Charisma - greatest horses!

Charisma is another definite great!  Ridden by Mark Todd the New Zealand eventing legend, he won numerous events despite his size.  They had such a great partnership, although Mark always looked very tall when riding him!

Born in 1972 Charisma only grew to be 15.3hh (160cm). His Dam was a successful show jumper called Planet and his sire a Thorougbred.  He began his career as a show- jumper before eventing  to intermediate level and competing up to Prix St Georges in dressage!!!

Mark Todd gained the ride in 1983 and together they won their  first two one day events together.  After moving to England early in 1984 Charisma was 2nd at Badminton that year and followed that with an individual gold at the Los Angeles Olympics in the same year.  They were 2nd at Badminton again in 1985 :(   

They won Luhmuhlen in 1986, and the British Open Championships in 1987.  They also came 2nd at Burghley in 1987 (Badminton was cancelled that year).

He never managed to win Badminton, but in 1988 again won Olympic individual gold and also team bronze. Charisma loved his food so much they nicknamed him Podge!

He was retired in 1988, and had many years happy retirement.  In 2003, he sadly broke a shoulder in the field aged 30 and was put to sleep .

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Until next time!

Jo