Bay Mare, as she is affectionately called, is one of the old girls at the stables.  

I am told she is a good horse to ride as I’m led to an arena. There, I trot her out and get a feel for her. But I was startled. This old mare was full of energy. She hadn’t been ridden all day and was ready to go!  

She freaked me out as I tried to keep her in a walk, but it was my fault. I had my legs too far back, sending her mixed messages. I pulled back on her reins that I had too tight.

With Peggy’s guidance, I had to relax, loosen the reins, put my legs ahead and talk to Bay Mare.

Who is Peggy?  

I don’t know her title exactly, but to me she is the general manager of the equestrian centre.  

Peggy walked us once around the perimeter of the main stable.

Then Bay Mare and I were off to continue our walks round and round the perimeter of the stable.

Eventually, I found the courage to walk along a dirt path.  

Peggy drove by and suggested we walk all the way down the path and see the oryx.

Bay Mare was cheeky every step of the way.

She wanted full tilt. I wasn’t confident or skilled enough to give her that. So I tried to compromise with lots of walking and a few moments of trotting.

But trotting was difficult for me to control because she had a lot of power.

What a learning opportunity for me.

I would try to slow her down by making her turn. Still, after the turn, she thought it was an opportunity to speed up!

I spoke to Bay Mare during our entire ride.  

I laughed with her, grumbled at her, but mostly negotiated with her as I tried to be boss.

I think she was laughing at me.

Bay Mare is wearing a fly mask because she’s sensitive to flies.  

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Oryx Adventure

When we went to see the oryx, Bay Mare would not stand still.

I had to walk her directly to the fence, making her stop.  

Then she decided she wanted to leave while I was still wanting to video the striking antelopes.

I love this stable!!  I love every moment with the horses!!!!!

S, 🇶🇦

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