Passing by the "Palace Administration Equestrian Club"in Ayat area ignited an interest in spending the morning with stallions. Previously known as "Balderas," and relocated from Kebena area, the place is responsible for breeding, training, and upkeep of high-quality stallions to be used in ceremonial, leisurely sports and policing.

Unfortunately, the club has been defunct for months due to renovation work.

But, I was able to get in touch with the Beka Ferda Ranch and discovered that they are situated on the outskirts of the capital.

I had heard stories about the treacherous road, so opted to take public transport to the ranch from the Ferensay Gurara area. I quickly boarded an old bus and sat at the back which was filled as more passengers embarked standing holding onto the rails at the front.

The ride was bumpy and lacked safety features, making it alarming for first-time travellers. I noticed the road was in a dilapidated state with eroded gravel and hairpin turns with no barriers.

It was a challenging four-kilometre road compounded with the snail's pace drive. However, I chose the bus over a cab because I was unfamiliar with the neighbourhood and taking an unaccompanied ride could pose a danger.

I disembarked at the gate pegged by wooden fence poles lined with meshed wire and walked through a flat plateau surrounded by vast fields and small hills, leading to a brief security check. I passed by an iconic villa and came across a spacious building complex with a large stable.

My lungs relished over the fresh and clean air.

I toured the stable where various thoroughbred horses resided on the ranch. The horses were named uniquely and beautifully according to their looks, such as Africa, Athena, Biftu, Adawa, Lelisa, Victor, Prince, and Legend.

These gentle and beautiful creatures filled the stable with an aura of peace, nobility, and fragility. They are as innocent and fragile as a child, with delicate emotions and more susceptible to disease and injury.

The staff informed me that I could ride the stable's horses for 1,000 Br an hour. I chose "Victor," the brown stallion and was given a safety helmet before riding.

With a nervous demeanour, I attempted to mount the horse by placing my left foot in the stirrup but found it challenging to keep hold of the strap and place my right foot in the stirrup. Despite weighing more than my ideal weight, I managed to mount the horse securely. My instructor taught me how to steer the horse by holding onto the strap and how to increase pace by gently kicking its sides.

In contrast to my previous horse riding experience, which consisted of a guided ride at the Kuriftu Club stable where the stable hand held onto a strap the whole time, this experience was vastly different.

The freedom to interact with the horse and control the ride myself and riding together, feeling the horse's movements and emotions, and working together in harmony was undoubtedly a unique experience.

Victor had been resting all day. I was its first ride providing an opportunity to enjoy the open air. Unlike the mechanical cars, the natural movement of the horse was meditative and graceful. Although I lost my footing and balance a couple of times, I quickly regained my composure and held on tight without causing any discomfort.

I was thankful that I had not had lunch beforehand, as the churning and bouncing sensations were quite intense when the horse picked up speed. But I tried to stay calm and sync rather than panicking.

In the meantime, I enjoyed the partnership with three people who were enjoying a leisurely gallop, exchanging encouragement and friendly shouts and gestures.

The contagious feeling seemed to have spread to the horses, and they started riding races on their own. It was delightful to witness both humans and animals enjoying their time in the open on a beautiful morning.