Waler Pony in History
Ponies were very popular, particularly for racing, which was run in height classes. There was a huge market for ponies for racing overseas too, a significant trade for us.
Mark Radium Record Jumping Waler Pony
Small, ugly, mean – yet the star of the times! Bigger than any filmstar – when Mark Radium competed at shows he was so popular that sideshow alley closed!
He’s not descended from the Radium made popular by the ASH, but from a Radium far better known in those times.
Timor Pony in History
Tracing Timor Pony history in Australia is a fascinating exercise, reading through old newspaper articles paints a real picture of how plentiful and well regarded these ponies were.
Welsh Ponies and Cobs
Welsh Ponies and Cobs are a significant background breed of the Waler, the most numerous imported ponies in our early history (apart from the Timor Pony).
Arab Horses
Arab horses (now Arabian – using terms of the day for historical context; ‘Arabian’ was used very rarely). Continuing the background of the Waler…
Cleveland Bay
Cleveland Bay – an important background breed of the Waler. Now the rarest horse breed in the world – facing extinction – this handsome, superlative horse breed was once highly popular in Australia.
Suffolk Punch
Now critically endangered in Australia and the UK, the loveable Suffolk Punch is a founding breed of the Waler.
The Roadster
Old newspaper photos, despite the quality, provide a pictorial guide to this founding breed of the Waler.
Percherons
Another important background breed of Walers, with heightened interest in them after WW1.