<P> The Australian Stock Horse and the Waler horse come from similar roots, though today they are separate breeds . The "station horse" that was an ancestor of both breeds was used by the Australian Army in the First World War and was renowned for its toughness and endurance . </P> <P> However, the modern Australian Stock Horse differs from the Waler horse in that it is not as big . The horses shipped abroad to fight in war and kept at home to be bred on as Walers were the larger animals, as they were required to carry a rider with the considerable extra weight of weapons and a full pack . Some of the heaviest animals were also required pull water carts and carriages . However, the characteristics of toughness and endurance remain with the Australian Stock Horse of today . </P> <P> Formal recognition of Australian Stock Horses as a distinct breed began in June 1971 when over 100 campdrafters and horse breeders met in Tamworth, New South Wales, to form the Australian Stock Horse Society . Many of these people bred stock horses using bloodlines tracing back to native stock, along with some Arabians, Thoroughbreds, and a few ponies of outstanding merit . Most of the early ASH registrations were of horses bred with bloodlines that excelled at both campdrafting and cattle work in the rugged Great Dividing Range . </P> <P> Initially, horses were inspected for registration by three classifiers who assessed them for conformation, breeding and athletic ability . The best were accepted for inclusion in the Stud Book, some were approved for the registry appendix, and those not meeting the criteria for registration were rejected . </P>

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