It’s been two weeks now since my father started riding again for the first time in 38 (!) years and we’ve been having a lot of fun!

Sahara is the perfect mount for him, and with her smooth gaits, she has been earning more praise this past week than in her entire lifetime!

Our first bush ride took us to the villages of Kanya and Kasheni.

During our second ride, we headed well past Mandara and on our way to Midik!

Weekend rides in the bush are a wonderful way to rewind after an intensive week, combining both beautiful scenery, speed and good company!

On this particular weekend, there was no activity at the track, and so all the racehorses of Zinder (all stallions, except for the Ishtar mares) were being exercised in the bush (just walking).

Lots of Hausa Greetings being exchanged!

In between meeting all the hyped-up stallions(what’s to except when the guys meet our lovely girls??) we galloped on beautiful trails!

If you wonder why Arwen’s ears are going backwards, it’s because I forced her to stay behind. Those of you who know Arwen, know that she is NEVER behind, but it’s always good to train versility! She may be my Precious Mount, but she can’t always be the Racehorse Diva.

Another stallion we met and his cheerful rider!

Although I thought our girls woud be less than kind to some of the stallions, it was actually only a very peaceful bull that irritated Sahara.

Another stretch of galopping however and the bull’s existance was soon forgotten!

I leave you with some beautiful images of the bush!

Happy Easter, everyone!