It was true to say Emma was very cautious of people, displayed by her stable manners, which included swinging her backside to me, ears back and general lack of respect for my space.

This behaviour is typical of ex riding school. Lots of different people, with different levels of heavy hands pulling and stroking.

Tacking-up was fun. Once again lots of biting and scowling. Everyone tacks-up differently and small children are not very sympathetic with heavy saddles and bits of metal.

As she was still young there was lots of potential. She was a lovley looking mare and would make someone a very nice show pony - if she could just learn to relax and build up a bond with someone.

I spent a lot of time just grooming, tacking-up and un tacking. Visiting and talking, using my body to communicate. It was a week before I chose to ride her.

The first thing I noticed was a pelham bit on the bridle, for such a delicate pony I thought this must be un-neccessary, and I was right.

When I rode her I concentrated on light hand contact with a view to using a softer bit.

We hacked out regular with a friend, and on some days a short, stress free walk as far as we could go before she got restless - each day it was further and further until she was more than happy to hack on her own.

All the time I was building the confidence between us with small gestures and she was responding.

Two weeks down the line the pelham came out and was replaced with a snaffle - a brave move but one which she seemed to apporve of. Her schooling came on remarkably, she was so light and had bags of impulsion and grace.

What of the bucking, napping and tanking-off - not once did I encounter it, even on a four mile stretch of beach, the brakes and steering were second to none.

In 6 weeks Emma had turned into a loving, respectful pony with a desire to please. I'm not saying she was a novice ride, she was too clever for that, but her young owner had more than enough experience to carry on where I left off. I don't like my methods to turn horses into lapdogs, I like to keep the character and harness it in a way which it is useful and safe.

When her owner saw the difference she was amazed. These problems were all easy to solve and although Emma's owner chose to send her on a livery course, all of her problems could have been rectified at home by her owner following a consultation and report.