The Australian Stock Horse Standard of Excellence
The “Standard of Excellence” for the Australian Stock Horse sets out the ideal physical type, temperament and functional attributes for the Breed.
It describes a horse with an alert, intelligent head, having a broad forehead, full well-set eyes and wide nostrils, plus a clean throatlatch and ample room for breathing.
The conformation continues with a sloping shoulder, well defined withers (slightly higher than the croup), a deep but not overly wide chest, well-sprung ribs and a strong back of medium length.
The forelegs should have well-developed forearms, slightly flat cannon bones, with short and slightly sloping pasterns; the hindquarters are to be strong, rounded and well-muscled, with broad, flat clean hocks, well-defined tendons, and hocks set well underneath when standing.
Hard, well-proportioned hooves with a wide heel and straight feet complete the structural outline. Typically, the preferred height range is between about 14 and 16 hands.
Beyond purely physical traits, the Standard of Excellence emphasises the Breed’s athleticism, soundness, intelligence and willingness to work; traits that make the Australian Stock Horse both a superb working station mount and a versatile performance horse.
The Standard of Excellence – or “Stan” – acts as a blueprint for this critical form to function. To view Stan up close, Click here
