Valentino - The Pretty Boy

Valentino was born a few minutes after Valentines Day, hence his name: Valentine? - No. 

Most of the Southern Cross Horse Treks horses are related and come from the same Arabian Horse Stud. Val is a half-brother of Kamal (by the same well-known Crabbet Arabian stallion Kyremi Illustraa) and the son of Manni's full sister (a qualified Endurance horse).  As a foal and youngster Valentino grew up with Jimmy and Kuta. 

Val, like Jimmy, had a very successful Arabian show career (Led and Ridden Classes) for many years before coming to Kerewong, just a week before his 10th birthday.

He has a beautiful typey Arabian head but that is certainly not his main asset! Never been in the bush or worked outside an arena, show ring or level horse paddock, it was a surprise to find out that Valentino made an uncomplicated transition and adjusted very easily to the different conditions, life in a big herd, on hilly paddocks, different terrain, the bush, trail riding.

He took it all on with ease, curiosity, sensibility and a nice willingness to please whatever is asked of him. The biggest challenge was to find his brakes once Val found his appetite for bush trail gallops and his riders require some muscle power as Val can be competitive and very strong. Comfortable gaits, well schooled and disciplined, a rocking horse collected canter, a strong, willing and versatile horse with a great attitude and natural ability for working in the bush and the best lead horse on the road sections.

Val started his new job as a trail horse in the Australian spring (September) of 2014. He is very eager and forward on the trails and needs a strong and competent rider.