Australian Stock Horse Society - 40th Anniversary Compendium

40th Anniversary Compendium

Front cover: Mustering on Mount Sanford Station, Katherine, NT. Photo: Steve Strike This page: Australian Stock Horses opening the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Photo: Newspix

1971-2

2011 Board of Directors 1977-2012.............................................. 2 Foreword............................................................................. 3 Origins of the Australian Stock Horse.................................... 4 Formation of The Australian Stock Horse Society.................. 8 Taproot Sires of the Australian Stock Horse......................... 16 The Most Influential Foundation And Impact Sires.............. 22 The Most Influential Foundation And Impact Mares............ 30 Performance Horses.......................................................... 38

Spring Valley Heritage Horse Ride...................................... 46 2000 Sydney Olympics....................................................... 48 National Futurity................................................................ 52 National Maturity................................................................ 53 Prince of Wales Perpetual Trophy....................................... 54 Star of the Year Trophy....................................................... 55 Maiden Campdraft Series................................................... 56 The Future................................................. Inside Back Cover

Australian Stock Horse Society 1971 - 2011

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Directors 1977 - 2012 1977/78 Chairman - Mr R P Hamilton, NSW NSW - Mr E H Batterham, Mr B R Gavin, Mr T C Hill, Mr J E Hooke, Mr W J Stanton. QLD - Mr J L Dowling, Mr A A McIntyre, Mr J R Sparkes.

VIC - Mr A R Irving, Mr K W Urquhart. WA - Mr L J Broad. SA/NT - Mr W V Reed. TAS - Mrs D Lester.

1978/79 Chairman - Mr B R Gavin, NSW NSW - Mr E H Batterham, Mr R P Hamilton, Mr T C Hill, Mr J E Hooke, Mr W J Stanton. QLD - Mr J L Dowling, Mr A A McIntyre, Mr J R Sparkes.

VIC - Mr A R Irving, Mr K W Urquhart. WA - Mr L J Broad. SA/NT - Mr W V Reed. TAS - Mrs D Lester.

1979/80 Chairman - Mr B R Gavin, NSW NSW - Mr E H Batterham, Mr R P Hamilton, Mr T C Hill, Mr L M Rosten, Mr M C D Wright.

QLD - Mr J L Dowling, Mr A A McIntyre, Mr J R Sparkes. VIC - Mr A R Irving, Mr K W Urquhart. WA - Mr L J Broad. SA - Mr W V Reed. NT - Mr D L Smith. TAS - Mr A Gee. 1980/81 Chairman - Mr B R Gavin, NSW NSW - Mr E H Batterham, Mr R P Hamilton, Mr T C Hill, Mr L M Rosten, Mr M C D Wright. QLD - Mr W F T Keen, Mr W R Curr, Mr G M Salmond. VIC - Mr A R Irving, Mr K Urquhart. WA - Mr L J Broad. SA - Mr W V Reed. NT - Mr D L Smith. TAS - Mr A Gee. 1981/82 Chairman - Mr B R Gavin, NSW NSW - Mr E H Batterham, Mr P W Kirkby, Mr T C Hill, Mr M Lytton-Hitchins, Mr M C D Wright. QLD - Mr W F T Keen, Mr W R Curr, Mr G M Salmond. VIC - Mr A R Irving, Mr K Urquhart. WA - Mr L J Broad. SA - Mr W V Reed. NT - Mr D L Smith. TAS - Mr A Gee. 1982/83 Chairman - Mr T C Hill, NSW NSW - Mr E H Batterham, Mr B R Gavin, Mr P W Kirkby, Mr M Lytton-Hitchins, Mr M C D Wright.

QLD - Mr W F T Keen, Mr W R Curr, Mr G M Salmond, Mr G H Gough. VIC - Mr A R Irving, Mr K Urquhart. WA - Mr L J Broad. SA - Mr W V Reed. NT - Mr D L Smith. TAS - Mr A Gee. 1983/84 Chairman - Mr A R Irving, VIC NSW - Mr E H Batterham, Mr B R Gavin, Mr P W Kirkby, Mr M Lytton-Hitchins, Mr T C Hill, Mr A A Martin. QLD - Mr W F T Keen, Mr G M Salmond, Mr G H Gough. VIC - Miss M Allen. WA - Mr L J Broad. SA - Mr W V Reed.

NT - Mr J Boatwright. TAS - Mr A Gee. 1984/85 Chairman - Mr A R Irving, VIC NSW - Mr E H Batterham, Mr B R Gavin, Mr P W Kirkby, Mr M Lytton-Hitchins, Mr T C Hill, Mr A A Martin. QLD - Mrs K J Fitzgerald, Mr G M Salmond, Mr G H Gough, Mr J H Green. VIC Miss M Allen. WA - Mr K Lawrence. SA - Mr W V Reed. NT - Mrs P Hooper. TAS - Mr A Gee. 1985/86 Chairman - Mr A A Martin, NSW NSW - Mr E H Batterham, Mr B R Gavin, Mr P W Kirkby, Mr G E Richardson, Mr T C Hill.

QLD - Mrs K J Fitzgerald, Mr G M Salmond, Mr G H Gough, Mr J H Green. VIC - Miss M Allen, Mr A R Irving. WA - Mr K Lawrence. SA - Mr P Hill. NT - Mrs P Hooper. TAS - Mr A Gee. 1986/87 Chairman - Mr E H Batterham, NSW NSW - Mr G S Hammond, Mr P W Kirkby, Mr T C Hill, Mr A A Martin, Mr G E Richardson.

QLD - Mrs K J Fitzgerald, Mr G H Gough, Mr J H Green, Mrs M A Rea. VIC - Mr A R Irving, Mr W F Scott. WA - Mr K Lawrence. SA - Mr P Hill. NT - Mrs P Hooper. TAS - Mr A Gee.

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1987/88 Chairman - Mr J H Green, QLD NSW - Mr B R Gavin, Mr G E Richardson, Mr T C Hill, Mr A A Martin. QLD - Mrs K J Fitzgerald, Mr G H Gough. VIC/TAS - Mr A A Arnold, Mr W F Scott.

WA - Mr K Lawrence. SA/NT - Mr S A Hentschke.

1999/2000 Chairman - Mr J Lyons, QLD NSW - Mr P Kirkby, Mr L Knight, Ms A Chester, Mr G Richardson. QLD - Mr G Gough, Mr J Lyons, Mr K Hansen. VIC - Mr J Coates, Mr G Nash.

NT/SA - Mr P Gower. WA - Mrs R Henderson.

1988/89 Chairman - Mr J H Green, QLD NSW - Mr B R Gavin, Mr G E Richardson, Mr T C Hill, Mr A A Martin. QLD - Mrs K J Fitzgerald, Mr G H Gough. VIC/TAS - Mr A A Arnold, Mr W F Scott. WA - Mrs R Henderson. SA/NT - Mr S A Hentschke.

2000/01 Chairman - Mr J Lyons, QLD NSW - Mr P Kirkby, Ms A Chester, Mr L Knight, Mr D Wilson. QLD - Mr G Gough, Ms D Jephcott. VIC - Mr G Nash, Mr J Coates.

SA/NT - Mr P Gower. WA - Mrs A Day.

1989/90 Chairman - Mr J H Green, QLD NSW - Mr A A Martin, Mr G E Richardson, Mr N Holz, Mr M Barton. QLD - Mrs K J Fitzgerald, Mr D C Carter. VIC/TAS - Mr A A Arnold, Mr W F Scott. WA - Mrs R Henderson. SA/NT - Mr S A Hentschke.

1990/91 Chairman - Mr J H Green, QLD NSW - Mr A A Martin, Mr G E Richardson, Mr N Holz, Mr M Barton. QLD - Mrs K J Fitzgerald, Mr D C Carter. VIC/TAS - Mr A A Arnold, Mr W F Scott. WA - Mrs R Henderson. SA/NT - Mr S A Hentschke.

1991/92 Chairman - Mr G E Richardson, NSW NSW - Mr R Barrett, Mr N Holz, Mr M Barton.

QLD - Mrs K J Fitzgerald, Mr D C Carter, Mr J H Green. VIC/TAS - Mr A A Arnold, Mr B Sawyer. WA - Mrs R Henderson. SA/NT - Mr S A Hentschke.

1992/93 Chairman - Mr G E Richardson, NSW NSW - Mr P Kirkby, Mr N Holz, Mr M Barton.

QLD - Mrs J Kerr, Mr D C Carter, Mr J H Green.

VIC/TAS - Mr A A Arnold, Mr B Sawyer. WA - Mrs R Henderson. SA/NT - Mr S A Hentschke.

1993/94 Chairman - Mr G E Richardson, NSW NSW - Mr P Kirkby, Mr N Holz, Mr M Barton.

QLD - Mrs J Kerr, Mr G H Gough, Mr J H Green.

VIC/TAS - Mr A A Arnold, Mr B Sawyer. WA - Mrs R Henderson. SA/NT - Mr S A Hentschke.

1994/95 Chairman - Mr N Holz, NSW NSW - Mr P Kirkby, Mr G E Richardson, Mr M Barton. QLD - Mrs J Kerr, Mr G H Gough, Mr J H Green. VIC/TAS - Mr A A Arnold, Mr B Sawyer.

WA - Mrs R Henderson. SA/NT - Mr T Templeton.

1995/96 Chairman - Mr N Holz, NSW NSW - Mr P Kirkby, Mr G E Richardson, Mr M Barton. QLD - Mrs J Kerr, Mr G H Gough, Mr J Lyons. VIC/TAS - Mr A A Arnold, Mr J Coates OAM. WA - Mrs R Henderson. SA/NT - Mr T Templeton.

1996/97 Chairman - Mrs R Henderson, WA NSW - Mr N Holz, Mr P Kirkby, Mr M Barton, Mr G Richardson. QLD - Mr J Lyons, Mr G Gough, Mrs J Kerr. VIC/TAS - Mr A Arnold, Mr J Coates OAM. SA/NT - Mr T Templeton.

1997/98 Chairman - Mrs R Henderson, WA NSW - Mr N Holz, Mr M Barton, Mr G Richardson, Mr P Kirkby. QLD - Mr G Gough.

Mr J Lyons, Mrs J Kerr. VIC - Mr J Coates, Mr A Arnold. NT/SA - Mr P Gower.

1998/99 Chairman - Mrs R Henderson, WA NSW - Mr N Holz, Mr G Richardson, Mr M Barton, Mr P Kirkby. QLD - Mr G Gough, Mr J Lyons, Mrs J Kerr. VIC/TAS - Mr J Coates, Mr A Arnold. NT/SA - Mr P Gower.

2001/02 Chairman - Mr J Lyons, QLD NSW - Mr M Field, Mr P Kirkby, Mr D Wilson, Mr G Seccombe. QLD - Mr G Gough, Ms D Jephcott. VIC - Mr G Nash, Mr J Coates. SA/ NT - Mrs C Bright. WA - Mrs A Day. 2002/03 Chairman - Mr P Kirkby, NSW NSW - Mr D Wilson, Mr M Field, Mr G Seccombe. QLD - Mr G Gough, Ms D Jephcott, Mr J Lyons. VIC - Mr J Coates, Mr I Gibson.

SA/NT - Mrs C Bright. WA - Mrs A Day. 2003/04 Chairman - Mr J Coates, VIC NSW - Mr P Kirkby, Mr M Field, Mr D Wilson, Mr G Seccombe. QLD - Mr G Gough, Ms D Jephcott, Mr J Lyons. VIC - Mr I Gibson. SA/ NT - Mrs C Bright. WA - Mrs A Day. 2004/05 Chairman - Mr J Coates, VIC NSW - Ms J Poole, Mr M Field, Mr D Wilson. QLD - Mr G Gough, Mr J Lyons, Mr J Green. VIC - Mr I Gibson. SA/NT Mrs C Bright. WA - Mr S McKinven.

2005/06 Chairman - Mr M Field, NSW NSW - Ms J Poole, Mr D Wilson, Ms T Bridge.

QLD - Mr J Green, Mr K Hansen, Ms J Petrich. VIC - Mr D Turner, Mr I Gibson. WA - Mr S McKinven.

2006/07 Chairman - Mr S McKinven, WA NSW - Mr D Wilson, Mr M Field, Ms J Poole, Ms T Bridge. QLD - Mr J Green, Mr K Hansen, Ms J Petrich. VIC - Mr D Turner, Mr I Gibson.

2007/08 Chairman - Ms J Poole, NSW NSW - Mr D Wilson, Mr M Field, Ms D Newberry.

QLD - Mr J Green, Mr K Hansen, Ms J Petrich. VIC - Mr G Nash, Mr D Turner. WA - Mr S McKinven.

2008/09 Chairman - Ms J Poole, NSW NSW - Mr D Wilson, Mr M Field, Ms D Newberry.

QLD - Mr J Green, Mr K Hansen, Ms J Petrich.

VIC - Mr G Nash, Mr D Turner. WA - Ms S Scott.

2009/10 Chairman - Mr J Green, QLD NSW - Ms J Poole, Mr M Field, Mr D Wilson, Mr M Best. QLD - Mr G H Gough, Mr K Hansen.

VIC - Mr G Nash, Mr P Jelliff. WA - Ms S Scott.

2010/11 Chairman - Mr J Green, QLD NSW - Ms J Poole, Mr M Field, Mr D Wilson, Mr C Young. QLD - Mr G Gough, Mr P Allan.

VIC - Mr G Nash, Mr P Jelliff. WA - Ms S Scott.

2011/12 Chairman - Ms J Poole, NSW NSW - Mr M Field, Mr D Wilson, Mr C Young.

QLD - Mr G Gough, Mr J Green, Mr P Allan.

VIC - Mr G Nash, Mr P Jelliff. WA - Ms S Scott.

Foreword Welcome to the celebration of yet another milestone in the history of the development of our Australian Stock Horse Society, namely our 40th Year of existence as an entity.

Vision

The Australian Stock Horse Society wants the Australian Stock Horse to have the highest profile of any breed of horse in Australia with worldwide recognition.

Aims

To preserve the heritage and identity of the Australian Stock Horse.

To promote the development and popularity of Australian Stock Horses throughout Australia and the world.

To maximise the benefits of owning a Registered Australian Stock Horse and being a Member of The Australian Stock Horse Society.

Mission

To maintain the heritage and to promote the bloodlines and high performance of the Australian Stock Horse among equestrian activities and the general public.

As we look back we acknowledge the great foresight and dedication of the foundation members that were moved to set up our organisation to record and recognise our wonderful Australian Stock Horse, a breed that has stood the test of time and continues to do so into the future.

As we contemplate the past 40 years, we should feel extremely proud of the enormous number of past and present Society official staff and volunteers that have committed much to the formation and success of this organisation.

As testament to these hard working people, I am sure that each one of us would have memories of a person or persons in our areas, that has and in some cases continues to serve the organisation for incredible periods of time.

To you, our loyal and dedicated Australian Stock Horse Society Members, we say a very special thank you. You are indeed the backbone of the Australian Stock Horse Society. Over the past 40 years it would be fair to say that the Society’s financial position has fluctuated, however based on the latest financial figures, the Society is in a strong financial position, virtually debt free, and holding considerable reserves for an organisation of our size and type.

Many thanks must go to the many people that have contributed to this result.

The Society continues to arrange and facilitate world class events for its Members.

In recent times we have witnessed the 40th Anniversary World Championship Show held in Tamworth, numerous national shows and youth shows, as well as judging and coaching clinics. All of these events were run or facilitated by Head Office, a Management Council or Branch, or a combination of all of the above.

Currently the Board is developing ways of recognising heritage breeding in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book. This development is proving a very interesting project, and I believe can contribute to the original goals set out by the founding fathers of the Australian Stock Horse Society.

In conclusion, I am proud to report that the Australian Stock Horse Society is in good shape, and well positioned to move forward into the future with unparalleled confidence. The major key to the Society’s ongoing success is in the enthusiasm and commitment of Members. So to all Members I say, let’s roll up our sleeves, as the success of the next chapter of this organisation is in our hands.

John Green, Chairman of the Board, 2010/2011

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Origins of the Australian Stock Horse The Australian Stock Horse, possibly the world’s most versatile horse, evolved through selective breeding in response to the demands of the environment. The ancestors of the Australian Stock Horse arrived in Australia on the First Fleet in January 1788.

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he end of the 18th century saw horses imported into Botany Bay in small numbers, believed to be of Arabian and Barb blood. The Barb, developed on the Barbary Coast of North Africa, was a desert horse with great hardiness and stamina.

Eventually more horses where imported, these were of English Thoroughbred and Spanish stock. Later importations included more Thoroughbreds, Arabs, Timor and Welsh Mountain Ponies.

All horses sent to the Colony needed strength and stamina - not only to survive the long sea journey, but also to work in the foreign, untamed environment that had become their home. After Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson crossed the Blue Mountains in 1813, settlers ventured inland and strong reliable horses became a necessity.

In the 1830s, knowledgeable horse breeders imported a steady stream of Thoroughbreds to improve the local horse strains. The settlers had a keen interest in horse racing, so Thoroughbreds became very popular at the beginning of the 19th century. The use of Thoroughbred stallions over the conditionhardened local mares produced the beautiful strain of tough but stylish animal exemplified by today's Australian Stock Horse.

Australian horses had been selectively bred for strength and stamina, reliability and versatility. The strongest were retained for breeding and despite their mixed origins they developed into a strong and handsome type. The horses that developed had a good temperament, were tough and reliable, able to work under saddle and in harness. They were used to clear timber, plough the land and herd sheep and cattle. From this base the breed was refined and developed, using the outstanding sires of the day. Thoroughbreds had a considerable influence, even though the breed carried bloodlines from other breeds.

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Explorers, stockmen, settlers, bushrangers and troopers all relied on horses that could travel long distances, day after day.

Weak horses were culled; the stronger types were used to breed sturdy saddle horses that were essential for the Colony’s settlement.

Exploits of the explorers and stockmen and their reliable horses in the Australian bush became Australian folklore, and stories such as The Man from Snowy River and Clancy of the Overflow depict the character of these pioneers and their horses.

Many Australians refer to their horses as stock horses or station horses. When purchased by a cavalry exporter, the horse became known as a remount horse. Originally all Australian horses came from New South Wales (thus the name ‘Waler’), but as the settlers spread throughout the continent, they took their horses with them.

It was in the early 1840s that the term ‘Waler’ was coined. The hardiness of the Waler made him a natural mount for the cavalry.

The Australian Army used the Waler in the First World War. The origins of the Waler date back prior to 1840, and during the Boer War and World War I the Australian Horse received worldwide recognition through the success of the Australian Light Horse regiments, a quite significant achievement for horses in Australia’s history. The Waler was considered to be the finest cavalry horse in the world, winning International acclaim for its endurance, reliability and hardiness during the Indian Mutiny, the Boer War and the First World War. In the Boer War, the Waler served in such regiments as the Lancers, Commonwealth Horse, Mounted Rifles and Bushmen’s Troop.

Around 160,000 Australian horses served in World War I and their performance was best summed up by the English cavalryman, Lt Col RMP Preston DSO, in his book, The Desert Mounted Corps.

Clockwise from top left: Two World War I soldiers on typical Australian Light Horses - strong, sure-footed and hardy; A typical Waler with his Officer mount.

Around 160,000 Australian horses served in World War I. They were often sired by Thoroughbred stallions and out of station bred mares. Of this number, only one horse returned to Australia - an Officer’s horse called ‘Sandy’; the Light Horse enter Jerusalem.

