Hinault | Helpful Charlie Supporting the Community

2007 born gelding, Hinault, began his racing career in 2013. By French bred stallion, Ganymede, and out of New Zealand mare, Smokey Robyn, Hinault went on to have a career of 77 starts. This Victorian bred gelding proved to have a talent on the racetrack, with ten wins, five seconds and eight thirds on his racing record. Trained by Bruce Stanley, Hinault retired from racing in 2018 with lifetime earnings of $87,977.

Following retirement, Hinault – or Charlie, was purchased by Sian Fanderlinden directly from trainer, Bruce Stanley. With help from Sian’s sister, Charlie was broken to saddle and retrained for a life after racing. He enjoyed trail riding and took to his new training positively. Charlie and Sian have a special connection, with the big gelding proving to have a kind heart and a great love toward the people around him.

Charlie is leased to RDA Brigadoon, where he is used for trail riding and lessons. Sian hopes to continue her regular lessons with Charlie, gaining confidence and attending more events throughout the year. Sian and Charlie attended the final OTTWA Clinic of 2023, with both having a successful morning of learning and experiences. Sian commented that she would love to attend more, and fondly recalled attending The Big Britches event at Horsemen Pony Club in 2023.

“Charlie remained calm despite it being a big event with so many different horses,” said Sian proudly.

When Charlie is not busy with RDA, Sian hopes to continue dabbling in many disciplines with Charlie, including show jumping, dressage and pleasure riding. We hope to see the pair again at more OTTWA Clinics in 2024.

OTTWA wish Charlie and Sian all the best for their year together.