Kingbilli Australian Stock Horses

Developed in the early 1800s, the Stock Horse is Australia's very own creation.

Possibly the world's most versatile horse … it is a tough, yet stylish animal with an even temperament and great stamina.

Through selective breeding, this particular type of horse evolved in response to the needs of Australia's explorers, troopers and early settlers for strong, reliable horses able to travel long distances day after day.

Originally known as the Waler, after the colony of New South Wales, the breed's basic foundations were in Cape Horses imported from South Africa, themselves a combination of Dutch, Spanish, Barb and Arabian blood.

The Australians bred these with strong Thoroughbred "stayers" … frequently Melbourne Cup
runners ... or even winners. In addition, some Welsh Cob bloodlines were added - a horse
often referred to
as the true "gentleman's gentleman".

The stronger types were used to breed sturdy saddle horses which were essential for the Colony's settlement. As time passed, this produced an exceptional riding animal, with excellent stamina and faultless stock instincts.

During World War I, more than 120,000 of

these tough, game bush-bred horses were sent to join the Allied armies in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India.

In the days of the British in India, large numbers of Walers were sent out as remounts and artillery horses.

The Waler was a hardy horse standing 15 to 15.2 hands high. Close-coupled, with a well laid-back shoulder, it had a long neck, sensible head and elegant legs and feet. It had a deep chest with plenty of heart room, and a strong, well-ribbed-out body.

The descendants of the Waler, the Australian Stock Horses (ASH), exemplify these qualities.

A delight to handle and ride, they excel in all equestrian activities ...

Campdrafting	Dressage
Polocrosse	Hacking
Working	Sporting
Led Classes	Polo
Ridden classes	Eventing
Showjumping	Endurance
Pony Club	Riding for the Disabled

One hundred and twenty of these magnificent horses captured the attention of a live audience of 110,000 and 3.8 billion viewers worldwide, with their enthralling performance during the Welcome Segment of Opening Ceremony at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Today, using her own methods … in conjuction with some of the great principles of those three superb horsemen: Gawani Pony Boy, Pat Parelli and Monty Roberts ... Georgie is responsible for Kingbilli's ASH breeding and educational program.

Beginning each foal's education from the day he is born, she encourages him to trust in her judgement, looking to her for guidance, comfort and safety. She teaches the foal to accept her as his leader ... building the foundation for a strong working relationship based on mutual trust and respect.

The responsive and equable nature of the Australian Stock Horse makes it a perfect candidate for her methods.

Georgie also spends time with other horse owners, assisting them to gain the confidence and trust of their own mature horses, who may have been frightened or confused by conventional methods of 'breaking in'.

"The horse is a prey animal. For him, trusting you as his leader equals placing his life in your hands.

"This act of faith is by far the greatest compliment any animal can pay you. Be grateful and proud … but above all, be responsible, and worthy of his gift."

- Georgie Beach.

Watching the foals rush up to greet her each morning when she walks into the paddock ... or seeing the mob of mares at feedtime move left or right to the flick of her finger or the nod of her head ... certainly proves the point.