He described the stamina and spirit of the Australian Light Horse: ‘… Cavalry Division had covered nearly 170 miles…and their horses had been watered on an average of once in every 36 hours…. The heat, too, had been intense and the short rations, 9½ lb of grain per day without bulk food, had weakened them considerably. Indeed, the hardship endured by some horses was almost incredible. One of the batteries of the Australian Mounted Division had only been able to water its horses three times in the last nine days - the actual intervals being 68, 72 and 76 hours respectively, yet this battery on its arrival had lost only eight horses from exhaustion…. The majority of horses in the Corps were Walers and there is no doubt that these hardy Australian horses make the finest cavalry mounts in the world….’

Although many good breeding stock left Australia never to return,

the huge shipments did not seem to affect the horse population at home. In 1906 Australia had 1,765,186 horses and in 1918 when the human census was 5,030,479 there were 2,527,149 horses.

While horses remained essential on many properties after World War I for mustering, hauling and transport, they were also used for sport. Unique horsesports were developing in Australia during this time, including campdrafting and polocrosse, which remain very popular to the present day. The first formal campdrafting competition was held in 1885 in Tenterfield, New South Wales, while polocrosse was developed in Australia just before the outbreak of World War II, and gained in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. To compete and win in these fast-paced new sports, riders required mounts who were agile and fast, but also light and reponsive. The Australian horse was proving to be the ideal mount for both work and play.

Australian Stock Horse Society 1971 - 2011

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Horse sports in Australia pre-1971. Clockwise from top left: Bob Chittick and Musician, clearing seven feet, three inches at Sydney 1921, to create a record. Photo: Courtesy Gene Makim-Willing; Alex Wiseman campdrafting at Scone in 1952; Grand Parade at Maitland Centenary Show, 1960; Reg Watts on his champion mare, ‘Norma’ in 1934.

By the late 1960s and early 1970s, a small group of horseman and women deemed it important to establish a society, so that these great Australian horses would not be lost genetically and future generations could be recognised and officially recorded. In June 1971, the Australian horse was given the recognition and formal organisation it deserved with the formation of The Australian Stock Horse Society.

Eligible horses were required to be inspected by a panel of three classifiers, who judged each horse on its merits and classified it according to ‘Conformation & Type’ (60 points), ‘Breeding‘ (20 points) and ‘Ability’ (20 points). By 1979, eight years into the Society’s existence, the classifiers had accepted more than 40,000 horses for registration.

The registry section of the Stud Book was closed on 31st July 1988, and from 1st August 1988 and onwards, horses

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which were accepted for registration were required to have satisfied the Society’s breeding requirements and did not require inspection. The only exceptions were Australian Stud Book (Thoroughbred) mares and stallions, which are still allowed in the Stud Book under a ‘Breeding Purposes’ registration.

In 1996, the Society’s Silver Jubilee year, 130,000 horses had been registered or recorded with the Society. In the last decade the Society has experienced unprecedented growth as the demand for Australian Stock Horses and recognition of their many attributes has increased. In 2011, the Society’s Ruby Jubilee year, in excess of 180,000 horses have been registered or recorded in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book. From humble beginnings over two centuries ago, the Australian Stock Horse has been developed into the wonderful athlete we see today, and one which can rightfully lay claim to being the ‘Breed for Every Need’.

Standard of Excellence The following Standard of Excellence is based on the original ASHS description of ‘The Australian Stock Horse’ from 1971.

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Head alert and intelligent with broad forehead, full, well-set eyes, wide nostrils. A fine, clean gullet, allowing plenty of breathing room.

A good length of rein, well set into the shoulder.

Sloping shoulder, not too heavily muscled, a well-defined wither slightly higher than the croup.

Deep chest, not too wide in proportion, but showing plenty of heart room.

Ribs well sprung and back strong and of medium length in proportion.

In forelegs, forearms well developed, cannon bones slightly flat, pasterns short and slightly sloping.

Hindquarters strong, rounded and well muscled, nicely sloping to give a full line from croup to hock. Hocks broad, flat and clean, the cannon relatively short with well-defined tendons. The hind legs well under when standing.

The Hooves hard and in proportion to the size of the horse, with a wide heel and feet straight.

The whole of these component parts to be in balance according to the size.

Preferred heights between 14 and 16 hands.

An artist's impression of the Australian Stock Horse Standard of Excellence is pictured above. (Artist: Deidre Hunt)

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Formation of The Australian Stock Horse Society Two horsemen, Alex Braid of Wellington, in the Central West NSW and Bert Griffith, of Scone in the Hunter Valley, had been talking and writing letters in their respective areas about the need to preserve the breeding and identity of our Australian Stock Horses. These two men called a meeting in March 1971 at the Belmore Hotel, Scone, to test the support they had for this idea.

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hey were pleased when a large crowd of people attended the meeting which asked many questions and closed at 10.25 pm but not before the following motions were passed: ‘An Association be formed for the betterment of the Australian Stock Horse’ ‘A meeting to be held at Sydney that would be advertised in Hoofs and Horns, Country Life and the Land’ ‘That all present form a steering committee for the area’ ‘That the State be zoned’ The inaugural General Meeting was held in Sydney in April, and it was here that the body was named The Australian Stock Horse Society.

It was also moved that the early setting up of the Society would be done by a steering committee comprising Alex Braid, Bob Campbell, Wallace Munro, Bryant Gavin, Stan Herps, Dick Telfer, Doug Tyler,

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Pat Hamilton, John Stanton, Alan Jones, Edgar Batterham, Bob Parkins, Bill Smith, Barry Law, Frank McNamara, Ken McDonald, John Lundholm and Max Walters. The secretary elected was Mary Griffith daughter of Bert Griffith.

An AGM was planned for Tamworth in June 1971. At this meeting the first group of office bearers were elected.

The foundation President was Bryant Gavin. No better choice could have been made as Bryant was a dynamic person and drove the society through its infant years. Senior Vice Chairman was Edgar Batterham, Vice President Maurice Wright and Secretary/Treasurer Mary Griffith.

The Society quickly spread and soon there were branches in Queensland, South Australia [June 1972] and the Northern Territory. Victoria entered in 1973 with Western Australia and Tasmania following soon after.

Mr Alex Braid, one of the founding members of the Australian Stock Horse Society.

The Inaugural President, Mr Bryant Gavin, once stated that although the climate and economic conditions from time to time could make it very difficult for some members to participate in the Society’s affairs, we must remain indebted for the obvious sacrifices which so many country folk are prepared to share. Without Members to organise Branches, Classification days and many other activities throughout Australia, there would be no Society in the future. Mr Bryant Gavin remained President of the newly formed Society from 1971 to 1976. Mr RP Hamilton served as President in 1976/77.

Incorporation – 28th April 1977 At the Annual General Meeting held at the RSL Club Rooms at Tamworth, the Chairman reported to those present, that in accordance with the resolutions passed at the Special General Meeting on the 23rd June 1976, the Company had been incorporated on the 28th April 1977 as a Company Limited by Guarantee. The first directors of the ‘Incorporated Society’ were: 1. Bryant Roland Gavin 8. Edgar Henry Batterham 2. James Edward Hooks 9. Arthur Andrew McIntyre 3. William Vernon Reed 10. James Robert Sparkes 4. Keith Urquhart 11. Stanley Haggerty 5. Theodore Charles Hill 12. William John Stanton 6. Reginald Patrick Hamilton 13. James Lloyd Bowling 7. Alistair Roderick Irving 14. David Dunkley Wallace

Mr Bryant Gavin, one of the founding members of the Australian Stock Horse Society.

Those office bearers held office from the date of incorporation to the First Annual General Meeting of Members of the ‘Incorporated Society’, after which elections of Directors were held at the First Annual General Meeting and all subsequent Annual General Meetings.

Honorary Life Members The Board may grant Honorary Life Membership to a person who in the opinion of the Board has rendered special service to the Society and the Australian Stock Horse breed.

1973 - Mr HL Griffith (NSW) and Mr AL Braid (NSW) 1976 - Mr BR Gavin (NSW) 1978 - Mr A Clothier (QLD), Mr RF Rowbottom (VIC), Mr CE Barnes (QLD) 1981 - Mr R Campbell (NSW), Mr P Hamilton (NSW) 1982 - Mr T Clear (NSW) 1983 - Mr J Stanton Snr (NSW) 1984 - Mr W Keen (QLD), Mr K Urquhart (VIC) 1985 - Mr R Fahl (QLD) 1986 - Mr J Clifford (VIC), Mr M Wright (NSW) 1988 - Mr A Irving (VIC), Mr TC Hill (NSW) 1989 - Mr E Batterham (NSW) 1990 - Mr P Blundell (QLD) 1991 - Mrs J Gavin (NSW), Mr AA Martin (NSW) 1992 - Mrs K Fitzgerald (QLD) 1996 - Mr J Green (QLD) 1997 - Mr G Hook (NSW) 2000 - Mr Bob Hentschke (SA) 2001 - Mr G Richardson (NSW), Mrs R Henderson (WA) 2003 - Mr N Holz (NSW), Mr M Barton (NSW), Mr B Brown (NSW) 2008 - Mr B Sawyer (VIC) 2009 - Reva Flint (NSW), Mr Frank Coonan (ACT) 2011 - Mr Malcolm Field (NSW), Mrs Judy Field (NSW), Mrs Robin Lawson (NSW), Mr Paul Lawson (NSW), Ms Joy Poole (NSW)

Mr Herbert (Bert) Griffith, one of the founding members of the Australian Stock Horse Society.

Head Office of the Australian Stock Horse Society The first ‘Head Office’ was a shed at the back of Mary Griffith’s residence in Main Street, Scone. Mary was the Society’s first Secretary/Treasurer. When the records of the Society could not longer fit, a garage was purchased in Kelly Street which was converted into a purpose built Head Office.

Today, the Society Head Office is located in a large building in Guernsey St, Scone, which also houses the Society’s Heritage Museum. 40 years after its formation, The Australian Stock Horse Society is about to open branches in the USA, Canada and New Zealand.

The Australian Stock Horse Journal The Australian Stock Horse Journal was first produced in May 1975, by the editing/advertising partnership of two Victorians -

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MONON An Early Ambassador for the Australian Stock Horse Society In late 1971, at a meeting of the newly formed Australian Stock Horse Society, it was decided that a horse should be chosen to depict the ‘ideal type’ of Australian Stock Horse, and would be used in all advertising material for the Society. Mary Ann Atthow’s gelding MONON was mentioned by Jim Sparkes, along with several other horses that were competing at the time.

MONON was duly elected, along with John Stanton’s successful campdrafter STANTON STUD TARZAN and Jack Stanton’s CECIL BRUCE - IS. MONON was born in 1959 in Rosevale Stud, Jandowae, Queensland. He was by the great Commandant, a TB sire, and out of a station mare Moonbeam.

The colt was given to Mary Ann by her mother, then gelded and broken-in by Jack Hughes. From 1965 to 1971, MONON accumulated 138 wins and 187 placings in a variety of events, from campdrafting, hacking, novelties, gymkhanas, and

MONON, an early ambassador of ‘Australian Stock Horse’ type.

ridden and led ASH classes. He won six classes at the Queensland Royal Show from 1969 to 1971, and also competed at the Warwick Gold Cup, winning the Cut Out prize in the Ladies campdraft.

This versatile gelding’s career was

Tim Hewat as Editor, and John Loughnan, a leading stud stock marketing expert. In the tenth year of publication, the Society purchased the Journal from the partnership. The March/April 1985 edition was the first publication produced by the Society. In 1991, the Society purchased an Apple Macintosh computer and commenced in house typesetting. After many years of distribution to Members only, the November/December 2009 issue became the first Journal to be sold at newsagents Australia-wide.

Society Membership When the Society commenced, interested persons could join for a fee of $5. In its first year, the Society received a total membership income of $3,797.00, which indicates approximately 540 Members. 40 years later, the Society has a membership of over 9,000, broken down into Full, Participant and Youth Members. Growth in membership continues to be strong, and new Members are being attracted to the Society each year.

Horse Registrations Today, the Society recognises advancements in equine breeding technology by accepting registration of horses resulting from natural service, as well as progeny resulting from artificial insemination and embryo transfer if progeny are DNA tested. During the last decade, the Society has introduced requirements for stallions standing at stud to be DNA recorded as part of the Sire Registration process.

The Society currently has over 180,000 horses Registered or Foal Recorded. Each year, the Society receives between 3,000 and 3,500 Registrations and approximately 3,000 Transfers (per

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unfortunately cut short when he broke a bone in his leg. Mary Ann nursed him back to health, and he spent his remaining years living the life of a stately old gentleman on the family farm at ‘Karandah’, in Kilkivan, Queensland.

year). In recent years, a number of horses have been exported internationally, including: North America (Canada and America), Europe (United Kingdom and Ireland), New Zealand, African and Asian regions. A small number of Sire Registered stallions now stand overseas and semen has also been exported for various breeding programmes internationally. In recent years, the Society has received a small number of registrations for progeny born outside Australia.

The Society’s Online Stud Book provides the details of all Registered Australian Stock Horses to the world, tracking ancestral history and progeny records, along with current competition status and owner records. With any Registered Australian Stock Horse competing in ASH events, the Registered Owner must be a Financial Member of the Society for the horse to remain eligible. The records contained on the Online Stud Book are based on the details provided

by Members for the purpose of the Society’s record keeping.

The purpose of registration is to preserve the identity and breeding records of the Australian Stock Horses through registration. Currently, horses eligible for STUD BOOK registration no longer require inspection and are ONLY accepted if satisfying the Society’s breeding requirements of having two Stud Book ASH parents and proof of service as required under the regulations. Other categories of registration include: First Cross horses - one Stud Book ASH parent and one unregistered or non Australian Stock Horse parent. This category is limited to mares and geldings only and such horses must pass inspection by a Society Inspector.

Second Cross horses - one Stud Book ASH parent and one First Cross ASH parent. Inspection is not required for horses eligible as Second Cross.

The Society Emblem Special Merit - two Stud Book ASH ancestors on one side and one Stud Book ASH ancestor on the other side within two generations. Special Merit horses must pass inspection by a Society inspector and are accepted equivalent to Second Cross registration for breeding purposes.

Australian Stud Book (Thoroughbred) mares and stallions are accepted for Breeding Purposes ONLY and must pass inspection by a Society Inspector. These horses are accepted equivalent to Second Cross registration and are NOT eligible for ASH events.

Further details on the Society’s Registration Procedures and Fees, as well as the inspection information can be obtained from the Society’s website – www.ashs.com.au, ‘Horses’ page.

Through the Society’s website, interested persons may access information on the ‘Horses For Sale’ page to view upcoming sale catalogues and sales reports from Approved ASH Sales. During the past two years, the average price for horses sold at Approved ASH Sales has varied from $3,100, to in excess of $8,000. The top priced horse at an Approved ASH Sale during this period was $36,000. Independent sales held outside the Society have recorded a number of Registered Australian Stock Horses selling for in excess of $40,000 at various venues around Australia.

Registered Australian Stock Horses continue to achieve outstanding results in various equine disciplines and hold a high profile within the equine industry. The Society continues to see growth and demand for Australian Stock Horses as knowledge of their attributes and versatility becomes more widespread.

The Australian Stock Horse Society in Queensland When the second Meeting of Australian Stock Horse enthusiasts was held in Sydney on April 8th, 1971 during the Royal Easter Show, some interested men from south Queensland were in attendance.

The Society next met at Tamworth on 15th July, where office bearers were elected, and 20 others were elected to the Management Council – 18 from New South Wales and two from Queensland.

In December, Darling Downs Branch was formed, the first Branch in Queensland. Jim Sparkes was elected President, with Arthur McIntyre and John Thompson as Vice Presidents.

The Queensland Division was formed in 1972, with Jim Sparkes elected President, Arthur McIntyre, Vice President and Arthur Clothier as Secretary. On 24th January, the inaugural meeting of Moreton Branch was held (later to become two branches - East Moreton and West Moreton). Delegates were elected to attend the Qld Council Meeting at Dalby.

Harold Weller became President in November 1972.

The Branch held big classification days of up to 100 horses, at venues in Ipswich, Mount Gravatt, Caboolture, Gympie and Beaudesert areas. Halwyn Weller later produced the Queensland State Newsletter and also worked for seven years as Publicity Officer for Head Office, travelling and sending reports from all over Queensland to Scone for the ASH Journal.

In 1973, the Inaugural Barnes Memorial Trophy was presented for Campdrafting. On the 29th January, Maranoa Branch (Roma & District) was formed, with their first Classification the next day.

Sunshine Coast/Mary Valley Branch was formed in November of the same year. The first Queensland ASH Approved Sale was held at Dalby in 1974. There was a Campdrafting demonstration by stallions, including ELLIOTTS CREEK CADET - FS, ABDUL - IS and other well known sires before the Sale.

Other Branches quickly sprang up over the next few years.

The ASH Convention was held at Southport, Queensland in 1977, from 18th-20th October. ASHLA first formed in Queensland on 22nd June, 1977 at Mount Gravatt Showground. On 3rd March,

1972 - 2005. The Society’s First Annual General Meeting

was held at Tamworth RSL NSW on 5th July 1972. After some discussion, Mr AL Clothier pointed out the necessity for an emblem to go on envelopes, car stickers and coat lapels.

Three designs were then considered, being as follows: 1. That the Society emblem be a campdrafter and bullock facing the viewer.

2. That the emblem be a good type of plain horse.

3. That the emblem be a good type of stockman’s horse in a map of Australia.

It was eventually decided that the Society emblem would be a good type of stockman’s horse in a map of Australia.

2003 - 2005. In 2003 the Society added a more modern

looking emblem for use on the new website, to coexist with the original emblem.

2005 - present. By 2005 there were a number of images and emblems used to represent the Society. There was a need to pull them all together into a single, strong and recognisable identity. At this time the Society adopted its current brand mark, incorporating the A brand.

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Clockwise from top left: Dianne Latta of Edenhope Hunt Club riding WONDER BOY at the Strathyre Hunters Spectacular. Photo: Dean Williamson; Mr M Barton and NABINABAH GUNMAN, October 1982; Classifiers Maxine Brooks, Aaron Ryan and Peter Grogan at a North Coast Branch Classification Day in 1981, with George Walters’ gelding SPIKE JONES. Photo: Anne McNickle.

1981 a Special Meeting was held at Emerald, attended by Branch Delegates and Directors, Theo Hill, Bryant Gavin, Bill Keen and Charles Duke. The Queensland Management Council was elected as: Chairman – Peter Blundell, Vice Chairman – Tony Bloodworth, Jnr V. Chairman – Denis Hanrahan and Secretary – Kelsie Fitzgerald.

On 9th July, 1982 at the Convention Centre, Chevron Hotel, Surfers Paradise was the official handover of Eddie Hackman’s ‘Nat Buchanan Sculpture’ to the State President. This trophy is keenly contested each year in Queensland in nine rotating equine disciplines.

On 19th April, 1984, at a Special Meeting in Charters Towers, the North Queensland Management Council was formed, with Ernest Bassingthwaighte elected as President and Margie Rea as Secretary.

This gave Queensland a South and North Qld Management Counci, and each Management Council now holds its own State Show.

In 1985, Gympie Branch held the first Futurity of its kind ever held in Australia – even before the National Futurity/Maturity, of which Gympie Branch is very proud. The first Futurity was held at Widgee, and was the brainchild of three horse people in the Gympie area – Ian Francis, the late John Elliot and Anne Sutherland. The idea was to have young horses competing against their own age group, and also to promote stallions who sired these youngsters, in order to have successful bloodlines recognised by the public.

Some of the original committee are still involved in the event today.

Chinchilla Branch was formed in June of 1985, with

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Cec Sullivan as President. The Branch had Classification Days, training and competition days with the Campdraft Club. Their first Annual Show was 1986/87 and the Branch later joined the South Queensland Futurity Series.

