Breeding and Early Life
Charisma, also known as "Podge" and "Stroppy," was born October 30, 1972. His 12hh hand dam, Planet, was by the Welsh and 1/16 Thoroughbred stallion Kiritea. Her dam was a Thoroughbred mare named Starbourne. Planet was a very successful Grade A show jumper in New Zealand, and under rider Sheryl Douglas, became the first mare in New Zealand to jump her own height. However, an injury ended her career, and she went home and was bred to the Thoroughbred stallion, Tira Mink.
Charisma's first home was on the William's 3,000-acre (12 km2) farm in Wairarapa. Even at a young age, Charisma was laid-back and easy to train. He was soon bought by David Murdoch, who placed the yearling in a small pasture with a four-foot fence, which Charisma jumped. The colt was gelded as a four-year-old, although he managed to cover four mares before that time.
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