Furry Diary

Australian Stock Horse

Equus ferus caballus

Also called Stockhorse, Waler

breedShort profile

From Australia12

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

Lifespan20 to 30 years345
Sizelarge
Intelligence
Calm temperament
Versatility
Stamina
Agility
Courage
624

Looks how to spot one

body

A muscular, well-proportioned horse with a deep chest, broad back, strong hindquarters, and sturdy legs. The hooves are well-formed and the overall build is athletic and hardy.5

ColoursAll colours are acceptable; bay is the most common.25

Personality what they are like

The Australian Stock Horse is known for its calm, intelligent and responsive nature. It is courageous, willing to work, and generally has a quiet temperament that makes it suitable for riders of all levels, including children and beginners.635

Daily activity how busy a day looks

This breed thrives on regular, varied exercise. It excels in many disciplines such as campdrafting, polocrosse, polo, show jumping, dressage, eventing, and endurance riding. Daily turnout and work are important to keep it fit and content.24

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Standard horse husbandry is sufficient: regular grooming, hoof care, and dental check-ups. The breed is considered relatively low maintenance and does not require any special treatments beyond good routine care.34

Home where they are happiest

Access to pasture or a well-maintained paddock with shelter from extreme weather is essential. A secure, safe environment with good fencing and clean water is needed. No special housing beyond standard horse facilities is required.3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A diet of good quality hay or pasture, supplemented with grains and minerals if needed. Fresh, clean water must always be available. The exact diet should be adjusted according to the horse's workload and condition.35

Company who they like around

Horses are herd animals and the Australian Stock Horse benefits from companionship, either with other horses or suitable livestock. It is generally good-natured and can adapt to living with other equines. There are no special legal restrictions on keeping this breed.3

The story where it all began

The Australian Stock Horse traces its roots to the first horses that arrived with the First Fleet in 1788. These early imports included Thoroughbreds, Spanish horses, Arabs, Timor Ponies and Welsh Mountain Ponies. Over time, selective breeding in the harsh Australian environment produced a tough, versatile horse known as the Waler. The breed was formally recognised in 1971 with the formation of the Australian Stock Horse Society. Today it is prized for its intelligence, stamina and calm temperament, and is used in a wide range of equestrian sports and stock work.127

Recognised by the official bits

Australian Stock Horse Society
Formed in June 1971 in Tamworth, New South Wales, to register and promote the breed.2

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Australian Stock Horse. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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Treats they will love homemade and simple

Fruity Ice Block for Horses

A refreshing and hydrating treat for warm days, based on stable enrichment advice from The British Horse Society.

You need

  • Your horse's favourite safe fruit (e.g. apple slices, carrot sticks, banana chunks)
  • Water (or a splash of unsweetened fruit juice for extra sweetness)

How

  1. Cut the fruit and vegetables into horse-safe, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the pieces into a sturdy, horse-safe container or ice cube tray.
  3. Pour water over the fruit until just covered. If using juice, mix with water first.
  4. Freeze until solid.
  5. Remove the ice block from the container and offer to your horse in a safe feeding area.

How much: One ice block per horse, no more than once a day. Consider your horse's sugar intake if using juice.

Recipe from The British Horse Society

Simple Carrot and Apple Treats for Donkeys

Based on The Donkey Sanctuary's list of safe, healthy treats for donkeys. These are simple, natural, and easy to prepare.

You need

  • 1 fresh apple (not dried or cooking apple)
  • 1 fresh carrot

How

  1. Wash the apple and carrot thoroughly.
  2. Chop the apple into small, donkey-safe pieces (remove any seeds).
  3. Grate the carrot or chop it into small, non-round pieces to avoid choking.
  4. Mix the apple and carrot pieces together in a clean bowl.
  5. Offer a small handful as a treat, or scatter in their feed area for foraging.

How much: One small handful-sized portion per day maximum (about 1-2 leaves or a small handful).