In 1986, Don Cross gave a Perpetual Trophy for a Teams Campdraft Competition between Branches. Central Darling Downs Branch was the first to win the Trophy. This competition continues today, culminating each year in a hard fought final with much rivalry. In 1992, East Moreton Branch held its first Futurity, Maturity and Challenge. In 1995, South Queensland Management Council hosted the first National Show to be held in Queensland at Chinchilla – a very successful event. In 1998, the first Maiden Campdraft Series Final was also run at Chinchilla.

The South Queensland Futurity Series began in the mid 1990s, and is very strongly contested each year, with currently five Branches —Gympie, East Moreton, West Moreton, Eastern Downs and Chinchilla—hosting a Futurity/Maturity and Challenge for the overall High Point. In 2011, a new section for Youth Judging was added.

Queensland has hosted three very successful National Championships – at Chinchilla (1995), and Warwick (2003 and 2006). Warwick also hosted the National Show in 2010. Queensland has also had the honour of presenting State Service Awards to Cec Sullivan, Gwen Lyons, Dawn Sullivan, Mary Ann Atthow and Sue Goodmanson. These people have all supported the Society for many years at Branch, State and National Show level.

Clockwise from top left: Les Fraser with the ball at 1981 Qld Polocrosse Championships; BEN, the first ASH stallion registered in the Central Queensland area; Australian Stock Horses in Western Australia; Mick Murphy riding Les Tones’ stallion MASTER JACK.

The Australian Stock Horse Society in Far North Queensland After the Society had formed in the south of the country, word was slowly filtering through to the north about this new horse registration.

The first involvement of North Queensland was when South Queensland classifiers were asked to visit the Charters Towers area, and they classified horses in 1972. The Charters Towers branch formed later that same year, it being the first branch to form in North Queensland. Soon after, classifiers were appointed within the Charters Towers branch, and these early classifiers found themselves very busy, and needed to use aeroplanes to cover the country and keep up with the demand of people wanting their horses classified.

Interest in the Australian Stock Horse Society spread outwards like a wave, and horse people would arrange for classifiers to visit their area to inspect horses. In that manner Branches were formed in Townsville, Hinchinbrook, Carpentaria, Far North Queensland, Mackay, Rockhampton, and Whitsunday. These branches were formed by 1976, and most of them were formed using the help of those original classifiers of Charters Towers Branch. Cape York and Tablelands Branch was later formed in 1989.

In early times in the Society there was no separate area known as North Queensland. The Queensland Division of the Society had its office in Brisbane, with Secretary Arthur Clothier, and Queensland registrations and memberships were processed

through that office in early days. The Board later closed the Queensland office and all correspondence was then processed at Head Office in Scone. Queensland was represented by four directors at that time, and they all lived in South Queensland.

Queensland was found to be a diverse state, with southern horse interests differing from the pursuits of their northern cousins, and both north and south areas needed their own Board representatives. The state was split into North Queensland and South Queensland along the Tropic of Capricorn, with those bordering Branches along the dividing line having the option to belong to either north or south at their discretion. Rockhampton Branch elected to be part of the north, while Central Western Branch opted to belong to the south. As a flow-on of the state being split, each area was allowed their own management council, and the North Queensland Management Council was formed in April, 1984.

President and Secretary of the then Queensland Management Council, Tony Bloodworth and Kelsey Fitzgerald, both travelled north to Charters Towers for the occasion and to offer their assistance in the initial formation of NQMC. Ernest Bassingthwaighte and Margie Rae were elected as the inaugural president and secretary of NQMC. At that time there were 2,595 financial members in North Queensland.

The two areas agreed to have a joint meeting every year at Dalby following the annual ASH Approved Sale, and northern delegates travelled to have a joint meeting with their southern

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colleagues for many years, until it was decided that each area become independent. Within the north, distance was a problem and after travelling to meet in person for a while, it was decided that all branches in North Queensland Management Council area would meet by phone link-up, a system which still operates today.

North Queensland currently has one representative on the Board of Directors. Over the years North Queensland has been represented at Board level by Gordon Salmond, Margie Rae, Dan Carter, Jenny Petrich and Glen Gough.

The Australian Stock Horse Society in New South Wales The evolution of the New South Wales Management Council closely followed the formation of the national body of the Australian Stock Horse Society. One of the first events to be held was the State Breeders Show which was organised in conjunction with the Dubbo Horse Festival and held in the Hanger in 1976.

The first State Futurities were held in 1977 at the Dubbo Showground. A perpetual trophy at the State Breeders Show has been awarded over the years in honour of Pat Hamilton who was the initial Chairman. In 1977, George Richardson was elected to the Chair of the SMC assisted by Marion Bell as secretary. From that initial period, each ASHS Branch has been entitled to be represented by two voting delegates with the executive of SMC being elected from current delegates.

The State Breeders Show was held at Dubbo Showground for a long period of time with the main organisation being provided by Central West Branch members supported by Central Tablelands.

In 2004, the State Show was moved to Gilgandra and organised by Western Branch Executive and members for three years in succession. Since then the responsibility for the Show has alternated between Scone and Dubbo Horse Festival and organised by the Executive of State Management Council.

Currently the executive consists of Bruce Moxey (Chairman), Louise Best (Secretary) and Craig Young (Treasurer).

Some of the early initiatives that SMC were involved in was; the ASHLA Showgirl competition, the formation of branches and their boundaries, classification of horses, the formation of State and National Futurity events and the State Performance Championships.

Other areas of involvement have been, branding and prefix protocols, dress codes, patterns, team yarding, code of conduct and coaches and judges schools. Another major initiative has been to award

identified agricultural shows with incentives for Champion Hacks and Galloways if they are registered Australian Stock Horses.

One of the SMC’s proudest achievements have been their focus on promoting Youth events. The Youth Judging Finals has been a main highlight during the ASHS events at Sydney RAS with other states now contributing Youth Judges to the National Finals.

NSW was the first State Management Council to successfully organise a State Youth Show as a separate event and to date the National Youth Show has been hosted only by NSW branches.

Another major initiative has been the organising of several highly successful ASHS Youth Coaching Camps and this model is now being emulated in other states across Australia. New South Wales is also proud of their ASH Young Members Committee, which holds meetings and liaises with the SMC. This strength within the Youth of NSW State Management Council, provides a certain assurance that the structures that evolved over a period of four decades will be strongly maintained into the future.

Youth Members - The Future of the Society Youth activities have always been an important part of the Australian Stock Horse Society. The first National Youth Committee was formed on the 6th November, 1979, with Jim Dowling from Queensland acting as Chairman. It was in July 1980 that the late Alex Martin of Singleton was appointed by the Board to take the position of Chairman, from which he retired when he became a member of the Board in 1988.

This position of Chairman of our National Youth Committee was then taken on by Ken Brown of Bunnan.

It was during this time that several Members and Branches gave donations to the Youth Committee so some assistance could be given to our young members.

In 1992 Ken Brown retired as Chairman and the position was then taken on by Reva Flint of Penrith, which she held until 2006, when she declined nomination for Chairperson and Mathew (Joe) Best of Mudgee filled this role until 2011. Greg Dawson of Armidale is currently the Chairperson of the New South Wales Youth Committee.

In 1994 the first National Youth Show was held at Agnes Banks (near Penrith), in New South Wales, with much help from people far and wide. This committee was a National body and money was distributed to Branches, on their application, for various Youth events with the money being held at head office and handled by Kathy Burns.

Above Left: Judge, Joy Poole with 2011 National Youth Judge Reserve Champion, Tyla Smith and National Youth Judge Champion, Brooklyn Timmins and General Manager, Catherine Smith. Above Right: Junior Judges at 1996 Sydney Royal Easter Show (clockwise from top left) Loretta Parkinson (NSW), Emma South (SA), Ryan Reid (WA), Nick McLean (Nth QLD), Emma Hanson (Sth QLD), Trudy Golding (VIC).

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Above Left: One of the very first ASH Journal articles about the newly formed ASHLA, with photos of some of the stars of the era (May 1976).

Above Right: Nearly 40 years on, ASHLA is still going strong. The ASHLA Line-up from the 2011 World Championship Show, Tamworth.

In 1998 this national body was disbanded by the Directors to allow each State Management Council to control their own youth affairs within their state.

Youth - Dates of Interest: 1983 - Junior Judging was first held at Sydney Royal. Long sleeve green zipper jackets were worn as part of the uniform.

1994 - Junior Judging was introduced to the Australian Stock Horse program at Canberra Royal.

1996 - The uniform was changed to a long sleeve green pullover due to the price increase and availability of the zipper jackets.

1996 - The National Junior Judging was introduced to Sydney Royal with a representative from each state. This is judged at the same time as the NSW State Final, which is made up of competitors from branches throughout New South Wales.

Australian Stock Horse Ladies Association The Australian Stock Horse Ladies Association began in February 1973 in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales, at a time when events and competition for Lady Riders was at an all time low. A group of ladies led by Beryl Gilshenan felt that there was a great need for an event for ladies and their horses at rodeos and shows in the Hunter Valley.

A meeting was called by Joy Poole in Scone, and with the help and suggestions from many riders, family and friends, the ‘Australian Stock Horse and Lady Rider’ event came into being. The first events

were run at rodeos in the Hunter, then at local shows, before spreading to other parts of New South Wales and interstate.

At the same meeting, it was also decided to form the Australian Stock Horse Ladies Association, commonly abbreviated to ASHLA. The first executive was Joy Poole as President, Brenda Ogilvie as Secretary, and Beryl Gilshenan as Treasurer. From that first meeting, the Association grew and spread in New South Wales. By the end of 1976, it started to go Australia-wide. It soon became necessary to form branches. ASHLA happily continued in this form until 2000.

At the Annual General Meeting in June 2000, ASHLA voted to incorporate, and we became a Management Council within the Australian Stock Horse Society. We now have subcommittees and the right to have two delegates in each ASH Branch in Australia.

These delegates form the Management Committee of ASHLA. Each member has the right to attend and vote at our AGM, which is held in a different state each year.

These meetings have become an annual trek for a dedicated band of members keen to foster our association. Initially a one day meeting, the Annual General Meeting is now includes sightseeing, touring and shopping days, and a chance to catch up with friendships formed over the years.

ASHLA is generously supported by the Australian Stock Horse Society, and have a dedicated page in each Australian Stock Horse Journal, to keep our Members informed of activities and competition results. ASHLA forms are available for download on the ASHS website.

ASHLA holds an annual point score competition, which covers many events, not only the ASHLA rider class. Our perpetual trophies are kept on display at ASH Head Office, and include the prestigious ‘Black Horse’, awarded to the highest scorer in the ASHLA class annually. This magnificent trophy was donated by the Archibald

Family, and was brought from India by David Archibald. The winning plaques list an outstanding ‘who’s who’ of the best lady riders since the inception of the Australian Stock Horse Society and ASHLA. An ASHLA class now forms part of the ridden ASH events at most Royal and Agricultural Shows. The event is judged in four sections: Dress, Equipment and General Presentation; Riding Ability; Horse’s Ability, Manners and Paces; Type and Conformation of Horse. Equipment should be neat and well kept, and judges are encouraged to reward well used and well maintained saddlery that is supple to the touch. ASHLA is a working class, and workouts should reflect this. The standard is incredibly high now, and the class has earned a reputation of producing an immaculate line-up of lady riders.

ASHLA has gone from strength to strength over the last 38 years, and under the umbrella of the Australian Stock Horse Society, will continue to encourage and support the activities of our female members, 13 years and over.

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Taproot Sires of the Australian Stock Horse Researched and written by Joy Poole OAM

Taproot stallion are horses that were never registered in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book, dying many years before the Society was founded. The following six stallions have been chosen as our most influential taproot stallions for their amazing influence on the current Australian Stock Horse Stud Book.

Obviously other horses have also had a great effect on our horses to date, but by sheer weight of numbers these six horses prove the most influential.

It would probably be correct to call Cecil the foundation stone of the Australian Stock Horse Society, with his immortal son Radium the great proponent of this genetic line. Radium through his progeny—and particularly the sires Radium II, Dimray and Chan—has put an incredible base of horses in the Society.

The other taproot sire in this select group is Bobbie Bruce. This sire has proved very important in the sire lines, but more particularly in the mare lines, of the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book.

I hope you enjoy reading about them.

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The only known photo of Cecil, taken in 1903. Cecil was a very influential sire in the history of the Australian Stock Horse Society.

Cecil Cecil was born at ‘Glenayre’, in Glenrock, New South Wales in 1899.

Bred by WH ‘Black Bill’ Simpson, Cecil was by Red Gauntlet, who was

by Marmion, and out of a Thornthwaite mare.

Marmion was by Dragoman, an arabian stallion then doing stud duty at St Aubins, Scone. Cecil’s dam was Meretha II, who was by Glenrock and out of Meretha. Glenrock Station is in the Hunter Valley, on the western side of the Great Dividing Range.

Cecil was purchased by WH Simpson’s brother, AT ‘Long Arch’ Simpson, who wanted to keep the colt as a sire. He paid nine pounds, plus his half share in another stallion called Alpha, for the young chestnut horse.

‘Long Arch’ Simpson was a renowned mountain horseman, who knew the rough country between Barrington Tops in the south and Nundle in the north like the back of his hand. This country is the watershed for the Manning River, which flows to the east, and the Hunter River which flows to the west. This mountainous terrain was the country in which Cecil worked and lived.

It wasn’t long before Cecil was to prove he was one of the greatest horses in the Upper Hunter, an area already renowned for producing great stock horses. When ‘Long Arch’ began to compete on him at Bushmen’s Carnivals, Cecil proved almost unbeatable in campdrafts and novelty events.

When the 1913 Geary’s Flat Rodeo [near Moonan Flat, east of Scone, New South Wales] attracted the best horsemen and horses of the day, ‘Long Arch’ was asked to leave Cecil at home, as he was considered unbeatable.

Cecil was a legend in his own lifetime; a legend which continues to this day. He is the rock on which the Australian Stock Horse Society is built, with eight of the ten most influential sires in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book tracing back to this horse.

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Radium, the great proponent of the Cecil bloodline

Radium When Donald Beaton, an astute horse breeder, decided to breed from his outstanding mare, Black Bess, he chose what he considered the most successful sire of the day, and this of course was Cecil.

Black Bess was by Hucketere, who was

by Ingomar out of Bessemer. Black Bess’s dam was Midnight, who was by Figaroo out of Countess. The mating produced the sire son of Cecil that would carry his line in the greatest volume to the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book - this was the mighty Radium. In the 1920s and 1930s the arguments raged as to which was the greater performer - Cecil or Radium. We will never know, but we do know that these were the two horses that supplied much of the foundation of the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book.

Radium was born at ‘Levedale’ Gloucester (on the Eastern side of the Great Divide) on Armistice Day in 1918. He, like his sire, was an outstanding performer, as were his progeny. Tales are related of Radium winning a campdraft at Kempsey and his progeny filling the next ten places,

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or Radium winning the led class at Dungog and his progeny filling the next five places.

Radium also worked in this rugged mountain country like his sire Cecil. His breeder, Donald Beaton, would take him to campdrafts led behind a sulky. On most occasions he would win the campdraft and later in the day he would give an exhibition of campdrafting without a bridle.

If Donald Beaton couldn’t go, he lent him to his friend Herb O’Neill. In 1928 Beaton was to sell the great horse to Herb O’Neill, so Radium moved to ‘Kunderung’, a property in the heart of the ranges between Kempsey and Armidale. Prior to his death, Radium also stood at Quirindi.

This change in locations during his lifetime, plus his longevity, (he died in 1947 just short of his 30th birthday) and his outstanding performances, made him a sire that was very much in demand. As

Herb O’Neill on Radium, circa 1930s.

he was available over a wide area for those days and breeders used the great horse, he had many progeny to represent him.

Even though the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book didn’t start recording horses until 1971, 24 years after the great horse’s death, 56 progeny of Radium are registered in the Stud Book.

Radium II This sire son of Radium, foaled in 1926, is of considerable importance to the Australian Stock Horse Society. The most successful horse in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book, ABBEY - FS, is line bred to Radium II. Radium II was by Radium out of Molly. Molly was by Zariff, who was by Zulu, the winner of the 1881 Melbourne Cup. Zulu will always be remembered as the Melbourne Cup winner who was led behind a sulky from Taree in New South Wales, to Flemington in Victoria, to win the race. Molly was out of an Eclipse mare. It is believed that this Eclipse was an imported TB who was renowned for his stock horses and his gallopers.

Like his sire and grandsire, Radium II was also an outstanding campdraft horse, winning his first Open at Bulahdelah in 1931. During his short five year career, he won 24 campdrafts. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, the top place to win in New South Wales was at Wallamba, near Nabiac. It is interesting to note that Radium II won at Nabiac in 1932, 1933, 1935, 1936 and 1937. His full campdraft record reads: five wins at Nabiac, four wins at Bulahdelah, three wins at Dungog, three wins at Gloucester, one win at Taree, three wins at Wingham, two wins at Kempsey, one win at Maitland, and two wins at Quirindi.

Unfortunately, this brilliant horse broke his leg campdrafting at Taree Show in March 1938, in the prime of his life at only 12 years of age. Despite all efforts to save him, he had to be put down several months later, on 29th June, 1938. In all his wins he was ridden by [WG] Glen Wisemantel of Krambach.

Above: Harry Ball on the 4 year old ABBEY FS, Taken in 1959 at Willawarrin by Mr Hugh Flood, owner of Joy’s Pal the dam of ABBEY FS. ABBEY was line-bred to Radium II.

Radium II with Glen Wisemantle, in 1937.

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Dimray

Dimray, one of the most important sire sons of Radium, and an outstanding campdrafter in his own right. Pictured here with Alf Bignell, showing brilliant style in the campdraft arena.

Once again a legendary horseman in Carl Mitchell decided to send a great mare called Doreen to the best stallion he knew, and of course that horse was Radium. The resulting colt, Dimray, was born in 1938.

Doreen was purchased for 60 pounds in the early 1930s, which was a ‘king’s ransom’ in those days. Doreen was by Sylvius, a Thoroughbred that placed in the Melbourne Cup. Silvius’s dam was a mare called Addenda, who was by Spearmint. Spearmint was by Carbine (NZ), and his sire was Silvern, who was by Polymelus, a very influential Australian Stock Horse taproot sire.

Like his sire and grandsire, Dimray was a wonderful campdrafter. He also was bred in the Upper Hunter, on the sides of the Great Divide at ‘Uloola’, Ellerston. This area was quite isolated in those days, so it was nothing for Carl to ride 40 or 50 miles to a campdraft and then back home. Despite the distance, Carl won many campdrafts in the Upper Hunter.

In 1948 when Carl represented Hunter Valley at the Sydney Royal Easter Show on Dimray, he scored a 93, which stood as the highest score in Sydney for a number of years. Carl lent Dimray to Alf Bignell, a well known campdraft competitor from the Maitland area, who was also very successful with him. At one stage Dimray won five campdrafts in a row.

In the early 1950s Dimray was sold to Frank Dickie at Edgeroi, where he later died. Dimray was very important as the sire of two influential Foundation Sires, REALITY - FS and PETER - FS. The dam of STANTON STUD DODGE - FS, Glamour, was also by Dimray. Many pundits consider Dimray is the most influential tap root sire of modern campdrafters.

Chan It is believed Chan was the last colt sired by Radium.

Foaled in 1945, Chan was bred by the legendary horseman and trainer of dogs, Frank Scanlon.

