A PUBLIC RECORD
Walers are a uniquely Australian mix of the horses brought to the Colony to provide transport and facilitate communication, settlement and farming in our harsh environment. Walers were bred to suit local conditions so successfully that they were also exported all over the world up until the mid-twentieth century.
Despite efforts to save the breed, the old blood lines and types are fast disappearing. This public record is intended to help ensure that we do not lose them, providing opportunity for public assistance.
DOES ANYONE KNOW?
Stories about the horses are a powerful way to engage with them. Do you have any stories about any of the horses in the database, in particular from the foundation generation?
A small group of Waler advocates pushing against the passage of time to document publicly what we and others know.
What is a Waler horse? Learn about the types and ancestry of our unique ‘caught in a time-warp’ breed.
Historical information about
the Waler horse, its significant
role in Australian colonial
settlement and appearance
on the world stage.
Our horse and human stories to inform, inspire and delight. Australian made entertainment and education!
A station by station record of the foundation generation of wild captured horses from which the Waler studbook was conceived.
An account of known progeny of the foundation Walers, including parentage details where possible.
The key to the future of the Waler breed: DNA breed ancestry and parentage testing, the why, where and how.
Ponies! Waler ponies are rare and Australia has the world’s last remaining wild Timor Ponies, with only a handful in a domestic situation.
ALL FOR THE WALER
The Waler horse is something most will just read about in history books; or recognise from legendary feats such as the Charge at the Battle of Beersheba. They are however not a relic of history, and several groups have been working since the 1980s to secure their future, with remnant herds likely still existing in remote Australia.
Our database provides a place to record our foundation generation of Waler horses and their offspring, acknowledging their significant contribution to our history. To ensure our Walers are still here for future generations to know, we are collecting this information for owners, breeders and the generally interested.
Ballarat Horse Trams
Ballarat, then Ballaarat, got horse trams in 1887 – the tram lines were officially opened in December 1887, the week before Christmas.
How you can help
The Waler Database is a work in progress. Our team has spent years collecting information. Now we need your help to improve the records. Please send in any Waler details you can recall.
Advice, corrections, photographs and stories are all welcome.
Without your contribution we will not be able to provide a comprehensive public record, and without one, our old-fashioned Walers will likely be lost to us all.
Active Engagement With Waler Horses
It is in particular on Mollie’s behalf that I write this post as she represents the future: will we still be able to find an old-fashioned girl like Mollie in twenty years?
Just Horsing Around
