Kiya - One In A Million

Kiya would have gladly spend her entire life at the Romac Arabian Horse Stud, hanging around in the paddocks with the mares and foals, just as it was planned for her, as her breeder intended to keep Kiya because of her special, kind nature. But it was not to be, as Kiya's little brother Charlie needed her to look after him at Kerewong.

Charlie and Kiya are both bred from excellent endurance bloodlines, and are sired by the wellknown stallion Arjai Summit who was a son of the famous Australian Arabian stallion Ralvon Pilgrim.  

Charlie was the first horse purchased by Kathy for Southern Cross Horse Treks, but Charlie did not cope well in the outside world without his sister near his side. He became ill with colic regularly, due to stress, as Charlie was never the smartest horse and his bottom rank in the herd pecking order made him anxious. When Charlie's recurring stress-colics were discussed with the breeder she mentioned that his sister Kiya always looked after Charlie.

And so it was decided that the stunning tall Arabian mare with the classic Arabian head profile and innate attitude of a fair-ruling mare with high pecking order herd status (3nd in line after Ness and Manni), came to Kerewong to keep looking after her silly little brother Charlie and that is what she has been doing all her life. Kiya is the only horse at Kerewong which is 100% tolerant to all of Charlies bloopers in life.

The pair is never far apart and often seen standing together, grooming each other, sharing their food together, they are stabled together (otherwise Charlie will attempt to jump out of the stables). All in all Kiya is Charlie's nanny and saved his life. She even defends him against the other horses when they pick on him or steal his food.  

Kiya is the mother, the organizer of the herd. She makes sure every horse stands at its proper feeding spot, all the horses stay together on our trail rides and that they all behave and treat her with respect. She only needs to give them a look or flick her ears and the other horse (except Charlie) will move away from her.

On rides she usually is the last horse, closing the line, always making sure she is keeping up with the group just enough to stay with the others - we sometimes joke that the rider will not need reins as Kiya will just stay with the others. 

Kiya's special and caring attitude also transfers towards her rider: she is easy and calm to ride, surefooted and careful wherever she goes and is very forgiving, calm, patient and gentle towards her rider, which makes her very suitable for nervous riders.

Retired in 2013, aged 20, and has been missed the most as she truly is irreplaceable.