Knowing that his friend JG (Jim) Callinan wanted a Radium colt, Frank arrived at Glengarry Station one day, in a two horse float, with his good mare Witzy and a two month old colt at foot by Radium on board. Frank gave the colt to Jim Callinan, which was later named Chan, after Charlie Chan, a famous Chinese detective.

Jim always regarded Chan as the horse he would have most liked to breed himself.

There was a bond between Chan and Jim Callinan, and the great horseman was able to educate Chan to do some great things, including getting him to jump a fence by putting his coat over the wire. A promising start to campdrafting—a win and a second from three starts—was curtailed when Chan drove a piece of wood into his near hind coronet. This became a recurring injury.

Chan was by Radium and out of Witzy, a great cattle mare. Witzy was by Medlow.

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Radium out of a Medlow mare not only produced Chan but the other great stallions, Rayon, Radiums Echo and Radiums Call.

One of the greatest features of the Chan horses were the beautiful heads, the lovely headsets and the swan necks.

This trait is still being produced in his descendants. A possible explanation for this can be found if we delve deeper into Chan’s breeding. His mother Witzy was out of a part Arabian mare, and Cecil’s great grandfather, Dragoman was an Arabian stallion. Could this genetic cross have produced this amazing front? Another interesting connection is that Medlow’s great grandsire is Glenrock, and Cecil’s dam Meretha II was by Glenrock.

Chan is a dominant force in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book, particularly through his mares. His greatest contribution to the Stud Book is through the

A daughter of Chan, GLENGARRY DINA, ridden by Leo Callinan.

Foundation mare, ROSEBROOK CEDAR FM, who produced the Foundation stallion ROSEBROOK CEDARWOOD - FS and the Impact Stallion ROSEBROOK ABOU - IS. What is so amazing is that Chan never stood to outside mares. He was only used with the Glengarry mares, and was also lent to Dick Telfer of Gum Ridge, Merriwa, when Jim Callinan’s son Leo worked for Dick.

Dick Telfer kept a colt by Chan, called RED RAY - FS, and Dick’s horses also became renowned for their beautiful fronts.

Clockwise from top left: John Cowley as a teenager, mustering on Bobbie Bruce; Bobbie Bruce as an old horse; Ernie Cowley flag racing on Bobbie Bruce, an event in which the little stallion was never beaten.

Bobbie Bruce This great ‘pony’ of Ernie Cowley has had a profound influence on the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book. Bred at Glendonbrook, Singleton, in the Hunter Valley, Bobbie Bruce was by the well known racing pony Bruce, who was by Moorefield (TB). Moorefield was by Cheviot, out of Bengal Light. Bruce’s dam was a TB mare.

Bobbie Bruce’s dam, Cadger, was one of the great campdraft mares of her era, winning three Australian Championship Campdrafts. In a long competitive career, Cadger was only beaten once in a flag race, and she won campdrafts in many areas, including Wallamba. Cadger was by the TB sire Sylvander, and out of a mare who was by the imported pony stallion, Docken. Cadger was bred by Lindsay Wood of ‘Melrose’, Reedy Creek, Singleton. Ernie Cowley purchased her as a young mare, broke her in and rode her during her competitive life.

From a limited number of outings, Bobbie Bruce won eight of the ten campdrafts he contested, and was unbeaten in flag races.

He sired the Foundation stallions MUSTER - FS and SCRUMLO FIRELIGHT - FS. He is also the sire of Respect, the dam of ELLIOTTS CREEK CADET - FS. He is the sire of two Foundation mares, STANTON STUD SAUCER - FM and SCRUMLO VICTORIA - FM,

and the grandsire of Foundation mare FOREST NANCY - FM. Co-founder of the Australian Stock Horse Society, Bert Griffith, had great faith in Bobbie Bruce, and he sent his highly regarded mare, Flame, to him on two occasions. In 1959 she produced the Foundation mare SCRUMLO VICTORIA - FM. This mare, at her first outing, won three campdrafts on the one day at Rouchel. She went on to be a great broodmare, producing the Impact stallion, SCRUMLO VICTORY - IS. In 1960 the Bobbie Bruce/Flame combination produced the Foundation stallion SCRUMLO FIRELIGHT - FS. The first foals by Bobbie Bruce were born in 1937 and the last foals were born in 1963. During his long life Bobbie Bruce served over 1,000 mares. The Cowley Family have a record of all mares served.

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The Most Influential Foundation and Impact Sires Researched and written by Joy Poole OAM

Foundation Sires and Impact Sires are stallions that are registered in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book. These horses were not chosen by the Society - rather they selected themselves through the number of descendants they now have in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book.

What is the difference between a Foundation Sire and an Impact Sire? A Foundation Sire is a stallion that has over 1,000 descendants registered in the Stud Book within three generations. An Impact Sire has to have the same criteria, but he is a stallion whose sire is already a Foundation Sire. As you cannot have more than one Foundation Sire on a sire line, sons of that line are designated Impact Sires.

Impact Sires on a line show that the line is continuing to produce highly regarded horses. Currently we have lines that have a Foundation Sire and two Impact Sires on the same line.

As you read about the following Foundation and Impact Sires, it will become easier to understand why the Taproot Sires were chosen.

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A champion performer, ABBEY - FS is also the most influential sire in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book.

ABBEY - FS This horse is without peer the most influential horse in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book. Currently he has almost 40,000 descendants, more than twice the number of his nearest competitor, REALITY - FS. Everything about ABBEY - FS is exceptional: his breeding, his performance and the people that surrounded him during his lifetime. ABBEY - FS was bred by Harry Ball, a great campdrafter from Frederickton on the North Coast of New South Wales.

Harry was a dairy farmer with little money to spare, so he bred this incredible horse from a borrowed mare, Joys Pal, that he had won campdrafts on, and a free service by a horse his uncle campaigned. Although at first glance this may appear to be convenient breeding, nothing could be further from the truth. His uncle’s horse was Radiant, a great campdrafter of the day and a full brother to the incredible Radium III. Radiant was by Radium II (See Taproot Sires) out of a TB mare, Lady Squires.

The dam of ABBEY - FS, Joys Pal, was owned by Hugh Flood, the publican at Willawarrin and named after his wife. Joys Pal was by Radium II and out of a Cooplacurripa station mare.

ABBEY - FS is one of the Foundation stallions with a double cross back to Cecil through Radium. He possibly also had another cross back to Cecil through the Cooplacurripa station mare.

A jet black colt, ABBEY - FS was born in 1955. Harry

was so keen to get started with ABBEY - FS that he broke him in when he was little more than a weanling. He won his first campdraft at Taree at 22 months of age, and people started talking about him. It seems they never stopped.

By nine years of age ABBEY - FS had won 23 campdrafts, including The Duke of Gloucester Cup in 1961 and 1964 , which is now called the World Championship Campdraft. He also ran second in this event 1962. ABBEY - FS was in his prime, and in 1964 things could not have been better for Harry Ball and his wife Coral. They had a champion horse who had just won The Duke of Gloucester Cup, and a few weeks later, on the 4th June, Coral gave birth to twins. Life seemed to be so good, but everything changed on the 23rd June, 1964, when Harry was killed in a road accident.

Coral Ball could never imagine anyone but Harry riding ABBEY - FS, so she retired him from competition and gave him to her friends Theo and Bonnie Hill to look after for her. ABBEY - FS changed from champion performer to champion sire. His deeds as a sire have never been matched, as is shown by his incredible number of descendants: over 40,000 and counting.

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Bignells Radiant, grandsire of REALITY - FS, being ridden by Alf Bignell.

REALITY - FS and Terry Hall.

REALITY - FS With over 17,000 descendants, REALITY - FS is the second most influential stallion in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book. Born at Gresford in the Hunter Valley, only a stone’s throw from Glendonbrook where Bobbie Bruce was born, REALITY - FS was purchased by well known campdrafter, Alf Bignell, and broken in by Mel Bates of Gunnedah.

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REALITY - FS was to return to Maitland after being broken-in, then he spent some time at Throwley Station at Merriwa before moving to Moree when Alf’s job required him to move there. It was here that he was purchased by Mel Bates, who had always wanted to own him.

Mel was to take REALITY - FS on the road with him droving, and people would marvel at how quiet he was. Although he was only 14.2 hands, Mel described him as being powerful to ride but soft. Mel had cattle on the road near Narrabri and word came out that they were short of pick up men at Narrabri Rodeo, so Mel volunteered to help. What happened next amazed the spectators, and Mel too: ‘The whip went and I rode in on REALITY - FS to pick up the rider.

The buckjumper jumped the fence and REALITY - FS went out over the fence with him,’ said Mel. Artie Hall once said, ‘Mel was such a great horseman that REALITY - FS was always outstanding to handle and was always going well.’ Everyone who saw or rode REALITY - FS commented on his ability to cut out cattle and his incredible balance.

REALITY - FS was by Dimray, who was

by Radium out of Doreen, who was by Sylvius (TB). REALITY - FS’s dam, Glamour, was Alf Bignell’s well known campdraft mare by Bignell’s Radiant, a grey stallion, also bred at Gresford by Lester Brogan and purchased by Alf Bignell when he was a two year old. Bignell’s Radiant was

by Radium, out of a mare called Mac Whites Dawn. This mare tapped REALITY -FS into the Saladin line of horses. Mac Whites Dawn was also the dam of another well known sire at that time, Dinkum.

Like ABBEY - FS, REALITY - FS has this double cross back to Radium and Cecil.

WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS Bred by Peter Knight, WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS first made an impression as a campdraft performer, before an eye infection put paid to his performance career. As a sire he was to reach dazzling heights.

WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS was born in 1975, not long after the Australian Stock Horse Society had commenced.

Peter Knight put his mare WARRENBRI JULIE - IM to REALITY - FS on three occasions, and the third mating produced WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS. His breeder, Peter Knight, when he saw the foal said, ‘It’s our turn, there’s no rhyme or reason for me to think this but I just know it’s our turn.’ These prophetic words of Peter Knight proved more than true.

At the Warwick Gold Cup in 1990, seven of the 15 finalists were by WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS. WARRENBRI OMEGA - IS won the Gold Cup ridden by Lindsay Knight, Terry Hall on BAR NONE OMO was

second, Christine Hall on HAZELWOOD LUCKY STRIKE was third, and fifth was WARRENBRI CHORUS GIRL ridden

by Lindsay Knight. All of these horses were by WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS. Unfortunately, Peter Knight never lived to see this wonderful achievement, as he had been a victim of cancer.

Peter Knight had lived long enough however to know that his horse was a champion, as already his progeny were appearing on the winner’s list in every conceivable sport. They were of course setting the world on fire in campdrafting, but they were also very successful in the showring, winning working classes and led classes.

PETER - FS

Lindsay Knight competing on WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS at the Australian Championships in Warren, New South Wales.

WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS is the most influential Impact Sire in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book, with over 11,500 descendants, and the fastest moving stallion in the Stud Book currently.

PETER - FS

The fourth most influential Foundation or Impact stallion is PETER - FS, bred by Charlie Quelch of ‘Paleroo’ in Narrabri, New South Wales. PETER - FS, like REALITY- FS, was by Dimray.

The dam of Peter was an outstanding mare called Why Not. This mare belonged to Arthur Davis, a friend of Charlie’s who managed a place nearby. Why Not campdrafted at Sydney Royal Easter Show in the late 1940s, and was by a very highly regarded TB called Promised Land, who was by by Dark Ronald. ‘I can’t remember seeing a better mare in the camp or outside,” said Charlie Quelch, ‘and a good enough type to win a hack class.’ Promised Land produced not only good race horses but some outstanding campdraft horses of the day. Arthur Davis shifted to Emu Holes at Quirindi, but later became ill and retired to Manilla.

‘In 1954 when Arthur became ill, he sent Why Not up to me,’ said Charlie Quelch, ‘Frank Dickie had purchased Dimray from Carl Mitchell and had him over at Edgeroi, so I sent Why Not over there to get in foal. The service fee was ten Guineas. [$21]When

PETER - FS was born I kept telling Arthur about the colt but he just kept saying ’Geld him’. Arthur died without seeing him but I thought, “where do you get breeding like that?” so I kept him.’

Charlie lost his early service certificate books, but believes PETER - FS went to at least 300 or 400 mares. PETER - FS was born in 1956 and died in 1983 at the age of 27. Charlie used PETER - FS as his main work horse during his life, and also performed him at local campdrafts. In good seasons, Charlie took 15 to 20 mares, but in dry seasons he took none. The service fee remained the same all his life: $50.

Peter has over 11,000 descendants in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book.

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RIVOLI RAY - IS RIVOLI RAY - IS, was by the Foundation Stallion, PETER - FS, out of the Foundation mare, GARTHOWEN MISS RIVOLI - FM. With almost 11,000 descendants, RIVOLI RAY - IS ranks fifth on the list of most influential sires. Born in December 1967, this stallion was in his prime when the Australian Stock Horse Society was forming. RIVOLI RAY - IS was bred by Lex Wiseman of ‘Garthowen’, at Attunga, New South Wales. A family friend of the Wiseman Family, Jack Cutmore, saw the colt and mentioned him to his friend Barry Law, and they purchased him for $400.

RIVOLI RAY - IS was an eye catching black horse, and the more you looked at him the more you liked him. He was rarely beaten in a led class, and some of his major wins included Champion Led at Sydney Royal Easter Show (3 times), Queensland Royal Show (2 times) and the New South Wales State Championships at Dubbo.

He was not only a ‘pretty face’ however, but also an

Annette Law and RIVOLI RAY - IS, after winning the 1976 Barnes Trophy

outstanding working and campdraft horse. At the Expo 75 in Adelaide, he scored 24 in two of his three Cut Outs. He won numerous campdrafts, and the coveted Barnes Trophy.

In his later life he was purchased by David Wilson of Glen Lee Stud. RIVOLI RAY - IS in his lifetime made a great contribution to both the Law’s Yarrawa Stud and to the Wilson’s Glen Lee Stud.

ELLIOTTS CREEK CADET - FS ELLIOTTS CREEK CADET - FS was bred

by Les Jensen of Elliotts Creek Station in Queensland. Les had purchased a Bobbie Bruce mare, Respect, from Gwen Winter’s father after her untimely death in a campdrafting accident.

Les described Respect as being ‘as good a horse as you would ever ride’ and rates her greatness on par with her famous son ELLIOTTS CREEK CADET - FS. Respect had incredible speed, which Les attributed to her grandsire Bruce, who was a record holding pony TB galloper and sire of Bobbie Bruce.

Respect won a campdraft at her second start. She was later to run second in the Warwick Gold Cup, beaten by only one point.

Unfortunately she was kicked in the knee and this came against her.

Les decided to breed from her and sent her to a very respected TB sire in Queensland, Commandant, who had been a successful race horse and had also campdrafted.

Like his mother, ELLIOTTS CREEK CADET - FS also did well at Warwick, winning the Canning Downs campdraft and the Cut Out in the Warwick Gold Cup. Not only did he do well himself, but he sired two winners of the Warwick Gold Cup in JENSENS MEG and COMMISSIONER. He was also the sire of KIRKBYS STUD EPAULET, the dam of KIRKBYS STUD OFFICER, winner of the stallion campdraft at Warwick.

As the sixth most influential stallion with almost 10,500

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The ‘Pocket Dynamo’, ELLIOTTS CREEK CADET - FS, a brilliant performer and sire.

descendants, ELLIOTTS CREEK CADET - FS produced over 50 highly successful sire sons. Like the Bobbie Bruce horses he was a pocket dynamo, very fast and powerful but measuring just under 15 hands.

NABINABAH THE GUN - FS with David Archibald. He was always used as a paddock sire at Nabinabah Stud in Gundy, New South Wales.

NABINABAH THE GUN - FS David Archibald was a polo enthusiast, and always trying to breed the ultimate polo pony. In the 1940s the Finlays of Thorthwaite Station, Scone were renowned for their polo ponies, with many of them carrying the Gibbergunyah line.

David began to build his stud in the years following World War II, and tried to tap into recognised breeds. He was extremely lucky to obtain from Thornthwaite an outstanding mare, Serene. Serene was out of the Gibbergunyah mare, Brown Girl. Serene’s sire Pantler was a winning TB by Pantheon, an outstanding racehorse and sire. Pantheon produced 26 Principal Race winners, with his most famous being the great Peter Pan, winner of the 1932 AJC Derby and the VRC Melbourne Cup in 1932 and 1934.

David joined Serene to Bob McKay’s great polo pony and sire, Panzer, to produce NABINABAH THE GUN - FS in 1957.

Panzer played polo for Bob McKay, winning some of the biggest polo tournaments of the time, before ill health forced Bob to retire from playing. Panzer was only 11 years old when Bob McKay retired, and at that time he felt that Panzer was still reaching

his peak, as every chukka he played was better than the last.

Panzer was by Panthom, who was by Pantheon, so NABINABAH THE GUN - FS had this great sire on both sides of his pedigree. Panzer’s dam Nellie was by Kangon, whose dam Diffidence had won the Sydney Cup. Diffidence was also the grandam of Nellie’s dam Gooralai. Panzer is also the sire of another Foundation stallion, MYRA BRONZE - FS. The descendants of NABINABAH THE GUN - FS have proved wonderfully adaptable horses, not only now starring on polo fields but also excelling in campdrafting, polocrosse and show work. These horses are renowned for their beautiful shoulder, rein and headset. With over 8,000 descendants, NABINABAH THE GUN - FS is the seventh most influential sire in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book.

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Theo Hill on ABDUL - IS, winner of the Warwick Gold Cup, and campdrafts in four states (NSW, QLD, VIC and SA).

ABDUL - IS Those who had the privilege of seeing ABDUL - IS in the campdraft arena will never forget the incredible athleticism of this great horse. Foaled in February, 1964 at Comara Station on the North Coast of New South Wales, ABDUL - IS was bred by great horseman and stud master, Theo Hill.

Theo Hill and Harry Ball, breeder of ABBEY - FS, were great friends and organised to swap the loan of a broodmare for a service fee.

Theo put his great mare COMARA PRINCESS - FM (by Bulga Boy) to ABBEY - FS for his service, and the result was ABDUL - IS. Comara was a beautiful but mountainous property that required horses to work the cattle, and after ABDUL - IS was broken-in he became Theo’s main work horse. As a four year old he was lent to Jack Smythe to compete at two rodeos, at which he ran two seconds.

Theo and his family moved back to Quirindi in 1969, but Theo left ABDUL - IS at Comara for the manager to ride. Unfortunately they did not get on, so in 1971 ABDUL - IS was brought over to Quirindi.

In 1971 he won the Maiden campdraft at Guyra, and in 1972 he started to chalk up an amazing run of wins. In a very short

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career he won 35 Open campdrafts, with his major wins being the Warwick Gold Cup in 1973, the World Championship Campdraft in 1974, and the Expo Championships in 1975. He won campdrafts in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.

He was retired from campdrafting at the age of 11, and stood at stud until his death on 4th January, 1989, at 24 years of age.

During his stud career, he stood along side his great sire ABBEY - FS. In hindsight this was probably the greatest two Australian Stock Horses to stand at stud together. Theo Hill has said that he always regretted he did not keep more ABDUL - IS mares.

ABDUL - IS proved a great sire in his own right, and with over 7,500 descendants is the eighth most influential sire in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book.

STANTON STUD DODGE - FS In equal eighth position with over 7,500 descendants is the stallion / gelding STANTON STUD DODGE - FS. This horse was foaled in 1964, and his conception like everything else about him was unusual.

EH ‘Tiger’ Batterham had a very good mare by Dimray called Glamour, and Tiger had purchased a stallion by Radium called Rayon. John Stanton approached Tiger and offered him 100 pounds for a foal out of Glamour by Rayon.

