed little known internationally, its preservation is a matter of equine biodiversity and heritage conservation.

Beginnings in the 18th century:

At the end of the 18th century, with the European colonization of Australia, the first horses were imported from South Africa (notably the Basuto, descended from the Barb and Thoroughbred). Soon after, other breeds enriched the colonial herd: Arabians, Barbs, English Thoroughbreds, Timor ponies, and some light draught horses such as the Cape Horse.

These crossings, combined with natural selection imposed by the harsh climate and vast Australian distances, produced an enduring, resilient, and versatile horse.

A name born from exports:

The term “Waler” is a contraction of New South Wales horse, referring to the colony that supplied most exported horses. By the 19th century, the Waler had gained a reputation for its ability to work long hours with few resources, making it highly sought after in Australia and abroad.

War horse and legend:

The Waler stood out particularly during conflicts:

• Second Boer War (1899–1902): massive exports to South Africa.
• World War I: about 121,000 Walers served in the Australian and British forces, notably within the Australian Light Horse.

Their endurance was legendary: some could cover over 100 km in a single day and endure 60 hours without water, while carrying nearly 130 kg.

Only one horse, Sandy, returned to Australia after 1918 due to sanitary restrictions requiring the destruction of horses remaining abroad.

The Australian Waler is known for a balanced temperament and high reliability, traits inherited from its utilitarian and military selection.

• Calm and steady: not easily startled, remains composed in stressful situations essential for cavalry work.
• Intelligent: learns quickly, adapts to various environments and tasks.
• Enduring and willing: capable of long days of work or trekking without loss of efficiency.
• Trusting: bonds easily with its rider, making it a reliable mount for beginners and experienced riders alike.
• Courageous: does not shy away from obstacles or difficulties, a trait inherited from military and cattle work in the bush.
• Sociable: gets along well with other horses, can live in a herd or be handled individually.

Behavioural particularities:

• Quickly adapts to varied terrain and extreme climates.
• Rarely panics, making it safe for trail riding, cattle work, or outdoor events.
• Moderate energy but available: not explosive, yet capable of intense effort when needed.

The breeding of the Waler is historically linked to the vast expanses of the Australian Outback, with an initial strong concentration in the state of New South Wales, the breed’s birthplace.

Australia – historical zones:

• New South Wales: region of origin and main export hub in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Northern Territory and Queensland: isolated breeding stations that preserved ancient lines.
• South Australia and Western Australia: extensive breeding in arid zones, contributing to the selection of enduring horses.

Current preservation zones:

Breeding stations in remote areas where Walers have remained isolated from modern crossbreeding, allowing registration in the WHOBAA studbook.

Small specialized farms in New South Wales and Victoria, focused on preservation and promotion for leisure riding or competitions.

International presence:

A few individuals exported to New Zealand, the United States, and Europe for conservation or selective breeding purposes.

The future of the Waler relies on a delicate balance between heritage preservation and adaptation to modern uses.

Preservation of pure bloodlines:

• Associations such as the Waler Horse Owners and Breeders Association Australia Inc. (WHOBAA) continue recording and registering horses from uncrossed lines since 1945.
• Efforts focus on identifying horses in remote stations to expand the genetic base while respecting the original type.

Promotion in modern riding:

Though little known internationally, the Waler is increasingly attracting riders looking for a robust, enduring, and low-maintenance horse for leisure riding, cattle work, or certain sport disciplines.

Risk of genetic dilution:

The small population and rarity of certified breeders make the breed vulnerable to uncontrolled crossbreeding.

Breeder awareness and promotion of the breed remain priorities to avoid identity loss.

Trend toward cultural recognition:

A historic symbol of Australia, notably for its role in World War I, the Waler is gaining renewed interest in equestrian and commemorative events.

The Australian Waler is recognized for its hardiness and overall good health, the result of natural and utilitarian selection.

Strengths:

• Rusticity: withstands extreme climatic conditions (heat, drought) and significant dietary variations.
• Surefootedness and strong hooves: rarely suffers from laminitis or fragile hooves, even on rocky ground.
• Physical endurance: excellent cardio-respiratory capacity, low incidence of chronic fatigue.
• Natural resistance: good tolerance to internal and external parasites, increased resistance to certain tropical diseases and respiratory issues.

Points of vigilance:

• Obesity: like many hardy breeds, excessive caloric intake can cause metabolic problems.
• Mineral deficiency: in some Australian regions poor in minerals, supplementation with trace elements may be necessary.
• Overwork: its willingness can lead to being pushed beyond limits if veterinary monitoring and rest periods are insufficient.

Life expectancy:

Generally 25 to 30 years, above the average for saddle horses.