Because of the way this training works, I now have horses who are my friends and companions. It’s not about how high we can jump or how many flying changes we can do, it’s about how connected we are. I’m at the time in my life when I start to realise what is really important. This is really important. This makes the difference to anything. This keeps my ship sailing, even when the seas are stormy and rough.

In more conventional ways, what have I achieved? Well, I can ride a sixteen hand, ex-racing mare in a rope halter on a loose rein miles and miles into the Scottish hills and woods. I have a finger on the rein and a song in my heart. I used to have bits and martingales and everything clenched and a failing hope that I might make it home. I haven’t had that feeling in seven years. I have a happy horse and we have a happy partnership. She is confident in herself, confident enough to be generous to others. She gives intensely gentle rides to any and all visiting children, as well as her own regular small friends.