LIFE BETWEEN THE EARS Seeing The World With
“Life Between The Ears” Contributors to the “Life Between The Ears” social media accounts transport us to the world’s most interesting and beautiful places—all viewed from the saddle. Each issue, we share a few of their images.
BAYLEY DAVIS/@BAYLEYANN034 PHOTO
GLOVERSVILLE, N.Y. Bayley Davis captured this image on her uncle’s farm, where she grew up riding. “The farm sits on 80-plus acres with two ponds, multiple flower gardens, and countless places to explore and ride,” she said. “This photo overlooks one of the ponds we photograph frequently. If you catch the sunset just in time, you will catch the sun right between the trees, while the pond acts as a mirror to the lovely landscape. We are often accompanied by our resident great blue heron who watches with us.” Davis, 23, is a graduate student at the University at Albany, SUNY, where she’s pursuing her master’s degree in healthcare economics. “Even though it can be difficult spreading my time, I always find time for my horse,” she said. “No matter what I do, where life takes me, he will always be there with me.” That horse is Fleance, or “Flea,” a 17-year-old Holsteiner-Swedish Warmblood that Davis has owned for seven years. Davis grew up showing in the hunters, jumpers and equitation, and she used to show Flea. But four years ago he suffered a severe ligament injury and required 18 months of recovery. “Our relationship really blossomed and grew much stronger when we were faced with that,” Davis said. “During his recovery, we really took advantage of our new life together, a more relaxed and adventurous life. We haven’t competed since his injury, which is OK because we’ve tried many new things. We’ve tried some fun cross-country jumping (not competitively), splashing and playing in the ponds (he’s not a fan of water, so this was a big accomplishment), trail riding and exploring, galloping through the open fields, and even riding amongst our very friendly deer families living on the property. We’ve been able to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings. “Flea is the smartest horse I’ve ever known or ridden,” she added. “He’s the type of horse that will watch and learn (very mischievous), hence he taught himself how to open his stall door, the tack room, the grain bins, even his treats! Sometimes he’s too smart for his own good! He can be sassy, but I always feel safe.”
62 JULY/AUGUST 2017
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