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