Susan Mann and Kayley (MD)
Team #940: Susan Mann and Kayley
From: Upperco, Maryland
Ages: 71 & 29
Combined Ages: 100
Test: Introductory Level Test A
I am a novice whose riding has been integrally entwined with two experts – Laura Beetle, my trainer, and Kayley, her beautiful mare. I began riding when my husband gave me a set of riding lessons for my 60th birthday, and found myself addicted to learning a completely different skill set from that required by my professional ballet performing. Because of my late start, I will never show Laura or give Kayley the gentle, nuanced ride that the mare deserves – but Kayley doesn’t seem to care. She responds eagerly to my suggestions, even when I don’t know I am making them. I trust her to keep me safe.
More importantly, I now have the thrill of walking out to a field and seeing a horse prick her ears and come to greet me; the feel of her gently leaning into my shoulder as I pick out her front hooves; the delight of having her nuzzle me and let me know where her special places are to scratch and groom. We have developed a fond relationship.
My husband leaves food out for “our” wild fox, we have many birds who come to our feeders and sing to us, deer who are unafraid and look into our windows, and three corgis who brighten our household with excited barking. And now – the biggest and most surprising of all – I have a friend who is a horse. I hope she, and more importantly, Laura, are proud of me in this Century Club ride.