Recipe from The Donkey Sanctuary

Pumpkin and Oat Horse Treats

A baked treat recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center, using safe ingredients like pumpkin and oats. Suitable for horses, not for ponies or donkeys due to sugar content.

You need

  • 4 cups whole oats (or crushed/rolled barley if your horse is sugar-sensitive)
  • 1 can pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ¾ cups flour
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the pumpkin and water together.
  3. Add the dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon) to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet.
  5. Optional: add a sugar-free peppermint topping to some treats if your horse can have them.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool completely before feeding.

How much: 1-2 treats per day, depending on your horse's size and dietary needs. Always introduce new treats gradually.

Recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Australian Stock Horse, and what should it eat?

Your Australian Stock Horse needs good quality hay or pasture daily, with grains and minerals added if needed. Fresh, clean water must always be available. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests fresh food and water every day, but the exact amounts depend on your horse's workload and condition, so check the food label and ask your vet for guidance.35 Furry Diary plan

Which foods and plants are dangerous for an Australian Stock Horse?

Many common foods like chocolate, caffeine, grapes, onions, and avocado can be harmful to pets, so keep these away from your horse. For a full list of dangerous plants and foods, consult your vet or a good breeder, as specific risks can vary by region.8

How much space and land does an Australian Stock Horse need?

Your Australian Stock Horse needs access to pasture or a well-maintained paddock with good fencing and clean water. The exact amount of space varies based on your horse's exercise routine and the quality of the land, so ask a good breeder or your vet for advice tailored to your situation.3

What kind of shelter does an Australian Stock Horse need?

A secure shelter that protects your horse from extreme weather is essential, such as a stable or a run-in shed. Good fencing and a safe environment are also important, but no special housing beyond standard horse facilities is required.3

How do I look after an Australian Stock Horse's hooves or feet?

Regular hoof care is important: pick out your horse's hooves daily to remove dirt and stones. Furry Diary's starting plan includes a farrier visit every six weeks for trimming or shoeing, and your vet can advise on any special needs.34 Furry Diary plan

Does an Australian Stock Horse need grooming or shearing?

Your Australian Stock Horse needs regular grooming to keep its coat and skin healthy, but no special treatments or shearing are required. Standard horse husbandry like brushing and checking for injuries is sufficient.34

Can an Australian Stock Horse live alone?

Horses are herd animals, so your Australian Stock Horse will be happiest with a companion, either another horse or suitable livestock. It can adapt to living with other equines, but living alone is not recommended for its well-being.3

How long does an Australian Stock Horse live?

Your Australian Stock Horse can live a long and healthy life, typically between 20 and 30 years. With good care, many enjoy a full lifespan.345

Is an Australian Stock Horse good with children?

Yes, the Australian Stock Horse is known for its calm, intelligent, and responsive nature, making it suitable for riders of all levels, including children and beginners. It is generally quiet and willing to work, which is wonderful for family riding.635

What regular vet care does an Australian Stock Horse need?

Your Australian Stock Horse needs routine veterinary care, including annual dental check-ups and parasite prevention as your vet recommends. Furry Diary's starting plan also suggests a yearly dental visit, and your vet can guide you on vaccinations and other health checks.3 Furry Diary plan

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

  1. ashs.com.au: breed history ashs.com.auused for origin, history, fun fact
  2. en.wikipedia.org: Australian Stock Horse en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, height cm, colours, best traits, activity needs, history
  3. burkesbackyard.com.au: australian stock horse burkesbackyard.com.auused for lifespan years, temperament, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs
  4. burkesbackyard.com.au: australian stock horses burkesbackyard.com.auused for lifespan years, best traits, activity needs, grooming or care
  5. horsebreedspictures.com: australian stock horse.asp horsebreedspictures.comused for weight kg, height cm, lifespan years, coat or body, colours, temperament, diet basics
  6. ashs.com.au: about the breed ashs.com.auused for best traits, temperament
  7. breeds.okstate.edu: australian stock horses breeds.okstate.eduused for history, fun fact
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  10. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  11. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  12. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.