The Time of Horses

In Plaine-des-Papayes, at Sofia Ranch, Suhayb Nayeck lives in harmony with horses. Balancing daily work, sharing his passion with his daughter, and conducting workshops, he creates a space where humans and animals truly connect.

At 40 years old, Suhayb has not just built a stable; he has developed a sanctuary that he cherishes and shapes every day. This is a simple yet profound story where love, patience, and hard work materialize. To him, horses are not just animals; they are companions and, at times, silent teachers.

"Since childhood, I have been passionate about animals," he recounts, a smile revealing years of memories. In his voice, one can hear the child he once was, running after goats, sheep, dogs, and birds. Among all, one creature has always fascinated him: the horse. "Because it is an extraordinary animal," he says, eyes sparkling. The horse is sensitive, powerful, and attentive. It understands without speaking and observes as if your thoughts are visible.

This fascination has followed him throughout his life, becoming a pillar of his everyday existence. However, owning horses has not been easy. Long-held dreams faced practical and logistical realities, and it wasn't until 2022 that they came true. "By the grace of God and with the help of Jean Mark Halbwachs, whom I sincerely thank," he shares with heartfelt gratitude. Because of this support, he acquired his first two horses, a quiet victory born from effort and patience.

The first horse is named The Time Is Now—a reminder that some moments cannot wait. The second, Domino Rular, quickly becomes the mascot of Sofia Ranch. "They all love him," smiles Suhayb. With his affectionate nature, Domino Rular stands out for his appearance and sociability, charming everyone he encounters.

The beginnings are not always easy. There are health issues, scheduling adjustments, and long days cleaning stables and paddocks. But these complications are part of the journey. It is during the hours spent getting to know each other that their bond is cemented.

In August 2023, a third horse joined the trio: Camps Bay. All three are now eight years old. Together, they form a harmonious, almost sibling-like trio. The energy and vitality of the horses impose rhythm and discipline: no unnecessary romanticism, just real life with its constraints and responsibilities.

Suhayb quickly found the name for his stable. "I call it Sofia Ranch," he says with evident affection. His nine-year-old daughter shares his passion, growing up among neighing horses, thudding hooves, and the scent of hay. She learns to manage these imposing animals, to understand their reactions, and to respect their strength and limits. It is a demanding learning process, filled with small successes and moments of tension, where each must adapt to the others. A family legacy is being built.

"There’s not a day I can be without them," Suhayb continues. Each day begins early, sometimes before dawn, and ends late. He feeds, brushes, cares for, observes, and adjusts. He knows their moods, weaknesses, and moments of joy. He recognizes when Camps Bay is restless, when Domino Rular needs attention, and when The Time Is Now prefers silence. "The horse is a very affectionate and intelligent animal," he repeats, as if it were a mantra learned from experience, not from books.

Suhayb doesn’t keep his passion to himself. "I love sharing this with people," he says. Children, teenagers, and adults all discover, sometimes hesitantly, the touch, the gesture, the care. He organizes workshops and family events, like FS’Imit Fun, so everyone learns about the patience, respect, and rhythm necessary.

His horses also participate in weddings and birthdays, becoming guests of honor, often the favorites of children. They bring a touch of magic, nobility, and poetry. "Horses bring joy," he simply states. Just look at the amazed faces, the outstretched hands, the widening smiles.

Suhayb lives in sync with the horses. In a world that moves too fast, he imposes a different tempo: one of observation, learning, patience, and repetition. "When I’m with the horses, I feel peace," he says. Today, Sofia Ranch is a vibrant, imperfect space where humans and animals coexist in everyday life. It is not an idealized sanctuary but a place of work, sharing, attentiveness, and real connections.

And that is precisely what defines Suhayb: a man who has built his life around an ancient passion, accepting its constraints and joys, and who finds a concrete and profound meaning to his existence in the gaze of three eight-year-old horses.