Above Left : One of the very first ASH Journal articles about the newly formed ASHLA , with photos of some of the stars of the era ( May 1976 ). Above Right : Nearly 40 years on , ASHLA is still going strong . The ASHLA Line-up from the 2011 World Championship Show , Tamworth .
In 1998 this national body was disbanded by the Directors to allow each State Management Council to control their own youth affairs within their state .
Youth - Dates of Interest : 1983 - Junior Judging was first held at Sydney Royal . Long sleeve green zipper jackets were worn as part of the uniform . 1994 - Junior Judging was introduced to the Australian Stock Horse program at Canberra Royal . 1996 - The uniform was changed to a long sleeve green pullover due to the price increase and availability of the zipper jackets . 1996 - The National Junior Judging was introduced to Sydney Royal with a representative from each state . This is judged at the same time as the NSW State Final , which is made up of competitors from branches throughout New South Wales .
Australian Stock Horse Ladies Association
The Australian Stock Horse Ladies Association began in February 1973 in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales , at a time when events and competition for Lady Riders was at an all time low . A group of ladies led by Beryl Gilshenan felt that there was a great need for an event for ladies and their horses at rodeos and shows in the Hunter Valley .
A meeting was called by Joy Poole in Scone , and with the help and suggestions from many riders , family and friends , the ‘ Australian Stock Horse and Lady Rider ’ event came into being . The first events were run at rodeos in the Hunter , then at local shows , before spreading to other parts of New South Wales and interstate .
At the same meeting , it was also decided to form the Australian Stock Horse Ladies Association , commonly abbreviated to ASHLA . The first executive was Joy Poole as President , Brenda Ogilvie as Secretary , and Beryl Gilshenan as Treasurer . From that first meeting , the Association grew and spread in New South Wales . By the end of 1976 , it started to go Australia-wide . It soon became necessary to form branches . ASHLA happily continued in this form until 2000 .
At the Annual General Meeting in June 2000 , ASHLA voted to incorporate , and we became a Management Council within the Australian Stock Horse Society . We now have subcommittees and the right to have two delegates in each ASH Branch in Australia . These delegates form the Management Committee of ASHLA . Each member has the right to attend and vote at our AGM , which is held in a different state each year . These meetings have become an annual trek for a dedicated band of members keen to foster our association . Initially a one day meeting , the Annual General Meeting is now includes sightseeing , touring and shopping days , and a chance to catch up with friendships formed over the years .
ASHLA is generously supported by the Australian Stock Horse Society , and have a dedicated page in each Australian Stock Horse Journal , to keep our Members informed of activities and competition results . ASHLA forms are available for download on the ASHS website .
ASHLA holds an annual point score competition , which covers many events , not only the ASHLA rider class . Our perpetual trophies are kept on display at ASH Head Office , and include the prestigious ‘ Black Horse ’, awarded to the highest scorer in the ASHLA class annually . This magnificent trophy was donated by the Archibald
Family , and was brought from India by David Archibald . The winning plaques list an outstanding ‘ who ’ s who ’ of the best lady riders since the inception of the Australian Stock Horse Society and ASHLA .
An ASHLA class now forms part of the ridden ASH events at most Royal and Agricultural Shows . The event is judged in four sections : Dress , Equipment and General Presentation ; Riding Ability ; Horse ’ s Ability , Manners and Paces ; Type and Conformation of Horse . Equipment should be neat and well kept , and judges are encouraged to reward well used and well maintained saddlery that is supple to the touch . ASHLA is a working class , and workouts should reflect this . The standard is incredibly high now , and the class has earned a reputation of producing an immaculate line-up of lady riders .
ASHLA has gone from strength to strength over the last 38 years , and under the umbrella of the Australian Stock Horse Society , will continue to encourage and support the activities of our female members , 13 years and over .
Australian Stock Horse Society 1971 - 2011 15