WHERE THEY COME FROM

When settlers colonised Australia in the 18th century, they brought with them their own horses for transport and communication. During the Great Gold Rush in 1851, many horses were also imported. But, when the gold ran out, the miners returned home and large numbers of the horses were turned loose.
These animals flourished in the wild and multiplied. Despite not being top quality or bred to any particular plan, the offspring were sturdy and tough.
The number of Brumbies increased even more at the beginning of this century. In the Boer War of 1899-1902, and the First World War of 1914-1918, horses were gathered from all over Australia for the mounted regiments. When the wars ended, the horses left over were set free again.

WHY 'BRUMBIES'?

There are many tales as to the origin on the name 'Brumby'. One story goes that the horses were named after an early settler called James Brumby. He abandoned his horses in Australia in 1804.
Another legend claims that the name stems from the Aboriginal word 'Baroomby' which means 'wild'. Yet another idea is that the word comes from 'Baramba' - the name of a creek and cattle station in Queensland.