Today's the day!

Today's the day I get back into the swing of training my own horse. The official Mustang Makeover was here and I'd chosen a fiery chestnut mare, 4yrs old, never saddled or bridled.

The trailer arrives bright and early at the exactly 8am at Maple Creek Stables.

She's kicking the walls of the trailer as the driver backs up to the mouth of the round-pen. She bursts out, galloping around, struggling to get a grip on where she is, but everything's so unfamiliar. Her wild eyes search mine for fear or distrust.

"Easy, girl," her ears flick forward towards my voice, lightly tip-toeing over. "You're in good hands. I'm Elsie. Now, what should we call you?" She rears up and trips on the footing. "How about Amy? It seems to fit your fiery attitude."

"Woah, she's gorgeous." My instructor says, completely wooed by the spirited mare.

"I was thinking of taking Red for a gentle hack."

"I'll go grab Ricochet and join you."

"Meet over by the outdoor arena."

Amy whinnies as I leave her.

"You'll be fine, mare."

I jog to the tack room and nab Red's tack, setting it outside his stall.

Big Red is an OTTB gelding, 9 years old, and 16.3hh. He's a preferred mount for the adults but I also handle him well.

Red sees me from his run-in and gallops towards me. I slip the halter onto his face, buckling it.

"Come on, boy. Let's get you tacked up."