Alistair Irving Memorial Trophy
The Alistair Irving Memorial Trophy was first awarded in 1988.
This trophy was awarded for the best registered Australian working stock horse.
Australian stock horses
Australian stock horses are described as ‘the horse for every need’ and ‘the horse that calls Australia home’.
Horses arrived in Australia with the first European settlers. These were various breeds from different countries - English thoroughbreds and Spanish stockhorses; later Arabs and then Timor and Welsh Mountain ponies.
Horses for the colonies needed to survive the long, difficult sea journey. They then needed to survive and adjust to a different climate and different terrain. The colonial horses developed into a strong and handsome type, and were also known as ‘Walers’ because they originated in New South Wales.
The ideal stock horse
The ideal stock horse should be intelligent, quiet and adaptable in temperament with a slim neck, short, strong back and a free flowing gait.
Who was Alistair Irving?
Alistair Irving was Victoria’s representative on the Australian Stock Horse Society’s (ASHS) board of directors from 1977-1987, from 1983-85 he was the chairman. In 1988, the first year this trophy was presented, Irving was also made an honorary life member of the ASHS.
Mandy Bede
Did you know?
At the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Australian stock horses took part in a spectacular riding display streaming across the arena.