On the 10th December 2004 the inaugural meeting of the first society dedicated solely to the Clydesdale Cross took place. A committee was formed and on the 14th December 2004 the Clydesdale Cross Sport Horse Association was officially incorporated under Victorian legislation. (Australia)

The idea for the society grew out of informal discussions on the web forum of the Horse Rider's Clubs Association Victoria (HRCAV). It became clear to users on this forum that many people were riding Clydesdale Cross horses and that they were valued by their owners for their wonderful temperaments, athleticism and hardiness. The current President of the Association, Adrian McMillan, suggested that interested parties come together and form a society to promote this fantastic breed in Australia.

Statement of Purpose

1. To promote the use of the Clydie Cross as a Sport and Pleasure horse in Australia
2. To create and keep a database of all registered Clydie Cross sport and pleasure horses. The database will include colour, conformation and pedigrees, if available.
3. To provide trophies, prizes and recognition to registered Clydie Cross sport and pleasure horses at events and shows chosen by the association committee for support.
4. To provide an opportunity for all Clydie Cross sport and pleasure horse owners to register all horses which are believed to contain Clydesdale in their bloodlines.
5. To establish and maintain a register of Clydesdale Cross Sport Horse breeders in Australia.

CCSHA Patron: Leanne Williams

The association has a wonderful patron in Leanne Williams. She has ridden Avoca Black Saint to Grand Prix Dressage success.

My love for Clydesdale Crosses started when I was a teenager and I met a horse called "Bomber" from that time on I wanted one of my own.

In 1991 I purchased the horse I had dreamed of.... And that horse became Avoca Black Saint. He was perfect, half Clydesdale and half TB and black with 4 white socks and a star. At that stage he was 5 years old and purchased as a showjumper, I found him too spooky to continue so we tried our hand at eventing, this also proved too much for Black Saint, but what I did discover was a love for dressage.

Six years after we made our move to straight Dressage we were competing Grand Prix, I was 30 years old and one of the youngest Grand Prix riders. During the years we competed we achieved things that well exceeded any dreams. There were many Championships won on the way to FEI then in 2000 Black Saint and I represented Australia in the World Dressage Challenge. We also represented Victoria 3 times at both State and National level.

Black Saint retired in 2004 as Reserve State Grand Prix and Intermediare 11 Champion. He was ranked 6th in Australia and 181st in the world.

During this time my husband John and I started our Clydesdale Cross stud..... We now stand 2 stallions Avoca Cardinal and Avoca Flaunt It and their progeny is successful in EA, PCAV and HRCAV.

I credit most of my success to my decision to buy a Clydesdale Cross, people choose them for many different reasons, but for me it's their beautiful eye and their ability to try anything that is asked of them.

Enjoy and love yours.... Cheers Leanne Williams

Charlie Moffat

The association was blessed with the patronage of Charlie Moffat, one of Australia's most accomplished identities in showjumping. One of Charlies Clydie Crosses, Mulga Bill, was a world famous Grand Prix Showjumper who competed at the World Equestrian Games at the Hague in 1994. Sadly, Charlie passed away on the 22nd April 2008 at the age of 79, his time and experience as a patron of the CCSHA are missed greatly.