Subzero, an equine horse has become in the past few years a national hit in Australia. His popularity began 21 years ago in the Melbourne Cup where he was the first grey horse since World War II to win such a prestigious race. From that moment he became unstoppable. Subzero has raised nearly $10.4 million for charity with his public appearances in National Tvs, different institutions, and charity events. Even some of the most famous celebrities in the world have had the pleasure to ride and perform next to him.
Added to the list are the songwriter and performer Kylie Minogue who rode him and also the well known worldwide actor Hugh Jackman who was seen in a casino performing on him. Subzero’s owner Graham Salisbury bought him after he won the Melbourne Cup and they’ve become a family ever since. “Basically, he’s everyone’s mate; he’s the people’s horse. He’s an absolute hero in Australia.”-said Salisbury. But it wasn’t always like that.
In the beginning ,it was very difficult because Subzero was really tamed and it took Salisbury almost a year to teach the horse how to behave during his appearances and make him comfortable around people. During a trip to the United Arab Emirates, two Arab sheiks made irresistible offers to buy him but Salisbury turned down their offers without thinking it twice because for him Subzero is like a family member.
In 2009 Subzero had some serious health problems. He suffered from chronic arthritis who needed to be cured with an American medication named “Superflex” but at that time his second batch of medicine couldn’t be sent to Australia so it called for an intervention from the Prime Minister of that time Kevin Rudd. Now he’s healthy again and continues to brighten people’s lives with his presence.