Tiger said, ‘I would never have mated those two horses as I would have considered the bloodlines too close, but I was to be proved very wrong. In those days 100 pounds for a horse, let alone a foal, was an amazing amount of money, so I agreed to breed the foal.’

Tiger recalled that 1964 when STANTON STUD DODGE - FS was born was the worst drought that Timor, Tiger’s district has ever experienced even to today. To make it worse, rabbits were also in plague proportions. Tiger rang John and told him to pick up the colt or he may not survive.

‘When I took him home to feed him,’ said John, ‘he had hooves only as big as egg cups.’ STANTON STUD DODGE - FS recovered rapidly from his poor start, and John broke him in at 20 months of age. John Stanton knew the first time he rode him that he had an exceptional horse. He invited his mentor, legendary horseman Frank Scanlon, over to see how well the horse was going. After riding the colt himself, Frank concurred with John’s opinion. He however suggested to John that to keep doing what he was doing, STANTON STUD DODGE - FS needed four year old legs, not two year old legs. At first John was shocked, but he took Frank’s advice and turned him out for two years.

STANTON STUD DODGE - FS only produced seven foals before he was gelded. Frank Scanlon bred two foals by STANTON STUD DODGE - FS out of his Bobbie Bruce mare. One was the great little mare, TINY, that was given to Graham Keys by Frank Scanlon, and the other was a colt that was gelded, John bred four foals by him; three deliberately and one accidently. The three colts by Dodge all turned out to be successful sires: CECIL BRUCE - IS, STANTON STUD CHANCE - IS and BLENHEIM WONGA BOY. TINY only ever had one foal, who had no progeny. The other daughter

by STANTON STUD DODGE - FS was

The designer bred champion, STANTON STUD DODGE - FS and John Stanton.

STANTON STUD JEANIE. The seventh foal, STANTON STUD SNAPSHOT, was gelded.

STANTON STUD DODGE - FS was to prove himself as an exceptional working horse, winning the ABCRA Open Horse of The Year in 1972, in the same year John Stanton won the Calf Roper of the Year on him and also the Campdraft Rider of the Year.

STANTON STUD DODGE - FS lived to 33 years of age. In his retirement years, he ran in the bullock paddock at Guy Fawkes Station, which was managed by John’s lifelong friend Tom Scanlon, Frank

Scalon’s son. On the night in 1999 when STANTON STUD DODGE - FS passed away, he came right up to the fence of the homestead and lay down at the back gate. This outstanding ‘sire’, who had spent 29 years of his life as a gelding, was found the next morning, sitting down with his head turned back into his shoulder as if he was asleep, but he was dead.

Of these nine most influential sires, seven tapped heavily into Cecil through Radium. The statistics for these stories were taken from the database of the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book in July, 2010.

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The Most Influential Foundation and Impact Mares Researched and written by Joy Poole OAM

Once again these eight mares selected themselves by the numbers of descendants they now have in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book. The Foundation and Impact rules apply as for the stallions, with the only difference being that mares need 500 descendants within three generations to be deemed Foundation or Impact Mares.

Obviously there are many great horses that do not appear in these stories, but many of those would be descendants of these great horses. There are also other very strong lines that did not have the current numbers to be in this elite group.

It will be interesting to note at the 50th Anniversary of the Australian Stock Horse Society, how these bloodlines are progressing.

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WARRENBRI JULIE - IM The most influential mare, with over 11,500 descendants, is WARRENBRI JULIE - IM, the mother of the great sire WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS. Peter Knight borrowed the mare KRUETTE - FM from his uncle Toby Knight, with the intention to breed a foal. Peter decided to send her to a TB stallion that belonged to Ron Radford at Cubbaroo Station.

The stallion was Lord Coronation, a very handy galloper who had won the Sydney Cup. Born on the 20th January, 1958, the resultant foal was WARRENBRI JULIE - IM. The 15 hand WARRENBRI JULIE - IM became Peter Knight’s preferred mare to ride, although he did lend her to his children to ride at pony club. She was a very good natured mare and very athletic, and she did well at pony club for the boys. When ridden

by Peter she was an Open campdraft mare.

Peter’s son Jeremy had been working for Terry Hall and had ridden horses by REALITY - FS while there, and knew their worth. So when Peter decided to breed from WARRENBRI JULIE - IM, the obvious choice was REALITY - FS. The first mating to REALITY - FS produced a filly in 1971, named WARRENBRI BEATRICE, who campdrafted but unfortunately died before producing a foal. In 1973, WARRENBRI JULIE - IM produced another foal by REALITY - FS, the chestnut filly WARRENBRI MARION. This mare was a successful broodmare.

On the 14th January, 1975, WARRENBRI JULIE - IM produced her

WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS

first colt to REALITY - FS, WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS. On the 18th December, 1975 she produced a second colt, WARRENBRI ABEL, by ABDUL - IS. Two foals in the one year! WARRENBRI ABEL was gelded and proved a great polocrosse horse for Peter Knight, but WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS was to prove a great performer and an incredible sire.

Unfortunately these were the only four foals WARRENBRI JULIE - IM was to have, as she was found in the paddock with a smashed shoulder and had to be put down.

KRUETTE - FM The second most influential mare, with over 11,200 descendants, is KRUETTE - FM. Toby Knight bought the mare Corkscrew, in foal to Whistle, from Jack O’Rourke of Merah North in 1952.

One thing is for sure, neither one of them at the time knew what they were selling and buying.

The foal, born on the 12th August, 1952, was to be KRUETTE - FM, one of the most important female influences in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book.

KRUETTE - FM was a led class type mare by Whistle, whose sire Abspear had won the Sydney Cup. Abspear’s sire was the great Spearfelt, who traced back to the legendary Carbine, a New Zealand-bred stayer who won 33 races, including two Sydney Cups and the 1890 Melbourne Cup by three lengths while carrying 10 stone 5 pounds [65 kgs].

KRUETTE - FM’s dam was by Blend.

KRUETTE - FM was loaned to Peter Knight and produced WARRENBRI JULIE - IM as her first foal. KRUETTE - FM was then returned to her pony club and station work at Toby Knight’s property until 1965, when Peter Knight borrowed

KRUETTE - FM, with foal at foot, KRUI ROULETTE

her again and joined her to PETER - FS. This foal, SHEILA, proved an exceptional broodmare, producing HALLS CANDY in 1971, WARRENBRI REBECCA IN 1973 (by REALITY - FS, WARRENBRI REBECCA played in the New South Wales polocrosse team), WARRENBRI IVAN in 1975 (by ABDUL - IS, he was a great campdraft horse who won five campdrafts and numerous places, including second in the Warwick Gold Cup to the Legendary NABINABAH BREEZETTE), WARRENBRI WAKEFUL in 1976, WARRENBRI COLLEEN in 1978 (a very fast, good polocrosse mare), WARRENBRI BUL BUL in 1979, a campdraft winner, WARRENBRI GOLDEN GIRL in 1984 (an Open campdraft winner), and WARRENBRI IMELDA in 1985.

In 1971, Tim Knight, Toby’s son, decided to take KRUETTE - FM home

and breed a foal for himself. He put her to REALITY - FS and produced the colt KRUI ROULETTE. Broken in at 20 months of age, he was campaigned by Christine and Terry Hall until he was 12 years old with incredible results. He won 33 campdrafts, including the Australian Open at Capella in Queensland and the Ladies Australian Championships at Mansfield in Victoria. In 1982 he was Champion Ridden Stallion at Sydney Royal Easter Show. KRUI ROULETTE was a great minded horse that during his career won at campdrafting, working, ASHLA and hacking, and the Hall children rode him in parades.

KRUETTE - FM only ever had three foals, but what three foals they were: WARRENBRI JULIE - IM, the most influential mare in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book, the champion broodmare SHEILA, and the champion performance horse and sire KRUI ROULETTE.

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GARTHOWEN MISS RIVOLI - FM Bought sight unseen by the Wiseman Family of Attunga New South Wales, from the W.A Trot Estate in Queensland on the recommendation of friend John Cameron, GARTHOWEN MISS RIVOLI - FM is the third most influential mare in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book, with 10,800 descendants.

Born on the 1st of August, 1949 the mare was successfully campdrafted by Bob Grace in Queensland and was reported to have won an Easter campdraft at Warwick prior to coming to Tamworth.

The Wiseman Family competed on her as an Open campdraft mare where she won ribbons, and she also won lightweight stock horse classes. When she injured her shoulder, Lex Wiseman decided to breed from her. He sent her to the same stallion for the six matings, Charlie Quelch’s PETER - FS. PETER FS was by Dimray and out of Why Not, both top campdraft horses of their day.

GARTHOWEN MISS RIVOLI - FM was by the well known sire Rivoli Gift, a TB by Rivoli and out of the TB mare Gullation. GARTHOWEN MISS RIVOLI - FM’s dam is listed as ‘Thoroughbred Mare 01’, so it would appear that this Foundation mare was a straight TB. Of the six foals she produced, three were registered by the Australian Stock Horse Society and one is mentioned in breeding.

By far her most influential foal was her first drop, RIVOLI RAY - IS. Born in 1967, RIVOLI RAY - IS is the sixth most influential sire in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book, and was in the early years of the Society its flagship as a horse of stock horse type. RIVOLI RAY - IS was also an outstanding performance horse.

In 1969 she produced a filly GARTHOWEN WHYNOT. This mare only had one start in a campdraft, ridden by Bob Palmer. In this run at Bunnan, New South Wales, she scored 94 and went on to win both the Maiden and Novice campdrafts. Unfortunately before she could be campdrafted again she was crippled. In 1973, GARTHOWEN MISS RIVOLI - FM produced another very successful sire in REGAL RIVOLI. Bought sight unseen, GARTHOWEN MISS RIVOLI - FM proved a wonderful purchase for the Wiseman Family.

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The two best-known sons of GARTHOWEN MISS RIVOLI - FM. Above: Barry Law on the multi-award winning RIVOLI RAY - IS (PETER - FS/GARTHOWEN MISS RIVOLI - FM) Left: REGAL RIVOLI (PETER - FS/GARTHOWEN MISS RIVOLI - FM)

COMARA PRINCESS - FM COMARA PRINCESS - FM was born on the 1st August, 1948 and purchased by Frank Hill, father of Theo Hill, at the Willawarrin Campdraft. Prior to purchasing her, Theo and his father had been watching her in action.

When the rider lost the beast, instead of pulling up he kept chasing the steer to the fence, when the beast and the horse spun back off the fence the rider fell off.

Impressed by the mare, Frank sent well known horseman, Jack Smythe to see if she could be purchased. The owner Frank ‘Smacker’ Creeley, set the price at 75 pounds, so the cheque was written and COMARA PRINCESS - FM was now in the ownership of the Hill Family.

In 1959 Theo Hill won the Novice campdraft on her at Willawarrin. Theo had wonderful success with her in campdrafts on the North Coast of New South Wales, winning and being placed on numerous occasions. Unfortunately, no one ever kept an account of what she won. Not a big mare, not really much bigger than a pony, she had wonderful cattle sense. She was a great mare working on Comara Station, and always put in a one hundred percent effort.

COMARA PRINCESS - FM was by the TB Bulga Boy, who at that time was throwing a lot of good campdrafters on the North Coast. Through Bulga Boy, COMARA PRINCESS - FM went back to the great TB sire St Simon. A photo taken of St Simon in the late 1800s and ABDUL - IS with his trophy for the Warwick Gold Cup show an incredible body similarity.

No one is sure of the breeding of the dam of COMARA PRINCESS - FM. COMARA PRINCESS - FM went to stud in 1962 and produced a very talented colt that was registered as EAGLE. EAGLE was

by BLACK RADIANT - FS, and he went on to not only campdraft successfully but to sire the winner of the Warwick Gold Cup, Fourex. Eagle was also a very good polo pony, with Theo playing international polo on him against Argentina.

As good a horse as EAGLE was, the next foal of COMARA PRINCESS - FM was to prove even more successful, a colt by ABBEY - FS, called ABDUL - IS. Theo Hill and Harry Ball, the owner of ABBEY - FS, were travelling friends to rodeos and often they had remarked on how much ABBEY FS and COMARA PRINCESS - FM worked alike. They made a deal where Theo would lend Harry a Comara mare, COMARA BLONDIE, to get a foal and Harry would

COMARA PRINCESS - FM and Theo Hill

give Theo a free service by ABBEY - FS to COMARA PRINCESS - FM. Theo got his colt, ABDUL - IS, but unfortunately, Harry was killed in a road accident before he got his side of the bargain.

‘ABDUL - IS was undoubtedly the greatest horse I ever rode,’ said Theo Hill.

ABDUL - IS the winner of the Warwick Gold Cup went on to be one of our greatest sires.

COMARA PRINCESS - FM also had two geldings by Tomahawk: COMARA AMEGO and PETERS JOKER, and four mares by ABBEY - FS: COMARA VICKI, COMARA RAVEN, COMARA ABICARE

and COMARA ABBRA. These mares also produced quality foals. COMARA ABBRA is the dam of WINDRA BET, who is the dam of successful sire KIRKBY STUD OMAHA. The town of Willawarren figures prominently in the history of COMARA PRINCESS - FM , it was where she was purchased by the Hill Family, where she won her first draft for them and it was where ABBEY - FS, the sire she had so much success with was born.

With over 8,100 descendants, she is the fourth most influential mare in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book.

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STANTON STUD SAUCER - FM STANTON STUD SAUCER - FM was a well known polocrosse mare owned

by Pat Knight, who played her in the Sydney based team Kuring-gai.

This team was the leading New South Wales polocrosse team in the 1950’s, captained and coached by the legendary, Jack Riley.

As well as her wins in polocrosse matches, Pat Knight also won the best polocrosse pony class on STANTON STUD SAUCER FM at Sydney Royal Easter Show. When her owner retired her from play, she was given to John Stanton as a broodmare.

STANTON STUD SAUCER - FM was by Bobbie Bruce, but her dam is unknown.

John Stanton believes that STANTON STUD SAUCER - FM originally came from Rouchel in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales. At stud, STANTON STUD SAUCER - FM was to prove a great broodmare, producing seven foals. Her first foal, SHORTCUT, was born in 1967 and was a successful gelding for Ron Parberry.

Her second colt, CECIL BRUCE - IS, was born in 1968 and proved a very good sire. CECIL BRUCE - IS made history in 1976 when Jack Stanton Snr sold him to George Altomonte at the first Competitor Breeders’ Sale at Macksville for $28,500.

At the time this was a record price. CECIL BRUCE - IS was the first horse ever registered with the Australian Stock Horse Society, giving him ASH Reg: 1. He was a popular sire during his lifetime, with 374 progeny registered in the Stud Book.

The third foal was a chestnut colt, DELVENTURE. Her fourth foal was also her first filly, STANTON STUD TEA CUP, foaled in 1973. Purchased by Cathy Core, this filly went on to win the Ladies’ Campdraft at Warwick Rodeo. Her fifth foal was STANTON STUD SUGAR and her sixth foal was STANTON STUD SPICE. All of her fillies were very successful broodmares. Her last foal, the colt STANTON STUD LONE CHANCE, also sired some registered foals.

With 5,140 descendants in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book, STANTON STUD SAUCER - FM ranks number five in the list of most influential mares.

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STANTON STUD SAUCER - FM

CECIL BRUCE - IS. the most prolific son of STANTON STUD SAUCER - FM.

NABINABAH COMMA - FM This mare is without doubt one of the most consistent broodmares of all time.

Never performed herself, she was used as a specialist broodmare, producing 16 foals in her lifetime. These foals were to be the base of many studs.

NABINABAH COMMA - FM was by MUSTER - FS (who was by Bobbie Bruce), and from Alex Wiseman’s mare, Mopsy.

MUSTER - FS was a full brother to another well known sire, The Ringer. Both of these horses were bred by Alex Wiseman, the Manager of Belltrees. MUSTER - FS had a double cross of Bobbie Bruce, being by that horse, and his dam Mopsy was by Cool Bruce, who was by Bobbie Bruce.

The dam of NABINABAH COMMA - FM was Calm, a very good polo mare for David Archibald. Calm was a very soft mare that played her first game of polo only six weeks after she was broken-in.

Calm was by a TB called Nabinabah, who was by Piccadilly, an imported TB. Calm was out of the Heroic mare, Heroic Lass, a multi-race winner in Melbourne.

David Archibald’s iconic Nabinabah Stud was founded soon after World War II with a selection of mares by Nabinabah.

When NABINABAH COMMA - FM went to stud the resident sire being used

by David Archibald was NABINABAH THE GUN - FS (see his entry in the Most Influentional Foundation and Impact Sires), so her first 11 foals were by this horse.

Her first foal produced in 1969, NABINABAH BREEZE, set the standard for the family being a great polo mare, led mare, campdraft mare and then going on to produce champion progeny as a broodmare.

Her second foal, born in 1970, BELLTREES MUSKET - IS, was used extensively as a sire by the Belltrees Stud and also by Peter Haydon of Haydon Stud fame.

Her third foal, NABINABAH ZEPHYR, 1971, like her mother was used as a broodmare and produced some great foals including NABINABAH PURDEY, Champion Led Mare at Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The fourth foal was another very successful sire, NABINABAH GUNNER - IS, born in 1972. This horse was top priced horse at David Archibald’s first sale in 1977, making $4,200. He was purchased by a syndicate and was to prove influential in the Glen Alvon, Waverley and Timor Homestead Studs.

NABINABAH COMMA - FM, as an old broodmare.

When the fifth foal arrived in 1973, she was to prove the showstopper in a family of stars: NABINABAH BREEZETTE. Given by David Arnott to his trainer, Bobby Palmer, NABINABAH BREEZETTE was to rewrite the record books as a performance horse. (see her entry in the Performance Horse section) In 1975, NABINABAH TOP GUN was foal number six, and proved to be a very good campdrafting gelding. The 1976 foal, ‘Nabinabah Bren Gun’ [never registered], was showing tremendous potential when he was found in the paddock with a broken leg. Foal number eight, NABINABAH CALM II, was a good polo mare for Sandy Archibald, and her next foal NABINABAH SHOGUN was used as a sire in the north.

In 1979 another great sire was to be the result of this phenomenal family, NABINABAH COOL GUN - IS. This stallion was bought at the Nabinabah sale in 1983 for $13,000 by Phillip Frame and Barry Law. This stallion was to have a great influence on the Law Family’s Yarrawa Stud.

The final foal of the NABINABAH COMMA - FM/NABINABAH THE GUN

- FS matings was another very good mare, NABINABAH COOL CHANGE. With the death of NABINABAH THE GUN - FS, a new partner was found for NABINABAH COMMA - FM in NABINABAH SINGH. The resultant foal was the outstanding gelding NABINABAH SOLO, who was capable of performing at a top level in any event.

Her next three foals were by JAIPUR, and produced the good polo mare NABINABAH COOL BREEZE, another sire NABINABAH HERALD, and the mare ISIS CHRISTMAS, a good mare who went to Queensland.

The final foal, number 16 of this amazing family, was NABINABAH BREEZY, who was by PALMERS FAME and owned by Bob Palmer.

NABINABAH COMMA - FM currently has 4,814 descendants and sits sixth on the list of most influential mares. Looking at the number of outstanding foals she has produced, including successful sires, we can expect this mare to become more influential in years to come.

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STAR BLACK MINSTRIL - FS, the famous sire son of YARRANOO STAR - IM

YARRANOO STAR - IM The number seven and eight positions in our most influential mares is another mother and daughter combination. YARRANOO STAR - IM, the daughter, with over 3,500 descendants comes in number seven.

