Horse
Pronunciation:
Wale'-er
Breed Description:
The Waler breed of horse is an Australian breed developed over two centuries from the original horses brought to New South Wales. The aler is a robust, all-around riding horse. The Waler comes in all solid colors. The Waler is an excellent horse for endurance and trail riding, and its ability to produce short bursts of speed makes it a good choice for ranch work too.
Temperament:
The Waler breed of horse is usually very trainable with a docile temperament and a willingness to work hard.
Height:
The Waler breed of horse stands 15 to 16 hands high.
Weight:
The Waler breed of horse weighs around 800 to 1200 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Waler breed of horse has no significant health problems, and is a very hardy horse.
Living Conditions:
The Waler breed of horse can tolerate living outdoors in all but the harshest weather.
Exercise:
The Waler breed of horse enjoys work and needs plenty of exercise.
Life Expectancy:
The Waler breed of horse should live into its late twenties.
Grooming:
The Waler breed of horse should be kept with a natural appearance unless it is used for shows.
Origin:
The Waler breed of horse was developed from many foundation breeds of horse imported into Australia in the 1800s. The Waler's ancestry includes Thoroughbred, Arab and some Asian breeds, as well as some draft breeds such as the Clydesdale. The horses were originally selected for ranch work and cavalry, so robust horses with good temperaments and endurance were favored. Some Walers were also used for racing. The Waler breed was recognized int he late 1800s and early 1900s as an excellent cavalry mount, and over 100,000 horses were exported and sold to foreign troops during World War I.
In the 1940s, the breed virtually disappeared as more Arab, Thoroughbred, and Quarter Horse blood was added to the breed. However, in the 1980s concerted efforts to identify horses close to the original Waler - many of them wild horses that had been turned loose in the Australian outback - have resulted in a Waler studbook and the re-establishment of the breed. Recognized Walers today will have at least 50 years of ancestry without any imported breeds. 