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?
We know full details of 20 horses (& 3 subsequent foals) captured on Todd River Downs in 2019. Do you know of other horses from this station from two previous truck loads (in 2012 & 2014) where it appears mainly broken coloured youngsters were rescued in Alice Springs & at Peterborough SA (33 are on our record)?
A small group of Waler advocates pushing against the passage of time to document publicly what we and others know.
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.
Photographs Provide the Link
Photographs are a very effective way of checking the link of our current Waler horses to the past.
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.
War Animals
Thank you to the people and animals that served. Our horses showed why they were among the world’s best, in Europe, in the Middle East.
Just Horsing Around
