Manni - Mr. Personality

Manni was one of the first two horses at Kerewong (he arrived together with Charlie) and he did most of the exploring for the Southern Cross Horse Treks tour trails with Kathy in the years leading up to the opening of the business.

Manni was and will always be our most difficult horse to ride due to his excitable temperament on the trail and strong-willed nature. He was mainly the guide's horse, making an excellent lead horse due to his confidence and intelligence and has only been ridden by a handful of customers (those who like a challenge!).

Manni taught Kathy and the other Kerewong horses how to deal with snakes on the trail: just move over a bit to the side, pass carefully, and keep going. There is not much that will stop this horse on his trail and all Kerewong horses love and feel safe near Manni as he really seems fearless sometimes.

An unusual trait is his love for heavy machinery, following tractors in he paddock and sticking his head right into the truck drivers cabin, which makes him the best horse for the few road sections of our longer treks or the odd forestry machinery encounter - a trait that seems to be passed on by genes as Manni's full sister has the same great attitude towards machines and it seems she has also passed it onto her son Valentino (who also lives at Kerewong).  

Manni has the role of lead gelding in the paddock-herd and loves his mares - he does behave like a stallion sometimes - and although his attitude had mellowed with age, newcomer horses can still expect a big show and a chase and beating before Manni allows them to be part of the herd. 

Manni earned his nickname to his devilish nature he already had as a foal- from about 15 minutes old he already was a real confident little man!

Manni reluctantly retired in 2012 at age 20, his body aging quicker then his mind, but still happily helps out and comes on rides every now and then if need be.