From Newcastle, Karl boarded the S.S. Bezwada — and 230 wild Walers. His days ran from 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., feeding, watering, and wrangling the unbroken horses bound for India’s Bengal Lancers.

En route, the ship hit a reef, leaked, and even caught fire before reaching Thursday Island. Despite kicks, bites, and long hours, Karl managed to get his lot “somewhat tamer” before the next leg to Colombo.