
Charisma
-
Together with accomplished horseman of the century Mark Todd, Charisma put New Zealand eventing on the international map in the 1980s and became a household name throughout New Zealand and many parts of the world.
A tough horse with a lovely eye and exceptional presence, Charisma started his international eventing career when he was 10. He captured the hearts of all New Zealanders with his wonderful breath-taking gold medal winning performances in the difficult eventing arena, competing across the dressage, cross country and showjumping disciplines at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games, at Los Angeles and Seoul respectively, with Todd in the saddle on both occasions.
The close understanding between Charisma and Todd was instrumental in their success. He was nicknamed Podge because of his strong appetite for food at all times.
Charisma died in 2003 at the age of 31 after enjoying a happy retirement in his latter years of life. His memory will live on for an eternity.
Statistics
1972 dark brown gelding
Tira Mink-Planet by Kiritea
Breeders: Daphne and Peter Williams
Owners: Fran Clark – Bill and Judy Hall
Rider: Mark Todd (New Zealand)
Major successes: 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games gold medals