The Bullenbong Stud has been involved with Kelpies for nearly 100 years. It was best known under the management of Mike Donelan who situated the Stud at the Rock, near Wagga Wagga in NSW. The Rock was originally called 'Hanging Rock' and was the area that the well known King family lived. These were the original Kelpie pioneering family of the 1800's.

After Mike Donelans death the Stud was taken over by his partner, Mr. Bill McNeilly and was run under his guidence for many years. The background of the Stud goes back a long way. Mike Donelan's grandfather, Edmund Naughton bred Kelpies at Wandook and Booligal Stations. The family was also involved with Bill Prendagast and his famous Cudgee Kelpies in the early days. Stephen Donelan also bred Kelpies on the Culley bloodlines at Fairlie Grange Station, Jerilderie.

Mike Donelan started working his first Kelpies when he was working as a Jackeroo on Windourin Station, Hay in 1944. This was a Naughton property under the management of Jim Walsh. Walsh had the pick of the families Kelpies particulary the Culley lines.

Mike Donelan belonged to a number of animal organisations including the Australian Stockhorse association in which he was an active member. When the Working Kelpie Council was formed in 1965, Mike Donelan was one of the first members and remained an enthusiastic contributor to its newsletter until his death. His ideas live on in a small book he published called 'The Australian Kelpie'.

In an old brochure put out by the Stud Mr. Donelan set out some aims.

"Bullenbongs aim is to breed a Kelpie to suit the differing work conditions in all parts of Australia. The main 16 female families have been kept seperate or carefully grouped. Six male bloodlines are used. Over fifty Kelpies are used in the breeding plan at Bullenbong, and though not quite the largest Stud in the world, it does contain the most families and bloodlines."

"To simplify clients understanding of the working ability of the Bullenbong Kelpie families, these are identified as A1, B2, C3, D4, E5 and F6. A1 being recommended as a forcing, barking type only, F6 being bred for wide mustering work only. The allrounders are grouped B2 to E5 with vatying barking or mustering ability." - Mike Donelan

PRICES

In one of the old brochures put out by the late Mike Donelan he sets out a few thoughts on prices. " The purchase cost and the maintenance of a Kelpie is the lowest of any form of investment in terms of saving time and labour, which is among the highest. Over one hundred of Bullenbong clients have shaken off their 'all rounder' and colour hangups. These clients are using specialist Kelpies in varying degrees. Many also own all rounders of the C3 or D4 type, but not all their Kelpies are selected from these types.

 Bullenbong Kelpies work in varying conditions. the Donelan family control Merino and crossbred sheep, also British breed and Brahman cattle on different properties. One droving trip was over one thousand miles in duration. .. Some days Bullenbong Kelpies clock up over 60 miles. These dogs have to be bred with stamina. Buy the best. Buy Bullenbong Kelpies.

At the time Bullenbong Kelpie Stud had clients in every Australian State as well as overseas in the USA, Norway, New Zealand and Sweden.

Some trial results with Bullenbong Kelpies (not complete)

1972	6th	Bullenbong Gibba	Mike Donelan	Open	National Kelpie Trial Bob Martin	52/45
1973	3rd	Glenville Bella	Mike Donelan	Open	WKC Field Day - Station Dogs
1973	1st	Bullenbong Gibba	Mike Donelan	Novice	Narranderra	79/29
1982	1st	Bullenbong Boorook	Bill McNeilly	Encourage	Narranderra	62
1982	2nd	Bullenbong Boorook	Bill McNeilly	Novice	Narranderra	62
1983	1st	Bullenbong Doowi	Neil Gannon	Encourage	Southern Tablelands Arena	?
1976	1st	Bullenbong Combo	W.B. Mills	Encourage	Tumby Bay	63

Mary and Stephen Bilson Noonbarra Kelpie Stud