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 given Mary a sense of achievement at a time in her life when she was happy to relax and reflect. He has given her access to the countryside with like minded people and kept her active and agile. As Mary draws closer to retirement age, perhaps she will investigate bowls or knitting, until then she will keep racing around the countryside on Max!

Contact the show - mariannecotter69@gmail.com