On Saturday morning, Ramatu joined Anette and myself for an early ride.
This was a big day; not only because Ramatu dared to ride out by herself in the bush (in a country where women generally never ride) but because we got to do something together that both Anette and I love so much.
Ramatu did very well!
Riding Ebony, our Gentle Giant, Ramatu had no problems steering her horse and daring to amble.
We did not add any speed, but kept it simple. To me, it was amazing that Ramatu not only dared to ride a horse by herself, but also dared to ride in the open.
Ebony, Ramatu’s mount, was amazing. I will have to write a post about her soon; she has impressed me so much - but you cannot imagine my joy when a horse carries a newcomer with all the tenderness needed. Ramatu felt no fear on Ebony’s back, and was able to gain the much needed self-confidence for future experiences.
Sahara on the other hand was in a very bad mood, so Anette had to take her in the opposite direction to get her excess energy out of the system. It took about three outings during the weekend to get Sahara back in shape, so in this case, I suspect that our dominant mare might be getting into heat soon. We’ve been teasing her reguarly for the past few weeks, and last time she got to talk to Aldo (the intended sire), she was a little more interested than usual. We will check again in a few days.
As for Ramatu & myself, we had a great incident-free ride home.
The weather was beautiful and not too hot.
Arwen was in a good mood and powerwalked as usual,
…while Ramatu & Ebony ambled all the way home. Not a bad outing!
The best part of the outing was the reaction of Ramatu’s parents, who were both very proud of her. In a country where few women ride, and where some parents might not want their daughter to be the first to change the tide, this reaction meant a lot to me. At the end of the day, I was very proud of both horse and rider, and I don’t think Ramatu will want to skip the next riding lesson that is offered. Both Anette and I are looking forward to watching her grow together with Ebony, the gentle giant from the bush who in the short period of time that she has been with us, has already won her place in our hearts.
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18 users commented in " Ramatu’s First Ride in the Bush! "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackYou sure have Ebony looking much better! She must be a very special girl to take on a new rider and behave so well. Good for Ramatu too! How is school going for her?
Hi Esther, I love your blog! These photos are great and it really looks like Ramatu had a good time.
It’s weird to think of you in that African heat with those beautiful sunsets, while it’s so cold here in the UK. My East African experience was brilliant - it will stay with me forever.
Enjoy your animals - it looks like a very happy arc
I’m so glad Ramatu had a good first ride and has her parents’ support in doing something unusual for women there. Ebony must be very sweet natured. It’s great to have a beginners’ horse on hand.
How exciting for Ramatu! She looks totally at ease on Ebony. It looks like Ebony is the perfect horse for a novice rider. It’s such a great thing you are doing–giving Ramatu all these wonderful experiences that build her confidence in herself.
I wonder who was the happiest for this experience?
I’m so glad Ramatu got a chance to go riding. It must’ve taken a lot of courage, although her natural self confidence shines through in the photos - she looks like a young lady who isn’t daunted by much.
Will Ramatu be teased by her friends for riding? I guess she must have a strong character to dare to be one of the first.
Oh, I’m so happy for Ramatu! And, yes, what courage! But J is right, her natural self confidence does show through! Marvelous post and I do love reading about your day to day lives there and the wonderful things that you are doing! Thank you — for what you do and for sharing it with us!
Sylvia
Beautiful horse and girl.
Esther, your mother would be so proud of what you are doing to empower Ramatu. You ROCK.
This is a great story! Love hearing about the social aspects of your home. I have been away too long and must acquaint myself with your new characters. Happy Day!
This is a wonderfully timed post, with all the news we have here of people adopting Haitian children. There is a charity here in New Hampshire that, instead of bringing Ethiopian homeless children here to be raised as Americans, helps to fund a school and home in Addis Ababa with the goal of helping to raise the next generation of successful Ethiopian adults. But, by far, most charities here are intent on bringing poor children to America to be adopted and turned into Americans, as if there were nothing valuable in their own culture. The work you do to assist people in building their own lives is respectful and positive and I wish there were more of it.
Ramatu is brave Esther and I’m so glad she had such an enjoyable first ride out. A proud moment for all.
this is such a nice story. you are so sweet to be so encouraging & inspiring to your riding student.
What an exciting and beautiful story!
Åh, vad roligt att Ramatu varit ute med er och ridit! Och på Ebony också - jag lovar att hon kommer att bli den bästa hästen man kan tänka sig. Hälsa Ramatu så mycket, och säg att jag tycker att hon var väldigt tuff och modig som vågade sig upp i hästsadeln.
Jättekramar till både folk och hästar från Karin
Ebony looks like she is thriving. What a wonderful sight.
Interesting to see graffiti on the wall behind Anette in the second picture. What does it say?
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