For the Season One Finale, Executive Producer CJ Dore steps in behind the mic and interviews your wonderful host, Marianne Cotter. This is a chance to farewell an extraordinary first season by getting to know Marianne and hear her story, and how she fell in love with horses.

Thanks to everyone who listened around the world, and we loved getting your messages and feedback. We look forward to bringing you Season Two.

Stay in touch with the show and tell us your story - mariannecotter69@gmail.com

Sally is a middle aged Mum with a lifelong passion for horses and by day works in her dream job as Equestrian Manager at one of NZ’s leading private schools. She gets to teach and mentor students on their equestrian journey. It is incredibly rewarding to watch the students develop their horse riding skills as not just a passion but also a sport.

Growing up in the city with non-horsey parents her first riding lesson was at 6 years old and from there she was totally hooked. Sally’s parents finally relented when she was 13 and bought her first pony, a chestnut Arab called Sarnie for $350. On this occasion the saddles cost more than the horse.

Sally has been actively involved in the equestrian community for many years in particular with the Canterbury Dressage Group and the Canterbury A & P Association where she has been a competitor, groom, parent, judge, and coach.

Contact the show - mairannecotter69@gmail.com

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