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 that 22 horses were captured and removed from GoGo Station in 1993 but only have details of 18 in our database. Do you have any more photos or information about them (or their offspring)?
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.
Mollie McWilliam
Mollie McWilliam – equestrienne and athlete extraordinaire! Her name was Alice Mary McWilliam but she was always known as Mollie.
She rode from age six and doted on horses so much her Dad got her a pony when she turned seven.
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
