Mary has a wonderful quote, “I learnt to speak dog early in my life, I only recently learnt horse.”

Encouraged by her husband, at age 58 years old Mary had her first 6 riding lessons. She had to watch YouTube lessons on how to get on and off a horse! From there, there’s been a fall, a fractured ankle and a two year period of learning to sit to the canter.

It only took her a handful of months to understand her steed Max. Max is a 22 year old Arab gelding. He taught Mary to ride. Max has great wisdom and Mary says took 7 months to trust her whilst they rode the laneways around her home. Max turns to Mary for comfort and help and of course food. And, he lifts Mary’s spirit with a whinny or nicker when she returns from a stressful day at work. He has bought Mary human friendships that will likely last longer than him!

Max has giv ...