You can tell a horse owner by the interior of their car. Boots, mud, pony nuts, straw, items of tack and a screwed-up waxed jacket of incredible antiquity. There is normally a top layer of children and dogs.
~Helen Thompson
These are not all Australian Stock Horses and not necessarily owned by me, but each was an individual and worthy of mention.
Sheba came to live with me many years ago. She was about 14.1 hands and maybe 10 or 11 at the time. I bought her from a man who had bought her from a dealer. She was every girls dream, the rich golden coat, the flowing mane, we had it measured at over 2 feet at its longest! She did however have an absolute panic attack everytime you put a bridle on her. She would rear and plunge and strike.
The person I had bought her from could not handle her - I don't know what possessed me to think that I could! Anyway, and understanding developed - she was fine to ride, a bit prancy but fun and fast. Just the things a 17 year old looks for in a horse!
Sheba lived with me for several years before a friend bought her and she lived her days out looked after and loved.
"Shona" by Chan's Last from a Roger Gillmore mare, displaying the wonderful temperament of the Australian Stock Horse.
Here, she is 4 years old and in fit, competing condition. She is unregistered but eligible for first cross.
Shona belongs to my Uncle and was lent to me when I didn't have a horse to campdraft. My son Mitch is one and a half in this picture.
Shona gave me a lot of pleasure and was quiet and reliable while she stayed with us - she still is! She now earns her keep working at "Castleburn".
Alno Jasper (registered ASH) after finishing 5th at the Buchan O.D.E. 1994.
Al was purchased from Bairnsdale for my in-laws to have at Gelantipy as a farm horse. He had previously, to our knowledge, done a bit of stock work but mostly harness.
He had his former owners well and truly bluffed but that didn't last long with us!
He was only ridden a few times a year but these rides varied from mustering, to leading trail rides to being pulled out of the paddock because I wanted to go to the O.D.E.!
I did not really know that he could jump but what a wonderful ride he gave me that year. With a 4th the following year I was in heaven!
Al came down to live at Banjywon Park in 1996, at this stage he was 16 years old and had fairly advanced cancer. He was, however, holding his weight well and still full of himself.
I competed him at the local agricultural shows, never coming home without a ribbon. The high point being a Champion Ridden Stock Horse at Yarram.
Al was put down eaerly 1997 because of his cancer.
Al during the lunch break whilst leading a 3 day ride at Gelantipy. Mitchell aboard and friend Tee with Tiffany on Kiah.
Banjywon Angus aged 2 after arriving home from Dargo to commence training.
Angus is a registered ASH and part arabian by Cock Robin, a Bobby Bruce horse, from Banjywon Ripponleigh.
He is a very athletic and attentive horse that is now pursuing a career in pony club with a bit of campdrafting at this stage.
He presented too many arabian charateristics to excell in the Stock Horse ring. Some people may be offended by the comment - it is not meant to be offensive - it is just true.
Angus has amazing stamina - a trait from his arabian bred mother - and personality to burn. He is jumping, gaming and competing in dressage at Pony Club State Level and is a delight to his new family.
Angus still full of going after 9 hours in the Snowy River Gorge.
Jetson is a lovely first cross ASH buckskin gelding that I purchased as a 10 month old colt. I had always wanted a buckskin and indulged myself with him. Although extremely quiet, Jet only grew to
a smidgeon over 14 hands - not tall enough for a 5 foot 9 inch person I am afraid. He is now living with a couple only half an hour from here
who absolutely adore him and he they. I hope they have many years of fun together.
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