YARRANOO STAR - IM was used by the McLennans around their properties and proved a very useful mare. She was by a stallion that was later gelded and became a very well known performer, Sheedys Radar. This horse was by the Foundation Sire BALD HILLS ECHO - FS, and out of the Foundation Mare YARRANOO BANGLES - FM. The breeding for these two horses was obtained when Ventry McLennan purchased horses from the famous Hayden Stud in the Upper Hunter Valley. The dam of YARRANOO STAR - IM was SISTER MONTY - FM. The sire of SISTER MONTY - FM, Starlight, was also purchased from the Hayden Stud.This gave YARRANOO STAR - IM a double cross of Young Valais through her sire and dam line.

YARRANOO STAR - IM produced two unregistered colts before producing her first registered foal, a filly called MYRA. Jim Rammage purchased MYRA and after a very successful all-round

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career in polocrosse, campdrafting and as a pick up horse, she then became a highly successful broodmare. Many of the Paul and Jane Stone (nee Rammage) horses trace back to this mare.

YARRANOO STAR - IM’s next foal was the immortal STAR BLACK MINSTRIL - FS. This stallion has became one of the most sought after sires in recent decades, and is a Foundation Sire of the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book.

Her last foal was a gelding YARRANOO STAR AFFAIR a successful galloway hack. It is interesting that STAR BLACK MINSTRIL - FS was born in 1971 and her next foal was born in 1986. So what was YARRANOO STAR - IM doing in the intervening 15 years? Well YARRANOO STAR - IM was teaching all of Ken McLennan’s children to ride. As Maxine Brooks (nee McLennan) said, ‘She was the most beautiful tempered mare’.

SISTER MONTY - FM SISTER MONTY - FM was the full sister to an outstanding performer called Monty.

Such was the prowess of this brilliant 15 hand horse that could jump 6 feet, that on Monty’s passing as an 18 year old, The Northern Daily Leader described him as the best horse seen in the district in the last decade.

SISTER MONTY - FM was not to follow in his footsteps as a performer, as a smashed hip relegated her to the broodmare paddock. All was not lost however, as SISTER MONTY - FM has proved to be one of our most influential mares.

SISTER MONTY - FM has over 3,100 descendants. Her sire Starlight was purchased by Ventry Mc Lennan in 1954 from FB Haydon. Starlight was by Young Valais and out of Opal who was by Haydon’s Starlight and out of Topaz.

On the dam’s side, SISTER MONTY FM was out of Black Opal by a Dandelion Colt. Dandelion, the grandsire, was a pony brought into the North Coast area in approximately 1903. This pony was to have a great influence in the Northern NSW area from around 1910 to 1950.

In 1962 her first foal by Sheedys Radar was a filly called, Robin, that was sold to the Lockwood Family and went on to win ‘everything’.

Her second foal was the Impact Mare and mother of STAR BLACK MINSTRIL FS, YARRANOO STAR - IM. In 1965/66 she produced two foals by Wardance. In 1967 her foal by COLLUM SIMMER, Fraser Ramsey’s ROXBY PARK FREEDOM proved an exceptional horse, winning the Canning Downs Campdraft at Warwick and numerous hack and station classes including wins at Queensland Royal Show. A full brother to Freedom, War Chief, was exported to Papua New Guinea, where he produced good polocrosse ponies and picnic race horses.

Her next foals DAFFODIL, TENERIFFE MAGIC and YARRANOO ZANE all were useful horses, with YARRANOO ZANE winning many campdrafts. Her last three foals, YARRANOO MINK, YARRANOO STYLE and YARRANOO MONIQUE were all Royal Show quality galloway hacks.

Top right: Maureen Walker at Sydney Royal Easter Show on the daughter of SISTER MONTY - FM, YARRANOO STYLE, who was very much like her mother.

Bottom right: ROXBY PARK FREEDOM, an outstanding son of SISTER MONTY - FM, ridden by Fraser Ramsay.

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Performance Horses Introduction by Joy Poole OAM

The Australian Stock Horse is a performance horse. Even though we have classes for led horses, it is only to confirm that the type being bred are suitable for performance. The Australian Stock Horse Society is built on the back of champion performance horses, as can be seen by our most influential sires and dams in this publication.

The performance horses that have been highlighted in this booklet are in no way suggested as being the top performer in their discipline, but they are all horses that performed at an incredibly high standard. ‘The breed for every need’ is a clichĂŠ that is often used, and cements the notion that wherever horses are performing and whatever they are performing in, most likely there amongst them will be an Australian Stock Horse.

If you think your horse should be here also, you are probably right.

The Australian Stock Horse has produced some incredible equine athletes, and to detail all their wonderful performances would require volumes. Maybe someone will undertake that task in the future.

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NABINABAH BREEZETTE (NABINABAH THE GUN - FS/ NABINABAH COMMA - FM)

In the undulating hills of the Upper Hunter Valley near Scone, NABINABAH BREEZETTE was born on the 26th October 1973, on the renowned Nabinabah Stud. The owner of the stud, Mr David Archibald, gave employee, Mr Bob Palmer, the pick of the young stock horses on the property.

His choice was a little bay filly with a large running star, which he named NABINABAH BREEZETTE, after her full sister NABINABAH BREEZE, who was already a successful polo pony and winner of campdrafts.

NABINABAH BREEZETTE began her show career at the Hunter Branch show, held at Scone in March 1976. She won the event for two year old fillies. As a three year old, NABINABAH BREEZETTE was educated in the sport of polo. At her very first carnival in 1977, she won Champion Novice Polo Pony, and by the end of the season, she was judged Champion First Season Polo Pony.

At the Rouchel Rodeo in November 1977, NABINABAH BREEZETTE had her first start in a campdraft. She won the Maiden and Novice campdrafts and took out the top Cut Out awards in both events.

At the Walgett show in 1978, NABINABAH BREEZETTE was entered in a Working ASH class for the first time, and won the event.

In 1979, Bob Palmer and NABINABAH BREEZETTE won the World Championship Campdraft at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. In seven rounds, they finished with three firsts, two seconds, an equal second and an equal third. This was her first Royal Show, and she certainly did not let the Palmer family down. As well as her win in the World Championship Campdraft, she also won Supreme Led ASH Exhibit of the Show, plus the Best Station Horse and second in the Walking Horse.

NABINABAH BREEZETTE had her name added to the Honour Roll of winners in the Warwick Gold Cup in 1981, a feat that she repeated in 1984. She also repeated her success at the World Championship Campdraft at Sydney, winning this event for five consecutive years from 1981 to 1985. For five years in a row she won the Best Station Horse at Sydney Royal Easter Show, and was twice the Australian Bushmens Campdraft and Rodeo Association National Campdraft Horse of the Year in 1983 and 1984.

The outstanding performer, NABINABAH BREEZETTE

Other outstanding awards that NABINABAH BREEZETTE achieved were Supreme Ridden ASH at Sydney Royal Easter Show in 1981 and 1982, Supreme Led ASH at Sydney in 1979, Champion Campdrafter at Melbourne Royal Show in 1981 and 1983, World Champion Campdrafter at Chinchilla in 1979, Australian Campdraft Champion at Coonamble in 1985, Queensland Campdraft Champion in 1981, and the Reserve Champion Led ASH at Melbourne Royal Show in 1981.

At the peak of her competition career, NABINABAH BREEZETTE was nearly unbeatable, and she truly wears the crown as the Queen of Australian Stock Horses. Australia has seen many great horses in many different disciplines, but it is doubtful if any horse could match the performances of this great mare.

One of the greatest combinations of all time, Bobby Palmer and NABINABAH BREEZETTE.

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BLUE MOON MYSTIC - IS (ABBEY - FS/BARRETTS CREEK BETTY - FM)

It’s not often that we meet a 28 year partnership between a horse and a man, but that is the case with Laurie Stephenson and BLUE MOON MYSTIC - IS. Mystic was born 15th November 1972, the same day Laurie buried his father.

Adapted from an article by Stephen Harris, Jan/Feb 2001 ASH Journal.

That may partly account for the closeness of the relationship between Laurie and this great horse, because from his hospital bed Charlie Stephenson was very focussed on the foal that was about to be born.

BLUE MOON MYSTIC - IS began campdrafting in 1977 as a five year old. He won 43 campdrafts, 38 of them Open. He won too many awards in the Far North Coast Zone to list them all, but he was ABCRA Novice Horse of the Year there in 1977, and Open Horse of the Year there in ’79, ’80, ’83, and ’84, and runner up in ’78 and ’81.

In 1983 he was second to NABINABAH BREEZETTE in the ABCRA Australian Open Horse of the Year. He won the Warwick Gold Cup in 1980, the Canning Downs Cut Out in 1983 and the Canning Downs Campdraft in 1988. The World Championship Campdraft at Sydney Royal Easter Show eluded Mystic, but he came second twice and third twice after four

attempts. Over the course of his lifetime, Mystic won 38 Open campdrafts and obtained 57 placings from 173 campdrafts.

How the Stephensons got Mystic’s dam, BARRETTS CREEK BETTY - FM, is one of those stories that doesn’t seem to happen any more. Laurie’s father was manager of a 78,000 acre property, ‘Gordon Brook’, at Copmanhurst. In 1957 Laurie was competing at the Ulmarra Campdraft and waiting in the queue for his turn when a man named Jack Preston rode an ungroomed grey mare along the line saying, ‘Anyone want a cheap horse?

She’s going to the dogs tomorrow’. Laurie tried her out and thought she ‘felt right’ so his father paid 20 pounds for her.

After cleaning her mane up and trimming her feet Laurie won the Consolation Campdraft on her at 10pm that night, with prizemoney of 25 pounds. The mare was supposed to be seven years old,

Laurie Stephenson and BLUE MOON MYSTIC - IS, the Warwick Gold Cup winner, and sire of a Gold Cup winner.

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though Laurie thinks she could have been a year or two older. She was 14.2 hands.

Betty’s main experience had been with Jack Preston, who was a bullock driver and rode her each morning to round up the bullocks, then tied her onto the wagon for the rest of the day. Jack also loved to chase kangaroos on her. Betty’s sire and dam are unknown, except that her dam was a brown Thoroughbred, running in a swamp with three colts before Betty was born.

(Betty’s dam had two other foals, both also worked by Jack Preston. A chestnut gelding, ‘Goldie’ won many campdrafts and Jack kept the third, a brown gelding, because in Jack’s view he was the best of them.)

After Laurie purchased her, Betty went on to win 40 Open Campdrafts, including the Sydney Royal in 1959. Over six rounds she won by 25 points, the highest round being 91, which is the record for the old Sydney Showground, and which of course can now never be broken. Betty had three foals, the last of which was Mystic.

Betty was joined to ABBEY - FS before he was really famous, but Laurie had seen him campdraft many times and liked him in action. At the Dorrigo Campdraft where Betty came first and ABBEY - FS second, the Stephensons decided they had to have an ABBEY -FS foal.

Mystic was very similar in colour, conformation and temperament to his mother. Laurie referred to him as ‘a real dope’. ‘He’s a really placid horse. He’s the greatest dope until you give him a job and then the light comes on. In the cut out he just comes alive. He’s just a born natural. He has so much desire for cattle. He can’t be left in a paddock with cattle as he works them.’

BLUE MOON MYSTIC - IS died in 2006 at the age of 34. The grey stallion was a legend in his own time, but his name continues through the deeds of his progeny. with 437 progeny in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book, - many of whom are campdraft winners, and his popularity within campdrafting circles is as strong as ever.

RINGWOULD JAGUAR (JENSENS MAN/Nations Of Lili)

At the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, RINGWOULD JAGUAR created history as the first Australian Stock Horse to win an Olympic medal.

The brilliant black gelding and his rider Sonja Johnson helped carry Australia to a silver medal in the Team Eventing competition.

RINGWOULD JAGUAR was bred in Western Australia by Jim and Gussie Saunders in 1991. Dan and Phoebe Johnson took the horse on for their daughter Sonja to ride, even though she ‘needed another horse like a hole in the head’. Sonja’s graciousness paid dividends almost immediately, as Jaguar rocketed through the grades.

With help from The Australian Stock Horse Society, [‘they really helped me out big time, the Society has always been very supportive’], Jag made his first international appearance at the Eventing World Cup in Pau, France in 2004 where he took fifth place. Thought unlucky not to be selected for the Athens Olympics, Sonja and Jag set out to make the selectors see the error of their ways. They were members of the victorious Trans Tasman Team at the Adelaide Four Star in 2005, won Melbourne Three Star in 2006, Taupo, New Zealand in 2007 and Sydney in 2008. Also in 2006 Sonja and Jag were members of the Bronze Medal Team at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany.

Jag was not going to be overlooked again, and was in great form leading up to the July departure for Hong Kong, despite his 17 years. The new Olympic Eventing format involved five horse and rider combinations competing, with the top three scores at the end of the three phases determining the Team Medals. After the dressage phase, Sonja and Jag were in 23rd place (of 69) with a dressage score of 45.20. They produced a good test, but Sonja was a little disappointed with the score, although they were only 15 penalties behind the leader, Australia’s Lucinda Fredericks. But when the real action started, Sonja and Jag started moving north on the leader board.

The cross country phase was held at Beas River about 45 minutes from the main stadium at Sha Tin. All the horses travelled out the night before and the competition began at 8am, with a midday finish to avoid the worst of the heat. The course was technical and required skill, agility and stamina, in other words, a course that would suit the little Australian Stock Horse that claims to be 16hh. (In his high heels perhaps!) And suit him it did, with Jag coming home clear with the fifth fastest time of the day. (Sonja was a little miffed at only being fifth fastest).

‘I didn’t take a long route anywhere out there’. Straight off the cross country Sonja was high with excitement and full of praise for her horse. ‘He was awesome, back to the old Jag, he was just glorious and so adjustable. He knows a lot more than me, I’m convinced. He’s amazing, he knows how to conserve his energy and he knows how to leave all the fences untouched and he knows his job is to go through the red and the white flags.

I don’t love him for nothing; he’s a great little Stock Horse’.

After cross country day Sonja and Jag had moved up to 13th place. 57 of the original 69 moved on to the showjumping phase, conducted under lights the next night. 12 combinations jumped clear, and Jaguar was one of them and the only Australian to do

Julie Wilson

Adapted from an article by Anna Sharpley, Nov/Dec 2008 ASH Journal. Photo by Julie Wilson

Sonja Johnson and RINGWOULD JAGUAR with the silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

so. This effort moved them to ninth place with a total of 58.80 penalties, and a score that counted for the Team along with Megan Jones and Clayton Fredericks. The top 25 horses went into the more difficult showjumping round to determine the Individual Medals. At the end of a long, hot competition, Jag had two rails down to finish in tenth place, and a Team silver medal to show for his efforts.

RINGWOULD JAGUAR competed for two more years with success after the Beijing Olympics. He was retired in 2010 after the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, USA, and now enjoys the quiet life on the Johnson’s farm near Albany, Western Australia.

Australian Stock Horse Society 1971 - 2011

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EDENHOPE MICKY MYNDO (EDENHOPE SAM/VON)

Over the years there has been some outstanding horses play the Australian game of polocrosse. One of these was EDENHOPE MICKY MYNDO. Article by Joy Poole OAM When Jeff Lowrey’s good polocrosse mare VON was injured, he decided to retire her to the broodmare paddock. He sent her to his friend Darryl Smith’s very well known sire, EDENHOPE SAM. When a chestnut colt was born on the 20th September, 1984, the whole family were very excited, but as time went on it occurred to Jeff that the colt may not be big enough for him to play. Jeff rang Darryl and asked him if would he like to play him.

‘EDENHOPE MICKY MYNDO was one of the neatest, nicest horses I ever trained,’ said Darryl Smith. “Pound for pound he was a mighty little horse, not quite 15 hands. He was just so easy to train, and when he played [polocrosse] he was good in all areas; he didn’t have a weakness.’

Darryl felt from Day One this horse would be special. In 1988 the National Polocrosse Titles were held in Darwin, and although EDENHOPE MICKY MYNDO was only three years old, Darryl decided to take him on the truck as a spare.

Before the competition even started, Darryl’s son Simon, who was playing in the NSW Intermediate Men’s Team, had his pony injured while exercising her.

The spare EDENHOPE MICKY MYNDO was soon representing New South Wales, and he acquitted himself very well.

Polocrosse National Titles are held every two years and in a different state, so in 1990 EDENHOPE MICKY MYNDO found himself once more on the truck to Tasmania for the National Titles. The gelding was no spare horse this time, but Darryl Smith’s mount in the NSW Men’s Team. When the carnival ended not only was Darryl Smith a member of the winning men’s National Team, but he was the rider of the Champion Horse of the Carnival, EDENHOPE MICKY MYNDO. In 1992, the National Titles were held

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Daryl Smith and EDENHOPE MICKY MYNDO - a formidable team

in Forbes, New South Wales. Once again, Darryl chose ‘Mickey’ as the horse to ride, and nobody was surprised when the judge named him the Best Men’s No.3 horse, the Champion Men’s Horse and once again receiving The Max Walters Trophy for Champion Horse of the Carnival.

When the 1994 Nationals moved to Walkaway in Western Australia, Darryl was unable to make the trip. EDENHOPE MICKY MYNDO was there playing for the NSW men’s team, with Simon Smith in the saddle. NSW reached the final against Western Australia and going into the last chukka NSW were trailing by six goals.

Remember, at the last two Nationals, Edenhope Micky Myndo played No.3, the defense position, but at Walkaway Simon was the No.1 or Goal Thrower. Could Simon and Mickey breach the gap?

In one of the greatest chukkas ever seen at a National Titles, a mighty player and a mighty horse pulled the goals back one by one, and when the final bell rang the score was even.

Unfortunately for NSW, Western Australia scored the first goal in extra time, and won the game. This chukka will never be forgotten by anyone who had the privilege to see it.

Mickey also during his career played

in the International test series between Australia and New Zealand. Played for New Zealand by Gary Malcolm, he was named the best pony in the New Zealand team.

Darryl said that anyone that rode him always commented on what a beautiful horse he was to ride.

On the 1st of October, 1995, Darryl returned EDENHOPE MICKY MYNDO home to Jeff Lowrey. By this time Jeff had become very interested in campdrafting so he decided he would try the Champion Polocrosse pony at this sport.

EDENHOPE MICKY MYNDO was to have a very successful career in this new field, winning an Open, two Novices, as well as seven second places and numerous thirds and fourths. He also won the Eastern Branch Most Successful Campdrafter.

Three years after Darryl returned EDENHOPE MICKY MYNDO to Jeff, Darryl came down to see him. ‘He was in the stable,’ said Jeff, ‘and he heard Darryl’s voice as we talked on the way over. When Darryl went into the stable Mickey walked straight over to him and put his head under his arm. I’ll never forget that.’

What a horse, and what an advertisement for adaptability.

EDENHOPE MICKY MYNDO lived until 27th November, 2007.

Branga Prudence (Port Rush/Gentle Annie)

Branga Prudence, the mare that Bert Griffith bought from Branga Plains at Walcha, proved highly influential in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book.

Bert Griffith’s father managed Branga Plains at Walcha, New South Wales, for WH Mackay. This property was sold in 1929. Mr Griffith Snr moved to manage Anambah at Maitland, and Bert Griffith, who worked on Branga Plains, was shifted to work on Scrumlo. He was instructed to bring two horses with him. No one is clear about one of the horses, but the other mare was to be the foundation of the Scrumlo horses for the next 70+ years: Branga Prudence. This mare was by the TB sire Port Rush, and out of Gentle Annie.

Bert’s daughter Mary Griffith recalls, ‘Nearly all the Branga Plains horses were Thoroughbred, because of the flatter country, with a lot of them being by Port Rush and Secundas.

