Australian Brumby

The Australian Brumby is a wild horse that roams the open plains of Australia.

They are considered a pest by many, but to others, they are viewed as an icon of Australian culture.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about the Australian Brumby.

Australian Brumby Breed Info

Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Australian Brumby:

Australian Brumby Facts & Information (Breed Profile)

The First Fleet brought the first horses to Australia in 1788.

Only seven animals managed to make it through the first voyage, and for many years after that, the difficulties of getting from Europe to Australia meant that only the hardiest animals reached the final destination.

Due to the unpredictability of the climate in Australia, which can be quite severe at times, and the early settlers’ lack of familiarity with the area, Australia’s breeding stock has had to be hardy and resilient from the beginning.

These horses evolved into hardy creatures that can resist even droughts as a result of their adaptation to the severe and arid climate.

Due to various reasons there were more and more roaming free in the wild where they started reproducing.

These horses proved to be versatile, and later on, they were specifically used as warhorses during the First and Second World Wars as well as the Boer War in South Africa.

Additionally, they were used as mounts during the days of the Gold Rush, and as police horses.

The Brumby is regarded as an Australian icon and a national emblem by many people in Australia and throughout the world.

The Brumby has appeared in several books, paintings, and films, and has won the hearts and minds of countless people.

However, these free roaming horses have no predators in Australia.

Consequently, the feral horse population in Australia is ever increasing.

According to reports, the Australian Brumby has a population of at least 400,000.

Annual population growth is predicted to be 20%.

Although the Brumby is widely regarded as having economic and cultural value, the damage that they cause to the vegetation and the impact that their roaming has on the environment in such large numbers is detrimental.

This is the reason why the Brumby management topic has become controversial and difficult.

Many people are divided on the issue of culling the Australian Brumby in order to reduce their numbers and consequently the environmental damage that they cause.

Continued efforts are being made by those who advocate for the preservation of horses to guarantee the horses’ health and well-being during their whole lives.

However, huge worries about the environment and other wildlife are at the forefront of the debate, which is rapidly causing conflict and controversy.

Despite their wild past, these horses have been tamed for use as farm and station horses, as well as show and pleasure horses.

If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!

Alternative Names

“Brumby”, “The Australian Heritage Brumby”

Temperament/Personality

Intelligent, trainable and versatile

Physical Characteristics

They are agile, hardy, with hard hooves and strong bones.

They have a generally sound conformation, and are resilient and sure footed.

Colors

All colors

Height (size)

Varies between individuals

Stallions

n/a

Mares

n/a

Weight

Varies between individuals

Blood Type

Warm

Common Uses

They make excellent stock horses, especially in arid environments where other horses may not cope.

Brumbies excel as therapy horses, pony club mounts, show horses and trail horses.

Health

Very hardy and healthy

Popular Traits

Feral horses

Feeding/Diet

n/a

Country of Origin

Australia

Ancestors

Thoroughbred, Arabian, stock horses, Clydesdale, Timor Pony