4 July, 2025

I received ASH Hall of Fame certificates in today’s mail and reflect on the legacy of these two mares, KIRKBYS WHITEY – FM HSH and KIRKBYS STUD COLLEEN – IM HSH, and how they continue to influence the Australian Stock Horse breed. It was an ironic coincidence that as I was compiling KIRKBYS WHITEY’s story when I opened the mail.

KIRKBYS WHITEY – FM HSH was sired by Bignells Radiant, a foundation stallion for the stud. Whitey’s bloodlines are woven through many of the stud’s successful horses, mostly through her daughter KIRKBYS MERCURY – IM HSH.

KIRKBYS STUD COLLEEN – HSH also stands out as a cornerstone dam for Kirkbys Stud. Her progeny have gone on to achieve success across campdrafting, challenge, and pony club events. They consistently display the versatility and athleticism that define the Australian Stock Horse. Colleen is from the foundation dam line in KIRKBYS STORM GLORY – FM HSH and is a maternal sister to another impact mare, KIRKBYS STUD EPAULET – IM HSH.

Although I received the certificates for these two mares, the latest ASH magazine has six mares listed as either foundation or impact mares that were either bred by or used by the Kirkbys Stud. These additional mares include CHICKASHA PENNY, KIRKBYS BIKINI – HSH, POLO LASS – HSH, and WINDRA BET – HSH.

Thank you to the Australian Stock Horse Society for recognising and recording the achievements of these influential mares.