There was always a Gentle Annie and Branga Prudence on Scrumlo.’

Brian Brooker tells a great story about Branga Prudence. ‘There was a bush race meeting at Rouchel not long after Bert Griffith arrived from Branga Plains. He brought the long coated Branga Prudence down to start in the top event of the day.

Locals tactfully suggested it might be better to start in the scrubbers’ race, but Bert stuck to his guns and contested the Open.

Needless to say, she streeted the opposition.’

Mary Griffith recalls, ‘Bush race meetings were a passion with my father, and he and his brother Jim were highly successful.’

When Bert arrived at Scrumlo, he shared the single accommodation with another great horseman, Reg Watts. By the early 1930s, Bert had gone from stockman to manager. By this time the property had passed on to FK Mackay (Darby), who had become very good friends with Bert, and they continued this friendship until Bert’s death over 50 years later.

Branga Prudence, the mare that Bert Griffith bought from Branga Plains at Walcha, proved highly influential in the Australian Stock Horse Stud Book. She is the granddam of two Foundation Mares, SCRUMLO NITA - FM and SCRUMLO BRANGA PRUDENCE - FM, the great granddam of SCRUMLO VICTORIA - FM, and the great great granddam of the Impact Stallion SCRUMLO VICTORY - IS and the Impact Mare RAYS GIFT - IM.

Bert Griffith. co-founder of the Australian Stock Horse Society, holding Branga Prudence, a foundation mare of the Scrumlo line.

Descendants of Branga Prudence Above: Ian MacCallum running second on SCRUMLO BRANGA PRUDENCE - FM at Moonan, 1961. Allan Ward was quoted in 1976 as saying this mare was ‘the greatest campdraft mare I ever rode’.

Above right: SCRUMLO VICTORY - IS Right: SCRUMLO NITA - FM

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Campdrafting The Breed for Every Need

Jess Doherty

Narelle Wockner

Hacking

Entertainment

The Horse Magazine

Tentpegging

Images of Polo

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Narelle Wockner

Working

Polo

Sporting

Polocrosse The Breed for Every Need

John Woods

Showjumping

Julie Wilson

Paul Smith

Eventing

Dressage

Narelle Wockner

Youth

Led

Julie Wilson

Melissa Atfield

Film and Television

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Spring Valley Heritage Horse Ride

Article by Kerry Grey

‘The Spirit that Built the Nation’ The Spring Valley Heritage Horse Ride was the third largest media event in 2000, behind the Olympic Games and the Torch Relay. The ride will never be forgotten by the people who left Broome on 14th April 2000, and arrived in Sydney on 13th August, just four weeks before the start of the 2000 Olympic Games.

Spending 17 weeks away from everyday life, away from the people who make up your life, learning to get on and live with 20 strangers, to work together to achieve the final goal. To shift home every day, meet a new group of people, new town, new state. A small section of life really, four months, but at times it felt like forever.

The excitement in camp started around about Canberra for the Southern Ride, and Scone for the Northern Ride. We knew we getting close: Sydney, population four million, was just six days away. The final parade was pretty special, having all green lights and right of way in the biggest and busiest city in Australia. The Northern Ride entered Sydney over the Sydney Harbour Ride, closing four lanes of traffic.

The ride visited Town Hall and Parliament House, and the most moving time of that day was the speech given by our leader, Neville Holz. Neville is Chairman of Unique Australian Horsesports and he went every inch of the Southern Ride with us.

Two of our full time riders were 72 years old - Keith Kehl and Ray Ryan.

Keith’s horse slipped on concrete at a photo shoot in Geraldton and he ended up with ten stitches in his leg, but he never stopped riding. Ray had lost his right arm at the elbow in a chaff cutter accident when he was 17, but he could still shoe his own horse. Those two old fellows represent ‘the spirit that built the nation’.

We set out on the Spring Valley Heritage Horse Ride to promote the Australian Stock Horse, to raise awareness of Australia’s unique horsesports, polocrosse and campdrafting, and to

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North Ride South Ride Link-up Rides

strengthen the relationship between the two associations. We wanted to remind people of how the Australian Stock Horse was used in opening up our country for farming, transport and communication.

We wanted people to remember the 140,000 Australian horses that went to war, where they had a reputation as being the bravest, and that only one came home.

We visited schools with these messages,

and handed out 60,000 Spring Valley showbags. We took messages of goodwill for the Olympic Games from these rural children to the Lord Mayor of Sydney, Frank Sartor. We hoped that visitors to Australia for the Olympic Games were aware of our journey and what we rode for. We know we touched the ‘Australian’ in many people we met on our ride. We carried the Australian flag every step of the way.

Mike Bowman

Karen McDonald

Karen McDonald Karen McDonald

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Karen McDonald

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3

Karen McDonald

Karen McDonald

7

4 Karen McDonald

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1. Northern Ride in the snow at Guyra.

2. Chris Johnson and the travelling farrier.

3. The Australian flag was proudly carried by the riders 4. The riders arrive in Sydney 5. Mike Bowman and EAST LYNNE TIS 6. The Northern Ride on the verandah of the Walkabout Creek Hotel, made famous in the movie ‘Crocodile Dundee’ 7. Some of the 50,000 children that received Spring Valley showbags along the ride.

8. Neville Holz, one of the Ride’s tireless organisers, riding NEVLYN JACOB.

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2000 Sydney Olympics The tribute to the Australian Stock Horse during the 2000 Sydney Olympics Opening Ceremony was a moment the world will never forget. An audience of more than 3.7 billion people watched as Steve Jefferys galloped into the stadium, reared and cracked his whip. A further 140 horses were ridden into the Stadium and performed intricate formations to a specially written version of the ‘The Man From Snowy River’ theme, by Australian composer Bruce Rowland.

Article by Zoe Lackey

“We’re all off to the stadium now, We’re all gonna show them how...”

The Rider’s Anthem, led by the vocal Stuart Booth and created by a talented team of individuals, could be heard echoing around P4 carpark and through the tunnels of Stadium Australia. It reflected the confidence and focus of the group from ‘the bush and scrub’, united for the sole purpose of the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games.

They had come a long way since the first Boot Camp held at Scone from 10th-12th March, when Sergeant Don Eyb (later dubbed ‘the Don’) and Tony Jablonski were confronted by a motley mob full of curiosity and a touch of trepidation. Darrel Clifford made his mark as camp boss, directing parking, issuing panels and keeping the strays in line. Fiona Wallis and her many helpers answered questions, filled out forms and dished out meal tickets.

Meanwhile, Don and Tony puzzled out the amazing logistics of putting such a huge number of horses into a stadium and, at the same time, choreograph it so that it looked spectacular.

Ignatius Jones pulled out his trusty computer and programmed a series of dots (alias horses) into formation. By the Sunday and the visit from SOCOG, friendships had been founded and horses bonded as six troops traipsed around White Park displaying their newly discovered troop drill skills. A quick run through the original routine at the trot brought tears to the eyes of SOCOG’s Jodie and tingled everyone’s skin with goosebumps as curiosity began to turn into realisation. The specially designed carpet had been trample-tested, trees, power poles, taps and witches hats dodged and dressage arenas tripped over - and in the end this team of riders rolled up their swags feeling tired, elated and motivated.

On their often long hauls home they waxed lyrical about the wonderful time they had, and how they looked forward to the second Boot Camp in June. Sadly, they spoke only to their steeds, as they had to keep this secret, well, as secret as they could!

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The icy wind chilled the bones of horse and rider as flagpoles clinked during more troop drill at the second Boot Camp in Scone.

The Don insisted it was to refresh our skills but the riders knew it was to warm them through their thermals. Group leaders Alan, Bob, Marty, Phillip, Donna, Steve, Wendy, Barry, Mike and Paul demanded more, looked for perfection, shuffled their riders and horses around searching for a happy combination. It was a difficult job, but somebody had to do it! They led their troops to the small arena for the unfurling of ‘the big white flag’. The horses were less interested than the locals, hoping to get some inside viewing, but who were informed with a bright response that ‘they’re doing an ad for Omo!’ The riders, on the other hand, were inspired at meal times by motivational speeches from Joy Poole and David Atkins, among others, and left Scone for the second time looking forward to the ten day Boot Camp at Castle Hill. Yet each rider fostered a self-criticism that pushed many to get together and practice. The inspector on the tick gate at Wallangara on the NSW/QLD border was beginning to recognise these seasoned travellers and chaperones as the Queensland horses stopped to be sprayed; Norfolk Island was reminded of three (including Buzz) of its former pony clubbers; Maitland had to part with a large amount of its polocrosse talent; farms were left to fend for themselves and bosses sat puzzled in their offices wondering just what their employees were really up to as a convoy of trucks and floats converged on Castle Hill.

The audience of the first dress rehearsal contained family and friends of a few riders and volunteers eager to watch the ceremony unfold. A lunchtime passage through Checkpoint Charlie culminated in a five hour preparation party in P4 carpark. Riders hummed the National Anthem to themselves as they wracked their memories for the words of the 2nd verse, pulled on their moleskins, boots and spurs, white shirts, Drizabones and hats then lined up for a wardrobe check as coloured scarves were tied around their necks. Butterflies fluttered as Tony and Don addressed

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Newspix

Australian Stock Horse Society 1971 - 2011

Fiona Wallis Chris Westlake

everyone before they formed the hollow square then marched in half-sections to the stadium, chanting the Rider’s Anthem.

The whole routine seemed too quick, the Mexican Wave swam through the audience, the countdown began and Steve Jefferys and Ammo led the charge into the Stadium. The noise of the crowd lifted the specially designed ground-covering as the waves of horses worked to maintain straight lines, form sections, circles, then break into the pinwheel. The horses listened and stood quietly as the National Anthem was sung, then the charge for home began. The cheers echoed as tears were wiped away, the audience declaring it spectacular, the riders bubbling that it was a buzz, a big buzz. The spirit of it all was celebrated at the Castle Hill Tavern with the help of a few other spirits and ales and to the entertainment of the local city folk.

Sadly, back at the camp, the dreaded lurgy ran rampant through the riders and they dropped like flies. Nurse Connie gave strict instructions that there should be no kissing, spitting or sharing of drink bottles as it was a very nasty virus. The visiting doctor consoled and treated 45 or so patients and Roy, the vet, wandered around to make sure that horses were healthy even if their riders weren’t.

The second dress rehearsal came and went, prompting Don Eyb to remind the riders not to sit on their oilskin coat-tails and glow in the glory just yet; the big night was still to come. More friends and family were impressed by the ceremony and were convinced that the horses stole the show. A rest day was warmly welcomed with the sick tucked away in bed and the not-yet-

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sick heading off to inspect the Mounted Police Barracks.

The morning of the big day dawned, water flowed in the washbay and the hum of clippers resounded through the showgrounds.

In the carpark, the Livestock Transport trucks lined up and the seasoned travellers plodded on for a final trip through Checkpoint Charlie and to P4 carpark. Clancy packed lunches for all and at P4, volunteers offered water and soft drinks. The now relaxed riders polished boots and saddles and milled about under brollies or slept off the effects of Panadeine or Codral Flu tablets. At 5pm there was movement at the parking station as the word was passed around,

by Jodie, that the Opening Ceremony was soon to get underway.

Once again radios were issued, Olympic rings were pinned onto Drizabones and the green and gold saddlecloths were laid on the horses backs. The hollow square looked good as cameras flashed in all directions and Stu fired the atmosphere with a haunting rendition of the Rider’s Anthem. Helicopters hovered overhead as white flags with blue Olympic rings were handed to each rider and the procession moved towards the Ring Road that led to the Stadium. Well-wishers cheered along the way and other performers waved good luck. The countdown began, the ‘Lone Horseman’ (alias Steve Jefferys) galloped into the arena, reared, cracked his whip and disappeared. The 120 riders followed on his fetlocks and wowed the world. The riders were more critical of their performance than the spectators who saw the formation of galloping stock horses storm to the edge of the arena and salute the crowd with a frisbee-spin of hats. The stirring rendition of the National

Chris Westlake Chris Westlake

Clockwise from top left: the Olympic Rings start taking shape during a practice session in Scone, New South Wales; a well drilled formation walking down the ramp into Stadium Australia; Steve Jefferys on WOOMERA are captured during a quiet moment in training. The pair had a starring role in the Opening Ceremony, as WOOMERA galloped into the arena, reared, and then Steve cracked his stockwhip to signal the start of the opening ceremony; the team of riders pose for a group photo at Sydney Olympic Park.

Anthem stirred emotions and showed just how patriotic Australians could be, then after a welcoming ‘G’day’, the horses wheeled and turned their heads for home.

Unlike the Man from Snowy River these riders were far from ‘alone and unassisted’ on their return as volunteers, group leaders and most of the world spurred them along.

Silver flagpoles in formation shone in the street lights as the troop made its way to P4. Mixed feelings filled the carpark - feelings of elation, disappointment, pride and achievement - yet it had been the best and biggest buzz of all time.

Acclaim was given to all involved riders, horses, group leaders, volunteers, Don Eyb and Tony Jablonski - and gifts of appreciation given to the many hard workers who helped to make this huge project a success. Tony Jablonski, the co-ordinator behind the project, looked on as riders revelled in the wrap party at Castle Hill then boot-scooted again at Castle Hill Tavern to Stu’s chant of the now famous Rider’s Anthem. “..and hope we all remember this”.

Opening Ceremony Honour Roll Tony Jablonski Martin Addy David Atkins Mike Barton Ric Birch Brian Brown Anne Chester Carol and Clancy Darrall Clifford Don Eyb Alan Fitzsimmons Bob Freund Wayne Glennie Rose Gough Karen Graham Stephen Guihot Jodie Hitchcock Roy Holland Neville Holz Steve Jefferys Ignatius Jones Paul Lawson Robin Lawson Phillip Kirkby Joe Mooney Donna Morton Joy Poole Connie Rudd Glen Seib Emily Simpson Wendy Smallwood Chris Thurlow Barry Thurlow Fiona Wallis Chris Westlake

Event Director/Horsemaster Black Troop Drill Leader/Security Producer Red Troop Drill Leader/Security Master of Ceremonies

Caterers Site Boss/WHSO/Farrier Display Director/Team Training Captain Group 1 - Blue Troop Drill Leader/Security Black Troop Drill Leader Security Co-ordinator Office Assistant SOCOG ASHS (and staff) SOCOG Veterinarian Yellow Troop Drill Leader/Security Artistic Director Red Troop Drill Leader Office Assistant Site Boss Assistant Yellow Troop Drill Leader/Office Assistant Motivational Speaker Registered Nurse Communications Co-ordinator Troop Drill Assistant Green Troop Drill Leader Office Manager Green Troop Drill Leader/Security IT Manager/Personal Assistant to Mr Jablonski Photographer/Produce Procurement

GROUP 1 (BLUE) - Sarah Anderson, Tanya Bartlett, Ian Bauer, Bronwyn Berman, Stuart Booth, Sharon Brown, Fiona Brown, Anne Cowley, Lydia Emery, Donna Flynn, Bob Gunning, Michelle Hall, Gordon Hughes, Alan Martin, Sylvia McGovern, Belinda McMillan, Tracey McPherson, Bruce Richardson, Tammy Ryan, Scott Sneddon, Norma Stephen, Glen Thompson, Ron Thompson, Rod Williams, Dee Wilson, Kevin Woolcock, Graham Yates.

GROUP 2 (YELLOW) - Lance Anderson, Arch Anderson, Donna Campbell, Jay Charnock, Pauline Davies, Jo Dowling, Murray Forrester, Glen Gough, Emma Hansen, Bernadette Holz, Renee Holz, Mathew Holz, Emma Innes, Anna Kieyes, Craig Main, Steve Mantova, Petrina Marsden, Jake Marshall, Lisa Mills, Wayne Mills, Scott Mitchell, Kiara Most, Nicole Pearce, Alisa Schroder, Kate Scicluna, Susan St Clair, Lauren Tindall, Dale Wearing.

GROUP 3 (BLACK) - Alan Andrew, Alice Bowman, Jeanette Cassidy, Andrew Dashwood, Stephen Davidge, Ray Davies, Glenn Davies, Christine Dennis, Robert Freebairn, Jillian Henderson, Brett Holz, Kym Johnson, Sue Kirkby, Debbie Kirsch, Sandra Langsford, David Lawson, Jane Lindholm, Jessica Lomas, Jackie Long, Shane Naylor, Jim Rogan, Marian Romeo, Kim Sheridan, Richard Smallwood, Zelie Thompson, Lynda Watson, Bruce Withers.

GROUP 4 (GREEN) - Katryna Adams, Marian Bangay, Annette Barnett, Clancy Lee Back, Lee Anne Collins, Tim Cone, Peter Dillon, Mary Frear, Andrew Frear, Sarah Gladman, Kym Hoffmann, Boyd Holden, Kathryn Kemper, Zoe Lackey, Brett Laundess, Ben Lawson, Ben Logue, Maggie Lonning, James Maslin, Charles Maslin, Belinda McElroy, Bruce Moxey, Freda Nicholls, John Purnell, Krystal Stronks, Laura Wightley, Leslie Worner, Julie Yates.

GROUP 5 (RED) - Richard Barnett, James Clair, Phillipa Dillon, Felicity Dillon, MarieLouise Easton, Margaret Fraser, Janine Hawkless, Valerie Hayward, Pat Kelly, Bob Kildey, Cheryl Lawson, Maxwell Leggett, David Lyall, Katherine Lyall, Karen Mackie, Charlene Male, Elizabeth McDonnell, Pamela O’Neil, Colin Parkinson, Louise Parkinson, Melissa Plum, Jason Regan, David Todd, Chris Walsh, Andrew Wearing, Teresa Wilson, Glenn Winterton.

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National Futurity The National Futurity has been designed to showcase the ability and temperament of the Society’s three year old horses. It is a contest held over four sections – Led, Hack, Working and Time Trial.

