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HomeSuperman Charlie Retired!
Happy 20th Birthday
A little over 14 years ago I bought my first Arabian horse in Australia. A five year old chestnut gelding with a blaze and 2 white hind socks, just like my childhood horse in Holland.
This first Arabian horse was Charlie, a "wide-eyed little kid", which he remained all his life and still is. His official registered studbook name is Khal'el, which is Supermans Krypton name and thinking of Charlie as Superman makes many people who know him smile.
Over the years Charlie has been followed by 11 more horses (mostly Arabians from the same Arabian horse stud) and all these horses are still here with me at Kerewong. But Charlie was the First (accompanied by Manni), the beginning of Southern Cross Horse Treks.
Charlie and I have a history. Charlie was the problem child and I feared many times that he will be the one who will not make it to old age.
Being bullied by the other horses, stress colics, tendon problems from going too fast without thinking and head in the air, no brains, trying to jump out of the stables at the sound of rain on the metal roof, running and sliding in wet paddocks ending up with 4 legs in the air, not going into the creek then jumping on top of me and dragging me through the creek, doing massive 180 degree turns when shying from a fallen tree or log, falling off the truck loading ramp, falling full speed and head first into a deep water hole on the beach, having his eye almost bitten out by another horse, jumping around 5 minutes before the gallop section starts, jumping up and down in general with kick-out just for the fun of life, and finally giving every horse rider including myself an unforgettable experience with his smooth movement, effortless speed, his childish joy to go out on the trails, the thrill of his beach race leaving everybody far behind, the Kerewong Ferrari, endless energy and eagerness to get up and GO!
And after every work day or even coming home tired from an endurance race, he is the only Kerewong horse who would always always do a gallop around the paddock when coming back, happy to be home with still energy left to run a bit more.
Charlie the Kerewong Wild Child. Probably my best endurance horse and certainly my fastest horse ever.
For all of this and more Charlie, you will always hold a special place in my heart.
Happy 20th Birthday my silly boy, you have made it to old age after all (on 22 December 2015).
Now enjoy your retirement, Superman!