Darby (Cullen Castle Prince)

Darby was my very first horse — the one who introduced me to the basics of equestrianism and set the foundation for everything I’ve learned since. True to his name, he was a prince in his own right: proud, charming, and full of personality.

He wasn’t always the easiest ride. Darby was famously cold‑backed, and he certainly didn’t mind throwing in a few enthusiastic bucks to remind you he was very much alive underneath you. But those moments shaped me. He taught me how to sit deep, stay balanced, and ride with confidence. If you can sit a Darby buck, you can sit anything.

Beyond the saddle, he taught me the everyday essentials — from keeping a grey horse sparkling clean to understanding the patience, routine, and care that goes into horsemanship. He was the horse who made me a rider, not just a passenger.