Charlton Stud is located at 561 Lichfield Road, Putaruru, South Waikato, New Zealand, and is 117 acres of fertile rolling hills.
The stud was founded by Beth & Charlie Fife, both very knowledgeable horse people, who began by breeding ponies and named the stud after the estate in England where Beth's mother was born. Beth was very much involved in establishing Pony Club and Horse Trials throughout New Zealand. The family grew (with five children) and progressed to breeding horses to accommodate. Charlton Stud is now owned and managed by daughter, Nicoli Fife, who was part of the team to contest the World Championships in Kentucky in 1978 in eventing, alongside Mark Todd, and campaigned in England and Europe during the late 70's and early 80's. She then returned to the home farm to continue breeding and producing young horses, mainly for the eventing market. The family bred and stood Hahndorf (above left) during the 80's, the only stallion son of imported warmblood sire Winnebago. Nicoli competed Hahndorf at Intermediate level eventing, Prix St Georges dressage and B grade showjumping. Many of Hahndorf's offspring were produced to top levels in all three disciplines, both locally and internationally. The Fifes then had the opportunity of standing Oldenburg (formerly named Imperial) (Inchallah/Gamene III) who was imported from Holland. His impressive predigree offered type, scope and presence to the Charlton breeding programme, and crossed brilliantly over NZ thoroughbreds. Oldenburg also produced top level offspring that have competed both locally and internationally. Oldenburg's son, Charlton Javelin, was born in 1992, and went on to compete successfully at Grand Prix showjumping. Charlton Javelin now stands at Charlton Stud, also producing top offspring in all three disciplines.
In breeding the Fifes have always placed emphasis on temperament first for trainability, then athletisism, movement and conformation.
Nicoli produces her horses by firstly handling them as babies, then weaning them at 6 months of age when more time is spent on handling, and then they are turned out on the hills of the farm to grow and develop. Nicoli breaks her horses as 3 year olds herself and begins their riding education. Initial emphasis is on dressage, hacking and showjumping, and eventually crosscountry training. The horses are progressively competed through the levels along the way.
Nicoli also provides services in schooling other peoples horses and providing private tuition in dressage, showjumping and crosscountry.
For more information, please contact Nicoli at:
Charlton Stud561 Lichfield RoadRD2Putaruru 3482South WaikatoNew ZealandPh: 0061 7 883 6824
