Charlie - The Wild Child

Charlie is Kerewong's special needs problem child, the silly one who always is in trouble and who needs looking after as he does not think for himself.

Charlie was the first horse purchased by Kathy for Southern Cross Horse Treks (together with 2nd horse Manni).

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 he stresses about the herd pecking order. His bottom rank made him anxious, in particular at feed times.

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 mare with a dominant herd attitude 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.  

However Charlie also is Kerewongs fastest- and probably best endurance horse, with energy efficient movement, long stride, endless energy, willingness to keep going, speed, stamina and comfortable and amazing floating gaits which he inherited from his father, the great Arabian Stallion Arjai Summit (from River Oak Arabian Stud, from Ralvon Pilgrim bloodlines), also known as "The Moving Machine".

Guaranteed to never give anyone a boring ride, he was the most popular horse for the advanced riders for many years, as he would give his rider something to do (controlling Charlie's silliness) all day. He would always be at the front and always be the fastest.

Old age even catches up with an energetic horse like Charlie and he was fully retired in 2015, at 20 years old. The rides will never be the same without Charlie's lively presence.