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"Preserve"
...to ‘maintain the state, quality, condition of’ Over recent years the Society has been made aware of a number of other “Waler” Registries, studs, individuals and organizations which claim to breed and register “Walers”. In truth these horses are most often “modern” Thoroughbred or Arabian/ Quarter Horse, and crosses of these - all of which possess virtually none of the genetic or physical attributes of the true and traditional Waler. Most have no links to the original horses and our Australian heritage. We believe that most patriotic Australians would be horrified to learn that some organizations and individuals are literally riding on the back of the Waler icon with false claims to having and/or breeding these unique horses. The Waler Horse Society of Australia set the criteria and standards for the Waler breed after it’s formation in 1986, and after extensive research, including “grass roots” interviews and reference to archival documents from many and varied sources into the circumstances, the contributing breeds, and the selection criteria that were used in the evolution of the horse known as the Waler. This Society considered all available evidence, without preconceived conclusions, prior to setting criteria for the breed. Some others appear to have chosen limited and sometimes obscure quotes in order to attempt to appear legitimate, and have ignored evidence which contradicts their assumptions or hinders their aspirations. The Waler was not a breed until defined by this Society, a Stud Book created, and Standards set. Nor, arguably, was it a “type” in that there was never a “typical Waler”. All Walers, however, inherit points in common. These are the points we endeavour to preserve.We do not attempt to re-create a Waler look alike, or to exploit a Waler horse stereotype. To do so would involve the degradation of all the strengths and attributes we endeavour to preserve. Nor
do we accept the influence of any ‘modern’ breeds that played no
part in the This Society accepts that a breed may be defined as animals which consistently display inherited characteristics conforming to a Standard or Standards. A Stud Book has been created for the Waler, with definitive Rules governing the management, standards, and breed influences which contributed to the traditional breeding of this horse. It is worth considering Wilkins as quoted by Daphne Machin Goodall in A History of Horse Breeding (1st published 1977, Robert Hale Ltd., London. page 246). “If conditions for life, under the influence of which the breed form occurred are consistent, then the type is fixed and there is a continuity of inheritance. As soon as these essential conditions change so also will the form and the performance of the breed change. The durability or permanence of a breed is dependent only on certain conditions for life to which it is adapted; there is no such thing as absolute permanence of any form of breed.” This Society believes that the true Waler is one of the hardiest and most versatile breeds of horse in the world. When sick or wounded they heal incredibly well – with almost no indication of the “proud flesh” suffered by healing Thoroughbreds and other horses, and they very rarely founder. They are gentle, intelligent and thoroughly unique.
Foundation stock are carefully researched and classified prior to selection. The Waler Horse Society of Australia - through its members - then manage and selectively breed these horses in a captive environment so as to prevent the degradation of their attributes and preserve the Breed. The results speak for themselves. The
Waler Horse Society of Australia Inc. (WHSA) is the original Breed
Society for the Waler Horse. Its basic aims are to preserve and promote
the breed. Kind regards, for further information please feel free to contact us...
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The
Waler Horse Society of Australia Inc. (WHSA), is the original Breed
Society for the Waler Horse. Its basic Aims are to Preserve and Promote
this breed which has become such an integral part of Australian history.
evolution of the original Waler. Neither do we accept the
influence of horses of the same breed name as the contributing breeds if
they have not endured similar environmental conditions to those which
produced the original horses.
We
cannot re-create the old blood, the environmental conditions or the
harsh selection processes, which produced the original Waler horses.
We have, however, gathered descendants of these horses, today found
amongst genetically isolated herds in inaccessible outback areas where
they have survived under extreme environmental pressures, and from
remote cattle stations where they have continued to be bred and managed
under similar conditions. The preservation of these breeding lines will
insure a sound and proven foundation for the future of this breed.