Clydesdale who pulled historic horse-drawn tram remembered as gentle giant
Albert, one of the beloved Clydesdales of the historic Victor Harbor Horse-Drawn Tram, has died after a short illness. He is being remembered as a gentle giant who brought joy to locals and tourists alike and famously disliked fishing rods.
One of the horses that pulls the historic Victor Harbor Horse-Drawn Tram, Albert, has died after a brief illness. The 18-year-old Clydesdale, known for his gentle nature, succumbed to tumours on Saturday, just a day after showing signs of illness on Friday. Albert had been an integral part of the tramway's team for 13 years, pulling the historic horse-drawn tram from Victor Harbor to Granite Island.
At 17.3 hands high, he was among the tallest members of the tramway's herd and often served as a mentor to new horses and drivers. Despite his towering stature, Albert was known for his calm demeanor and unique personality, often disliking blinkers and viewing fishermen along the causeway with suspicion. Tramway staff are remembering Albert as the "go-to" horse for training new employees and as a cherished friend to fellow tramway horse Murray.
The tramway operates normally in his absence, while Murray receives extra attention and a new partner to prevent loneliness. The community is asked to be sensitive to the emotional impact of Albert's passing on the tramway's staff and volunteers, following a recent challenging period marked by a mystery illness among the horses and reduced income due to South Australia's algal bloom.
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