About ASHS New Zealand Branch

NZ branch enthusiasts

The New Zealand Branch of the Australian Stock Horse Society was launched at the end of 2015.

At the time of the launch ASHS CEO, David Gatwood said, "This is an exciting time for the Society with the formation of a New Zealand Branch.

"International recognition of the breed and expansion of our Membership base into new markets is a distinct area of focus.

"We are delighted to welcome our close neighbours across the Tasman and look forward to a long association."

New Zealand polocrosse team

Currently the main interests expressed by NZ Members are polocrosse, polo, show jumping, breeding, and registering Australian Stock Horses.

With the recent increased interest in exporting registered Australian Stock Horses from Australia to NZ, the breed is growing in number and recognition.

With exchanges already in place between Australia and New Zealand, especially through the sport of polocrosse, and with the close proximity of the two countries, the opening of the Branch will help to generate even more opportunities for future exchanges.


The Australian Stock Horse Society was established in 1971 in Scone, New South Wales, with the aim to preserve and promote the bloodlines of the Australian Stock Horse, recognised for its versatility and superior performance amongst work and leisure breeds. Today the Society is the largest of more than 70 individual horse breed associations in Australia.

The successful performance and versatility of the Australian Stock Horse has not only been recognised throughout Australia, but exports to United Kingdom, United States, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Asia have given the breed worldwide recognition.

The Society has a loyal and growing membership of around 9,300 individuals and has in excess of 180,000 registered horses. The Society has 60 branches throughout Australia, and in addition to the New Zealand Branch has one branch in the USA, conducting competitions and activities for members in their area and assisting in promoting the breed across the equine industry.

A number of Australian Stock Horses have been imported to New Zealand over the years and there are now a number of recognised ASH breeders throughout New Zealand.

ASHS

It seems a natural progression for the Society to launch a Branch in New Zealand given the bond forged between the two countries during World War One and the ongoing close traditional ties which exist with our close neighbours.

The launch of the New Zealand Branch is in keeping with the Society’s Vision and Aims for the Australian Stock Horse to have the highest profile of any breed of horse in Australia and to have worldwide recognition.

It is important that while preserving the heritage of the Australian Stock Horse, we promote the popularity of the breed and maximise the benefits of owning a registered ASH and of being a Member of the Society.

Why not join the New Zealand Branch of ASHS?

Any financial member of ASHS in New Zealand is eligible to join the New Zealand Branch - you are assured of a warm welcome!

Membership Application

Your information privacy is respected. See our Privacy Policy.

Not a member of ASHS?
Go here for an application form, plus a registration form for your stock horse.