The Bay Horses….
I’m often asked why it’s ‘Bay Horse Ranch’; well, to be honest it wasn’t my idea, but actually the lovely lady at the Rural Payments Agency the day I registered as a smallholding! She thought it was important to name the land and her questioning of the occupants and what went on there created this in her head; so it stuck! I thought it was a lovely nod to the bay horses that have had the most impact on my life and learning; all of which brought something different to the journey.
Below is a little tribute to them all…
Martel ~ (13.2hh NFx ?) He was my first encounter with a troubled horse: rearer, uncatchable, 'grumpy'... way back then all the health checks we do nowadays didn't really happen so this poor boy probably had various issues that he was blamed for... I learned all about bitless and saddle-less riding with him as that's when he was happy to ride out without rearing - suggesting he had issues with his teeth and back...I hate that I didn't know enough about that side of things back then, but I learned so much about understanding this lovely boy and having a wonderful relationship with him. He taught me that there was 'another way' and so it began...
Becky (12.2hh BRP) For many, Becky is THE bay horse as she has figured so greatly in their lives. She had the most incredible nature and generosity. Over the years many children learnt to ride and love horses with her and she had special powers when it came to spectrum people. I bought her as a yearling and she died in her 20's never knowing anything but love and stability. She was one of the original ranch gang.
Asbaab (16.2hh TB ex-racehorse). This amazing boy was a family owned racehorse who after breaking down came home to live. He was a bit of a state when he arrived and it took a few months to bring him back to full health, but he blossomed and along with his best friend, Becky lived out his retirement being gentle and consistent. He taught me so much about second chances and never giving up.
Lily (15.1hh TB x racehorse) This girl was a rehab from the competitive world which just didn't suit her. She was a super sensitive girlie who's kindness to all was incomparable. We would hack out for hours together and had complete trust in each other. She nurtured the herd with her calm nature so when Asbaab died she too became another bay-bestie for Becky. They died a year or so apart so the ranch was robbed of both these mares in their 20's sadly.