Howdy CP, Snowy, GK...
sorry Cp didn't realise you were a bit new at the Waler game.
We only register and recognise as Walers horses specifically bred in early days (1840's to 1940's) when they were needed not only pre internal combustion engine to get about and work, but for war - imperial forces. Bred for the trade to India.
So there was a huge market, to India - many many stations run for the purpose of horse-breeding. So all the breeds that went into the mix, made a type - and, bred true to this desired, marketable, capable type. And bred, and bred........then some bugger invented the motor and found the oil to run the bastard.....
(by the way - once a breed breeds true, it's a breed and no longer a type...as they would have told us, way back then.).........
Then, some bugger had to find what was left of the horses....and it's a never ending story....we hope......the search goes on, the horses have their lives in our hope
SO!! After almost a century, we are tracing those horses - pure descendants - and by golly!!! they are true blue...
Anyone from a tot to a granny can be safe on them yet, Walers are willing, exciting and makes you feel invincible - they are war horses!!!
Take them up the bush with a couple of good staghounds after game, take them in a formal hunt with hounds, jump anything, surefooted, never shy without a weeks warning, steady as a rock for dressage - mentally and physically - eventing, they love it like a lolly. In harness? Too easy, easy as.......
So you see what a breed it is!! - and that their genetics are as pure and old and original as we can possibly strive for.
It has taken a lot of striving....and protecting...
Snowy will tell you about hers, Gatekeeper about his, others theirs, me too (got a lifetime?!) - they are truly something else.
It's not just a Heritage, Patriotic, whatever flag waving excercise - just preserving a strong, hardy, loyal and extremely sensible breed of horse.
The bonus is, they are truly ours - Australian. Our only breed.
Once you get your eye in, you'll be going more heavy than officer I bet!!!
Just the bees knees!!! by the way, at the Kapunda sales in the height of the India Trade - Officers types were passed in or sold for threepence for charity - the heavier the horse, the bigger the money - 100's of pounds - see 'Kidman, the Golden Age' and such books for reference.
Good luck, and your heart is in the right place, so it will come to you in due course.........may the horse be with you

J