Feature
Outback Heritage Horse Assoc of WA
Formed in 2005 following the rescue of a number of old bloodline horses from Earaheedy Station near Wiluna, WA, the Outback Heritage Horse Association of WA Inc (OHHAWA), is today a registered charity with Donor Gift Recipient status, which means all donations over $2 are tax deductible.
As of November 2009 the Association has over 100 members, mostly in WA. A core group of volunteer members spend a large part of their time involved in locating, researching and then rescuing or relocating if necessary, identified old bloodline horses from outback stations and other areas in remote WA.
As the charity’s guidelines state; “For the purposes of this Association, a Western Australian Outback Heritage Horse can be defined as a horse originating from outback or isolated country where horses have served past generations in many roles, where “modern” breeds have not been subsequently introduced since the early 1940’s, and DNA or reliable anecdotal evidence can back this up...”
The OHHAWA currently relies on the funding of it’s rescue projects by members, as well as donations from a generous public. This assists in covering the cost of the rescue and rehabilitation of these endangered horses. The charity also liaises with government bodies regarding the removal of horses from government managed lands. It also aims to ensure that future de-stocking processes that involve the removal of horses are undertaken humanely. It supports humane culling where necessary – of both modern and old bloodline brumbies if required.
As founding President Ian Lockyer puts it; “Our grandparents and great-grandparents depended on these horses for their survival; they are a part of our story, our history and our heritage. They have been an integral part of WA’s pastoral and grazing industry, our defence, exploration and state development. The horses have special qualities of endurance, temperament, and hardiness and are unique in the world. We have a shared responsibility to ensure that their bloodlines are carried on.”
The Association's membership includes dedicated and competent horsemen and women with the experience, equipment, horse sense and contacts to help secure the future of identified heritage horses whose survival has been acknowledged as being under threat.
The OHHAWA also works with the media, Murdoch University Veterinary Students and other Agricultural College students and professionals for the purposes of promotion and education. Rescued heritage horses are rehabilitated, trained and sold on to select homes to cover partial rescue costs.
One of the OHHAWA’s concerns is the gradual loss of this part of Australia’s cultural heritage and history. This country is losing a part of its inheritance. In recent years there has also been an increasing interest in heritage bloodlines. These horses have a great deal to offer modern breeds – a number of which now have such limited gene pools that they are in real danger of establishing inherited physical and physiological faults, including poor hoof structure, breeding and temperament issues.
The outback descendants of those breeds brought to Australia prior to the 1940’s and 50’s have much hardier genetics, having come from an older, more varied gene base and being forced to survive and breed in much harsher conditions. Heritage brumbies have come up against drought, disease, isolation, abandonment, mining companies, feral eradication programs, floods, fire...and survived. Now government funded culling, sale of private properties and increasing drought are forcing many of them to the brink of extinction.
Some people say they are scrappers bred from scrappers. Sorry, that’s not actually what old bloodline brumbies are at all. Think about it – the early settlers were very particular about which breeds and horses they transported to Australia. They didn’t send rubbish. They sent exceptional Thoroughbreds, Clydesdales, Percherons, Arabians, ponies...Spanish barbs arrived as well as Norfolk Roadsters (later Cleveland Bays), Suffolk Punches and other old breeds. It is the descendants of some of these horses that are still alive in parts of the WA outback today, and these are the ones that the OHHAWA are out to save.
Hence, heritage brumbies are not what most people expect. They are hardy, beautiful animals with often fantastic conformation, kind eyes, calm temperaments, outstanding action (gaits), and the ability to bond quickly with man, most particularly when they are totally wild and have never had a bad experience with people. They come in a variety of sizes, colours and shapes (from pony to 16.3hh), but today they all have several notable characteristics in common;
- Their hardiness. They heal quickly when injured – little to no proud flesh.
- Their ability to absorb protein. Lack of founder in the wild is a reality. Although not heritage horses as such, several years ago the OHHAWA identified 200 Welsh Mountain and Shetland cross ponies living wild on Mundrabilla Station out near the Nullabor in Western Australia. These are highly susceptible types however due to their “wild horse lifestyle” (and they had bred wild on this station for generations), they were less likely to founder as not only had they been toughened by their environment, but their feet were at all the correct angles, therefore reducing the chances of rotation. It is a two pronged sword – genetics and the natural condition – and the OHHAWA believes both elements are relevant. (200 ponies can't be wrong!) In the wild, it’s feast or famine. If you can’t process rich pasture quickly, or you founder when you do so, you die.
- Their hooves. Big, wide frogs and low heels. That’s the Australian “Wild Horse” hoof. Worn down by the rock on which most of them live. Most Aussie heritage horses have hooves that even mustangs would kill for. Seriously. Hooves like iron. Hooves that – if managed and trimmed correctly – never even need boots, let alone horse shoes.
Most of the actual rescue work for the OHHAWA is undertaken by Veterinary Advisor Dr Sheila Greenwell, a Margaret River veterinarian/equine specialist, and her small group of dedicated outback professionals, supported and guided by the OHHAWA Committee.
Once trained and sold on, these rescued heritage horses have gone on to begin careers in campdrafting, endurance, hacking, Pony Club, showjumping, carriage/harness work and breeding, as well as just being great bush hacks and much loved family pets.
Heritage horses are natural selection at work. Started by man, perfected by nature.
New members are always welcome, as are online donations! Just go to http://ohhawa.wildhorses-wa.com/.
Written by Katherine Waddington
Outback Heritage Horse Association of WA (Inc) – Secretary
Email : wadifarm@bordernet.com.au
Images by Katherine Waddington
All photos show OHHAWA rescued horses in various stages of being trained, plus some with their new owners.
