For some people, the toll was even higher. Many lost horses, as well as pets, livestock and an untold number of native animals. Even today, nobody can even fathom the total loss.
For one family, the equine loss was huge - 13 horses in total, including a gelding, a young filly, 2 foals (a colt and filly), several mares, and the biggest loss of all, their stallion, Captain Thunderbolt. The reality of it was mind-numbing.
Thankfully many of their other horses survived - including a special QH x Clydie mare named Hayes Park Gypsy. Now here's the twist - Gypsy had been running with Captain, and there was a possibility she was in foal to him - if she was, it would be the only foal of his. The months went by and nobody was sure if she was or if she wasn't, but eventually it was certain....she was.
Then in September 2009, a true little miracle was born. A chestnut filly, very similar to her mother - who was eventually named Kira. A stunning little girl, fit, healthy and full of boundless energy. Out of all the sadness, little Kira arrived to give everyone hope and a renewed sense of purpose. Such a happy ending to a tragic story!
Love it!!
ReplyDeleteIt was a horrible time.....I went through the Canberra fire in 03 and I remember the feeling of such emptiness afterwards. It hung around for months, and took years for things to seem remotely normal again.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! A very special filly, that's for sure!