Diablo

Horse Details

Height

14.1hh

Colour

Redwood Bay

Age

4 years

Sex

Colt

Status

Permanent Resident

Rider Level

In Education (Not currently available for public riding; backed with his primary handler).

Identification

Registered Name

Kermandie Star (AUS)

Date of Birth

2022-10-02

Microchip Number

985125000132224

Disciplines

• Young Horse Education
• Groundwork & In-Hand
• Groundwork & Desensitization
• Herd Member

Diablo - The Little Rebel

Diablo arrived at Hawkez Haven as a tiny two-year-old colt.

He wasn't quite filled out. He hadn't reached his full height. He wasn't trained, and he certainly wasn't polished. In many ways, Diablo arrived as a blank canvas — unnamed, unraced, unregistered, and still trying to find where he belonged in the world.

Diablo wasn't neglected.

He was simply unwanted.

For many, his height determined his worth. He wasn't going to become the big, athletic Thoroughbred people had hoped for, and so his future became uncertain before it had really begun.

But Hawkez Haven has never believed that worth can be measured in hands high.

From the moment Diablo arrived, he made it abundantly clear that he intended to stay.

Now three years old, Diablo has grown a little taller, though he still hasn't matured into the horse many expected him to become. Truthfully, we don't think he ever will — and that's perfectly okay.

Because Diablo has already found exactly where he belongs.

He is Hawkez Haven's tiny little rebel.

He has the cheek, the attitude, and an endless desire to play. He keeps us on our toes and has somehow mastered the art of being both adorable and incredibly frustrating at the same time.

Of course, every rebel has their quirks.

Diablo developed a habit of windsucking, and despite our best efforts to discourage it, he has always managed to find a way around every obstacle we've put in his path. While it may drive us up the wall some days, it has never once changed how we feel about him.

He isn't going anywhere.

Then, in January 2026, everything changed.

Diablo developed a severe case of colic.

Thankfully, we got to him just in time, but those hours were some of the longest we have ever experienced. There were tears, uncertainty, and moments where we genuinely didn't know if he would survive. Even after the veterinarians had done everything they could, we were left waiting and hoping.

And then something shifted.

There was something in Diablo's eyes that day — as if he knew what we knew.

As if he understood that his time might be running out.

For a moment, it felt like his story was ending before it had really begun.

But Diablo had other plans.

He survived.

He chose to fight.

And from that day forward, he made sure every single person at Hawkez Haven knew that his story was far from over.

Today, Diablo is bigger than ever in the hearts of everyone around him. He has secured his place within the Hawkez Haven family, not because of his height, his breeding, or his potential — but simply because he is Diablo.

He has already been backed under saddle with his handler riding him, and despite his nickname as our "little devil," he has never offered a buck. Beneath the cheeky personality is a horse full of gratitude and loyalty, especially toward the person he trusts most.

At the moment, Diablo spends his days grazing, growing, and enjoying life exactly as a young horse should.

His future doesn't need to be decided today.

He doesn't need to become something extraordinary.

He already is.

Diablo reminds us that every horse deserves a place in this world, regardless of their size, their papers, or the expectations others place upon them.

His story is still being written.

And if there's one thing Diablo has taught us, it's this:

Never underestimate the smallest horse in the paddock.

Because sometimes, they leave the biggest hoofprints on your heart.

Care, Health & Well-being:

• Digestive Health: Carefully managed diet and grazing protocol following his recovery from colic.

• Vice Management: Monitored for windsucking with environmental enrichment, paddock turnout, and supportive digestion management.

• Education: Consistent groundwork, in-hand agility, and desensitization respecting his youthful physical growth.

Looking Forward

Diablo will remain a permanent member of Hawkez Haven, growing up alongside our herd and completing his education at his own pace.