Formation of the Society

After the First World War, despite the recognition Australian Horses had won and, although the Waler was known as a distinctive type, there was no Stud Book or Registry. Mechanisation of primary industries reduced the need for working horses and it was not until the 1960s that an interest in horses was revived due to the increasing leisure time available to society.

Mr Alex Braid, of Wellington, invited Mr John Kenneth Mackay, from Dungog, to chair the Inaugural Meeting on the 28th April 1971 at the Cole Dudgeon Hall, Sydney. Mr Herbert Griffith, of Scone, and Alex Braid gathered together a group of enthusiasts to discuss the formation of the Society at the Inaugural meeting. Ken Mackay's opening address spoke of the Waler as in the Boer War and the 1914 - 1918 war as well as Stock Horses in general.

On the 15th June 1971, a General Meeting was called at the Tamworth RSL Club to launch the Australian Stock Horse Society. At last our home-bred horses were given the recognition and formal organisation they deserved. Approximately one hundred people gathered at the meeting where Office Bearers and a Management Council were elected.

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