Five horses have won the National Futurity/ Maturity double (l-r): GAVINS LISA (1991/92), YALLATUP BACARDI (1995/96), KIRKBYS STUD THEO (2004/05), ERVINES ROLLEX (2008/09), DOONGARA AUSTIN POWERS (2009/10)

SERIES 1: 15th April 1989 – Dubbo, NSW COMARA JESSICA (STARLIGHT STUD ANCHOR/COMARA FLIC FLAC) TC & BA Hill - Charles Hill SERIES 2: 28th April 1990 – Dubbo, NSW HINDE DOT (TARWARRI MEDALLION/ CAROLINA GLITTER) Hinde Family Partnership – Scott Taylor SERIES 3: 2Oth April 1991 – Dubbo, NSW GAVINS LISA (WANSEY LEON/LISTO) BR & J Gavin – Mathew Holz SERIES 4: 2-3 May 1992 – Scone, NSW HINDES RIVOLI PRIDE (YALLATUP RIVOLI REX - IS/OPHIR PRINCESS) Hinde Family Partnership – Scott Taylor

SERIES 5: 1-2 May 1993 – Scone, NSW PENTA JUST TIM (REALM OF FIRE/ SUNLIGHT NANA BELLE) ME Barwick – Mark Barwick SERIES 6: 30 April-1 May 1994 – Geelong, VIC. BOONERAH BANJO (COMARA ABBEYS CATTLE KING/BOONERAH MUSIC) Urquhart & Ranken – Keith Urquhart SERIES 7: 22-23 April 1995 – Chinchilla, QLD. YALLATUP BACARDI (KIRKBYS STUD REMEDY/HIGH VIEW PANDORA) GR & RT Gough – Glen Gough SERIES 8: 3-5 May 1996 – Tamworth, NSW TALINGA CORIANDER (WANSEY LEON/DYAMBERIN SPICE) DR & BI Gavin – Mathew Holz SERIES 9: 2-4 May 1997 – Grafton, NSW CONDAMINE PRETTY WOMAN (YALLATUP RIVOLI REX - IS/BOURKES JEDDA) GH & RT Gough – Glen Gough

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SERIES 10: 1-3 May 1998 – Condobolin, NSW. WILJOHN JEAN (MYRA TEMPLE/ WILJOHN GEORGEENA) Wiljohn ASH Stud – Brett Holz SERIES 11: 29 April-2 May 1999 – Tamworth, NSW NEVLYN JESSIE (TARWARRI MEDALLION/NALEEN JEWEL) M & R Holz – Mathew Holz SERIES 12: 16-20 August 2000 - Hawkesbury Valley, NSW OAKS ACORN (RED OAK/ CEDAR DOWNS YVETTE) RG Miles – Gerald O’Brien

SERIES 13: 5-8th May 2001 – Scone, NSW TODDS MILLIE (REGAL RIVOLI/SWAMPETTE) Todd Family – David Todd SERIES 14: 23-28 April 2002 – Albury, NSW GLEN LEE IN TUNE – 144398 (BARONA HORNET/MOSSES BLUES) Glen Lee ASH Stud – David Wilson

SERIES 15: 5-10 May 2003 – Warwick, QLD BINNIA OPIUM (THE RANCH ABBEYS TOP GUN/HALLMARK STUD RIBON) TP & TM Palmer – Troy Palmer SERIES 16: 17-23 May 2004 – Narrabri, NSW KIRKBYS STUD THEO (WARRENBRI OMEGA/POLO LASS) Barnetts Stock Horses – Allan Wallen

SERIES 17: 4-10 April 2005 – Albury, NSW BINNIA IMPRESSIVE DESTINY (ACRES DESTINY/BINNIA IMPRESSION) TP & TM Palmer – Troy Palmer SERIES 18: 7-13 May 2006 – Warwick, QLD DOONGARA POWER REPEAT (YALLATUP REGAL REMEDY/ABBAGAIL) GK Wallen – Geoff Wallen SERIES 19: 12-20 May 2007 – Camden, NSW WATCHIRS STAR (LINDSAY/ SHINOOK CHESS) RJ Watchirs – Gerald O’Brien SERIES 20: 21-23 November 2008 – Scone, NSW ERVINES ROLLEX (WARRENBRI OMEGA/ERVINES RECOIL) Mr R Morton – Allan Wallen SERIES 21: 22-24 May 2009 – Scone, NSW DOONGARA AUSTIN POWERS (REGAL POWER/DOONGARA MODEL) Mr GK Wallen – Adam Wallen SERIES 22: 14-16 May 2010 – Tamworth, NSW DARMA ACRES OF ACES (ACRES DESTINY/BELLVUE SHERKAY) Mr T Kelly – Lenny Madden SERIES 23: 9-15 May 2011 – Tamworth, NSW ORLANGA REBA (ORLANGA ADAM/ TOWITTA RIVOLI ROLLETTE) Mr C Moxey – Cole Moxey

National Maturity The National Maturity has been designed to showcase the ability and temperament of the Society’s four year old horses. The contest is held over five sections – Led, Hack, Working, Time Trial and Cattle.

SERIES 1: 28th April 1990 – Dubbo, NSW BROWN EXPO (BROWN MY WAY/ SCRUMLO RACHAEL) KM Brown – Allan Young

SERIES 9: 1-3 May 1998 – Condobolin, NSW. BONLAC ESCORT (STAR BLACK MINSTRIL - FS/WARRENBRI ROSIE) TP Grant – Mathew Holz

SERIES 2: 20th April 1991 – Dubbo, NSW HEATHFIELD CHAPEAU (WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS/HEATHFIELD NOELA) Perram & Elliott – Sally Perram

SERIES 10: 29 April-2 May 1999 – Tamworth, NSW. CEDAR DOWNS TRINKET (STAR BLACK MINSTRIL - FS/CEDAR DOWNS MISS PLAYGIRL) O’Brien Family Partnership – Gerald O’Brien

SERIES 3: 2-3 May 1992 – Scone, NSW GAVINS LISA (WANSEY LEON/LISTO) BR & J Gavin - Mathew Holz SERIES 4: 1-2 May 1993 – Scone, NSW BROWN MYGIFT (BROWN MY WAY/BROWN SUSIE LUKE) KM Brown – Brett Holz

SERIES 5: 30 April-1 May 1994 – Geelong, VIC. IVANHOE FOLLI (REGAL RIVOLI/IVANHOE JILL) Northey & Matthews – Gerald O’Brien SERIES 6: 22-23 April 1995 – Chinchilla, QLD. VET SCHOOL TONIC (KIRKBYS STUD REMEDY/VET SCHOOL BEAUS GIFT) GH & RT Gough – Glen Gough SERIES 7: 3-5 May 1996 – Tamworth, NSW YALLATUP BACARDI (KIRKBYS STUD REMEDY/HIGH VIEW PANDORA) GR & RT Gough – Glen Gough SERIES 8: 2-4 May 1997 – Grafton, NSW HEATHFIELD ALIKE (CONGI REO/CONGI LULU) GOH Eliott – Troy Palmer

SERIES 11: 16-20 August 2000 - Hawkesbury Valley, NSW OAKS FINESS (DOCS FRECKLES OAK/CEDAR DOWNS XANDA) RG Miles – Gerald O’Brien SERIES 12: 5-8 May 2001 – Scone, NSW GLEN LEE RIVOLI RAY TECH (WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS/GLEN LEE RIVOLI DONNA) Glen Lee ASH Stud – David Wilson SERIES 13: 23-28 April 2002 – Albury, NSW REGAL POWER (YALLATUP REGAL REMEDY/ABBAGAIL) GK Wallen – Geoff Wallen

SERIES 16: 4-10 April 2005 – Albury, NSW KIRKBYS STUD THEO (WARRENBRI OMEGA/POLO LASS) Barnetts Stock Horses – Michael Wilson

SERIES 17: 7-13 May 2006 – Warwick, QLD DOONGARA WILL POWER (REGAL POWER/OCULUS TAURI) W, M & C Telford – Geoff Wallen SERIES 18: 12-20 May 2007 – Camden, NSW WILLDRAFT IGNITE (ACRES DESTINY/OCEAN MIDNIGHT) Willdraft Partnership – Michael Wilson SERIES 19: 21-23 November 2008 – Scone, NSW CEDAR DOWNS MINIMAX (CONDUCTOR/TERLINGS ALPINE II) RG Miles – Warwick Lawrence SERIES 20: 22-24 May 2009 – Scone, NSW ERVINES ROLLEX (WARRENBRI OMEGA/ERVINES RECOIL) Mrs S Hulett – Allan Wallen

SERIES 14: 5-10 May 2003 – Warwick, QLD NANDEYE REFLECT (OCEAN WAVE/YARRAMINE ROBYN) Field Family Partnership – Michael Wilson

SERIES 21: 14-16 May 2010 – Tamworth, NSW. DOONGARA AUSTIN POWERS (REGAL POWER/DOONGARA MODEL) Mr GK Wallen – Adam Wallen

SERIES 15: 17-23 May 2004 – Narrabri, NSW BARNETTS CINDERS (GILGANNON MR MINSTRAL/BARNETTS ELLIE) Barnetts Stock Horses – Allan Wallen

SERIES 22: 9-15 May 2011 – Tamworth, NSW COOLUM ISABEL (REGAL POWER/ HAYDON MANTILLA) Mr GK Wallen – Geoff Wallen

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Prince of Wales Perpetual Trophy The Prince of Wales Perpetual Trophy is awarded annually in recognition of an Australian Stock Horse that has achieved prestigious performance awards and is the best performed in three event categories in a calendar year.

1988 - MYALL GLEN THEME (ONZONE/Lady) D & N Miller

2000 - REGAL POWER (YALLATUP REGAL REMEDY/ABBAGAIL) Mr GK Wallen

1989 - KIRKBYS STUD WALLAROO (QUIDONG BRIGADIER - IS/ KIRKBYS MERCURY) W & M Ferris

2001 - YALLATUP REGAL REMEDY (KIRKBYS STUD REMEDY/YALLATUP KC) GH & RT Gough

1990 - QUAMBY MAY RA (CLOVER COWPOKE/QUAMBY MULLIANGA) GT & M Nash & Sons

2000 Prince of Wales winner, REGAL POWER

1991 - PRIDES TOP GUN (ROYSTONS PRIDE/Lady Jane) Mr RS Taylor 1992 - QUAMBY MAY RA (CLOVER COWPOKE/QUAMBY MULLIANGA) GT & M Nash & Sons 1993 - QUAMBY BEELA (QUAMBY BEAVER EIGHT/QUAMBY BOORLEE) GT & M Nash & Sons 1994 - NANTAMBOO JESSICA (NANTAMBO GOLD SHINE/Halloshine) Miss JL Forster 1995 - NANTAMBOO JESSICA (NANTAMBO GOLD SHINE/Halloshine) Miss JL Forster

2006 Prince of Wales winner, KENNALLYWOOD STATESMAN

1996 - ALLUVIAL DOC (Doc Brian/Kinda Sweet) WW & LC Brodby

1985 - MYAH PARK BREWSTER (Peavys Apache/MUSCADELLE) Ms PA Campbell

1997 - LYNKEN TRAVELLER (WAIKON PARK ABRAY/LYNKEN TRINITY) KW & L Knight

1986 - KIRKBYS MAJOR (QUIDONG BRIGADIER - IS/LOLOMA CELICA) J & D Hayden

1998 - IVANHOE FOLLI (REGAL RIVOLI/IVANHOE JILL) Ms N Matthews

1987 - KIDGAR BEWITCHED (ARCADIA CHANS/KIDGAR JUST SWIFT) Bull Family Partnership

1999 - OBRIENS RED CHAN (SINGLE J CHARLIE CHAN/OBRIENS MARIONETTE) Newberry Family & EA Mulligan

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2002 - BAREGA TC (LYNKEN TRAVELLER/MINTERS CRYSTAL) Barwick Family 2003 - NANDEYE REFLECT (OCEAN WAVE/YARRAMINE ROBYN) Field Family Partnership 2004 - TODDS MORTON (REGAL RIVOLI/IVANHOE BO) Todd Family 2005 - YOORALLA JASPER (DYAMBERIN CHESSMAN/THORNE PARKS CHANTILLY) Jasper Family Partnership 2006 - KENNALLYWOOD STATESMAN (MARKITA DOWNS APOLLO/ WANDERING ROYAL LACE) KM ‘Slim’ Perrin & AJ Hall 2007 - BOONDEROO BLACKWOOD (KIRKBYS STUD REMEDY/ GLEN LEE RIVOLI JOELEAN) Boonderoo Partners 2008 - RINGWOULD JAGUAR (JENSENS MAN/Nations of Lili) JDP & AK Saunders 2009 - SPRINGVALE BLUEPRINT (CRESWOOD RIVOLI ALL TALK/ GLENRAE MINYETTE) Transmere Pty Ltd 2010 - WUNGUM CITIZEN (GLENCOE ABSTRACT/ WUNGUM ROULETTE) Wungum Partnership

Star of the Year Trophy The Star of the Year Trophy is awarded annually in recognition of an Australian Stock Horse that is an ambassador for the Australian Stock Horse Society either in the showring and/or in the public eye.

1988 - CROWN LAW (Les Baux/BRITISH ISLE) L G & E E Taylor

2000 - TIME WALK (Innamorato/ Pretty Dancer) JA Francis

1989 - MYALL GLEN THEME (ONZONE/lady 01) D & N Miller

2001 - YALLATUP REGAL REMEDY (KIRKBYS STUD REMEDY/YALLATUP KC) GH & RT Gough

1990 - WERTALOONA LIONEL (BACCHUS/Mitsy) Mrs JE Petersen

2002 - KNIGHTS NICHOLAS (WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS/DALL BAR SHES TOPS) Hogan5 Australian Stock Horses

1991 - ALO SWEET MYSTERY (ALO BALLY/MASELL) Mr RJ Charteris

2003 - HOLMWOOD TIM ASTRA (TOD ASTRA/AMBER PRINCESS - FM) O’Brien Family Partnership

1992 - CARCOOLA QUEST (RED BRUCE/TIMOR TOPAZ) I & J Rankin

2004 - TOWITTA BINGO (Wilgardo Jolly/Sandalwood Samantha) M & A Best

1993 - MULLAMUDDY MUDGEE (Quarter Horse Sire/unknown dam) Ms Sue-Ellen Lovett

2005 - RINGWOULD JAGUAR (JENSENS MAN/Nations of Lili) JDP & AK Saunders

1994 - INDRA BLACK MAGIC (MCARTHURS REVEILLE/ HAACKS LADY JANE) Woodward Partnership

2006 - CODYS WAY (BROWN HIGHWAY/ COBBRABALL CASSIE GIRL) Withers Family Partnership

1988 Star of The Year, CROWN LAW

1995 - DR JEKYLL (WARRENBRI ROMEO – IS/HANNAFORD STUD FREEDOM) Hyde Family 1996 - BERRAGOON WALL STREET (BERRAGOON QUANDONG/MIELLE) JR & FE Beer 1997 - JAMIESON (MURRUMBO DALLAS/JAMAICA) S Langsford & S Jefferys 1998 - SYLVIA VALE RAINMAN (JONDEL RIVOLI WONDER/ QUIRRAN LEA ROCKETTE) NR & GJ Stark 1999 - QUAMBY MIRINDA (QUAMBY BEAVER EIGHT/QUAMBY MULLIANGA) GT & M Nash & Sons

2007 - JONDEL GUNSMOKE (JONDEL RIVOLI WONDER/WARRALEA TAFFY) JV & AR Bauer 2008 - THE BRAES DRUMMER (OAKS BANJO/PENTA PATIENCE) S Langsford & S Jefferys

2002 Star of The Year, KNIGHTS NICHOLAS

2009 - HALLS RANSOM (NANDEYE REEBOK/TARONGA SECRET CHANS) Australian Outback Spectacular 2010 - CADABRA (PALMERS FORT ABDUL/STAR CADDIE) Maryanne Gough

2009 Star of The Year, HALLS RANSOM

Australian Stock Horse Society 1971 - 2011

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Maiden Campdraft Series All horses with a Maiden status as at 1st April (in the year prior to the year of competition) are eligible for this event. The series consists of two rounds plus a final.

SERIES 1: 19th October 1998, Chinchilla, QLD GLEN LEE BEACON (RIVERDALE BROWN BOY/RED BLAZE) S K L T & S Edwards – David Wilson

SERIES 9: 7th-13th May 2006, Warwick, QLD KIRKBYS STUD AMY (ADIOS REFLECT/KIRKBYS STUD OLGA) CR & NA Law – Codie Law

SERIES 2: 4th-7th November 1999, Glen Innes, NSW BERRAGOON NIKKEI (BERRAGOON QUANDONG/MIELLE) Miss K French – Michael Wilson

SERIES 10: 12th-19th May 2007, Camden, NSW RIVER VIEW SNOWETTE (BETTER VIEW GUNFIRE/RIVER VIEW TOPSEY) J & GR Lyons – Barry Southern

SERIES 3: 2nd-5th November 2000, Glen Innes, NSW LADYBROOK SUPERMAN (SMYTHS RADIUM/LADYBROOK DEBUTANTE) JW & BI Markwell – Nicholas Markwell

David Wilson on GLEN LEE BEACON, 1998 winner

SERIES 4: 21st-23rd September 2001, Baradine, NSW OPHIR JULIETTE (WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS/COMARA WONDER) Glen Lee ASH Stud – David Wilson SERIES 5: 23rd-28th April 2002, Albury, NSW ALMORA QP DOUBLE DOC (DOCS SPINIFEX/fortyniner fever 02) MM & WJ Buttsworth – Mark Buttsworth SERIES 6: 5th-11th May 2003, Warwick, QLD CWMTEG SLEEPY (WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS/HALLMARK STUD STAR) Mr IN Williams – Tim Williams SERIES 7 – 17th-23rd May 2004, Narrabri, NSW GREENDALE ACRES LIBERTY BEAU (ACRES DESTINY/jessie liberty belle 02) A & J Young – Allan Young

Barry Southern on RIVER VIEW SNOWETTE, 2007 winner

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SERIES 8: 4th-10th April 2005, Albury, NSW KIRKBYS STUD SHADY (KIRKBYS STUD FRECKLES BELAH/ KIRKBYS STUD REMEDY LASS) J & GR Lyons – Barry Southern

SERIES 11: 21st-23rd November 2008, Scone, NSW GREENDALE MISS ACRES (ACRES DESTINY/GREENDALE QUICKSTEP) A & J Young – Allan Young SERIES 12: 22nd-24th May 2009, Scone, NSW GLEN LEE CRYPTIC (WARRENBRI OMEGA/OMEO RIDDLE) Mrs SG Wilson – David Wilson SERIES 13: 14th-16th May 2010, Tamworth, NSW YARRAWA ROWENA (WARRENBRI ROMEO - IS/BOXHURST BARCELONA) Yarrawa Park Stock Horses – Codie Law SERIES 14: 9th-15th May 2011, Tamworth, NSW CEDAR DOWNS UNIQUE (RED OAK/MANADA TWINKLE) Mr C Peoples – Warwick Lawrence

The Future

Even today, the youngest of those pioneer members who were in their 20s or 30s are now in their 60s and 70s. What a group they have been! Their passion has driven the Australian Stock Horse Society from an idea to the largest pleasure breed organisation in Australia. They have laid a solid foundation on which the next generation can build.

‘The future of the Society is its youth,’ has long been a catch cry of the Australian Stock Horse Society. The fact that they put this idea into operation and encouraged youth, means that Youth Members now make up 15% of the Society’s membership, which augurs well for the future.

Many things will need to be looked at differently as times and peoples’ circumstances change. A lot of the young men that were riding horses on properties 40 years ago, their counterparts today are driving trucks and machinery in mines, but many still have the love of horses running in their veins. 40 years ago many women were stay-at-home mums. Now there are many more women in the workforce, but once again the love of horses remains. How do we cater for and gather these people to the fold? How will our overseas branches become part of the Society, and how will they help tell the story of the Australian Stock Horse internationally? The future will be challenging but exciting!

Luckily, the element that drove the first generation, ‘passion’, is just as strong in the second generation and in our youth. The love of the Australian Stock Horse is not limited to one generation, and as a matter of fact it is not limited to horse people, as was seen by the response of Australians when the horses rode out in the Opening Ceremony at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

For a successful future, an organisation must have a proud past. We must never forget our history.

Tell the stories of the Waler and his exploits, the Man from Snowy River and all those other great stories whenever you can. Make sure the folklore is never lost. Think about and applaud what the first generation have done, and face the challenge of the future with determination and pride.

I would like to thank the 40th Anniversary Committee who has helped run many events during this year. Congratulations to those who helped at the World Championship Show, and at the many other celebratory events at Branch, Management Council and State level.

And always remember the first motion, at the first meeting, at the Belmore Hotel in Scone: ‘That a Society be formed for the betterment of the Australian Stock Horse.’

2011 Joy Poole Chairman of the 40th Anniversary Committee Chairman of the Board, 2011/2012

Maitland Mercury

Julie Wilson

Alisa O’Connor

While we celebrate our 40th anniversary, the Australian Stock Horse Society is in the final stages of a generational change.

By the time we reach 50 years, very few, if any, of the original founders will be left guiding the destination of their much loved society.

The reins will have been relinquished to the next generation.

www.ashs.com.au 48 Guernsey Street, Scone NSW 2337

Phone: (02) 6545 1122

Email: info@ashs.com.au