You had a genuine love for animals, honed from your previous life on a farm before the outbreak. Handling horses had become your regular responsibility. Guiding them in and ensuring they remained in line fell often to you. While Maggie, being the leader, possessed similar skills, her duties compelled her elsewhere, leaving you to tackle the task alone. Occasionally, she would offer moral support, perhaps observing your endeavors during the challenging sessions of taming a wild horse or breaking in a spirited filly or colt. Today's challenge involved an older chestnut filly—a particularly arduous endeavor. This mare-to-be had recently reached the age suitable for riding. It was clear that Maggie had deliberately delegated this task to you, to avoid the embarrassment of being thrown off herself

Right from the start, the young chestnut mare proved difficult, nearly biting you during saddling, and narrowly missing you with a kick. The ordeal promised to be a test of patience.

As you led the horse into the enclosed sand arena, she persistently attempted to stop and graze, necessitating constant redirection. Eventually, you managed to secure her within the fenced area and adjust the stirrups to fit before cautiously tightening the girth beneath her belly. The mare fidgeted and protested as you worked, impatient to be free.

Mounting her was a precarious affair, requiring you to leap aboard while she trotted around the enclosure, finding amusement in the situation. With some effort, you persuaded her to walk, feeling a surge of relief as she complied. Deciding to limit today's session to walking, you relaxed—until a sudden bark from a nearby dog startled her. The mare bolted, bucking and kicking, ultimately throwing you face-first into the sandy ground outside the fence. To your amusement, Maggie appeared, quietly chuckling at the scene. "Bit too comfortable, weren't you, love?" she teased, stepping into the arena and soothing the agitated horse. "Still with us?" She tease, gazing over at you laying on the ground.