Please read the following frequently asked questions and get the facts, not the myths about these wonderful horse-
There are several Associations and Societies that register wild horses- what makes the GFHHA different?
There is a significant difference between our Heritage Horses and Brumbies found elsewhere in Australia. The horses of the Guy Fawkes River National Park have been subjected to numerous studies, thorough research and DNA testing to prove that they are direct descendants of those horses that that went into battle with the Light Horse Brigade in WWl and have significant heritage value, both locally and Nationally. The horse from this area are the only group of Australian wild horses to have been through this process.
The GFHHA is not a Brumby Rescue Organisation, the GFHHA only recognizes and registers Heritage Horses that are removed from the Guy Fawkes River National Park. We believe that by only registering these horses (and their progeny-purebred and part bred) we are able to maintain and preserve the unique qualities these horses are famous for- Their authentic heritage value and genetic superiority.
Are wild horses Poorly conformed?
Unfortunately, It seems to be the general assumption that wild horses are poorly conformed and weak animals- This is untrue of the Guy Fawkes Horses.
The horses of the GFRNP have a history going back 200 years when they were bred to be solid and sturdy with strong hooves and limbs, sound of wind and possess excellent stamina.
This foundation, and the environment in which these horses live in, has only served to maintain, if not, enhance these characteristics, as without these traits, the horses would not survive.
In the rough, dense Australian bush, you must be hardy, adaptable and good on your feet in order to thrive. The horses of the GFRNP have flourished in our harsh Australian conditions due to natural selection. Nature has determined that the strong survive and the weak do not, allowing the continued improvement of stock.
A wonderful example of just how well conformed these horses are is GF Clyde, who, at his first show, unwashed, un-clipped and with just a quick go-over with a curry comb was a real contender for the Supreme Led Horse Exhibit at Bellingen show in 2006, one of the judges later told us that he only narrowly missed out on the sash.

Are wild horses infected with parasites?
Wild horses instinctively know what they need in terms of roughage, minerals, salts, etc and will forage for it. To enable them to find such a range of nutritional requirements, wild horses travel a great deal, their home territory extending up to 40kms end to end. For this reason, wild horses have a lower worm burden than a lot of domestic horses- They're eating habits are not confined to one area as domestic horses are, and therefore, they are not forced to graze in parasite infected areas.
Are wild horses Inbred?
This is another assumption commonly thought to be true and most people would be suprised to hear that DNA testing of wild horses prove that the percentage of inbreeding in un-managed groups is far less than the percentages found in Thoroughbred and Arabian horse breeding programs!
Natural herd behavior is a key factor in keeping inbreeding to a minimum and inbreeding numbers are less than 5%. We have not encountered one case of inbreeding in any horse that has been removed from the Guy Fawkes National Park. 
The average height of a Heritage Horse is between 13 and 15 hands high. Some wild horse groups have recorded horses that have reached up to 16hh but this is very uncommon for horses from the Guy Fawkes.
Bays, browns and chestnuts are the most common, this being the strongest genetic phenotype. Palominos and buckskins are also common in the Guy Fawkes as are the double dilutes Cremello and Perlino. Pinto and taffy are very much sought after though we generally only receive a few. Grey is quite uncommon.

What disciplines are Heritage Horses suitable for?
As with any other breed of horse, Heritage Horses can excel at all equestrian disciplines given the correct training. It is becoming more common to see Australian Heritage Horses competing in all horse sports, attending Pony Club and hacking up the trails.
Heritage Horses make competitive endurance horses. Due to their natural hardiness, weight carrying ability and stamina, a Guy Fawkes Heritage Horse is an obvious choice for this sport and Australian Heritage Horses have even been exported to the United Arab Emirates to compete in the desert.
It is becoming widely accepted that because of their naturally quiet and kind natures, Heritage Horses make excellent Pony Club mounts and can be seen competing in all events from sporting and camp drafting to dressage and showjumping.
Many Agricultural Shows now accommodate Heritage Horse classes in their horse programs enabling Heritage Horses to be shown at halter and under saddle and the Guy Fawkes Heritage Horse Association conducts Annual High Point Awards for horses making achievements in a range of disciplines.

I would like to come and see the horses, can I visit?
Of course! Visitors are always welcome to come and view our horses at our holding block near Guyra, NSW . Phoning ahead to make an appointment will ensure a pleasurable visit.
Our Open Days are also a great way to see our horses and what they have to offer. Our Open Days usually feature demonstrations using gentle horsemanship and horses for sale. Contact us for details and dates, or see our Open Days page on this website.

WE DO NOT RECEIVE ANY FUNDING FROM THE GOVERNMENT
All monies raised by the GFHHA are obtained through donations, sales of horses and fund raising efforts. All of the people that work with our horses are volunteers, they are much appreciated.
As any horse owner will know, horses come with costs. Rehabilitation, education and health care cost our association BIG TIME! We appreciate any donations (all tax deductible) and we have a number of different items available for purchase. (see our merchandise page on the sales tab) 