Ferdy is our quiet teacher. Being a stallion, he very much has a mind — and a will — of his own, which I sometimes feel he simply chooses to share with us. That said, he is also one of the gentlest and most obliging horses imaginable.

In the years before Covid, when we still welcomed riders to the farm, Ferdy was, amazingly, our beginner’s horse. Despite his size and presence, he carried nervous riders with endless patience and kindness.

When it comes to our meditation sessions, Ferdy does have conditions. He likes to be involved, but only if he is not the centre of attention. I’ve learnt from experience that going directly into his stable and trying to include him simply does not work. It feels too intrusive for him and he cannot settle at all.

If, however, I begin a session next door with Sam and Ferdy thinks nobody is watching him, he is usually drawn in within moments.

During one group session, Ferdy was actually two stables away, but the collective calm energy must have reached him like a wave. Before long, he had lain down, curled himself up and fallen into such a deep sleep that he began snoring loudly enough for everyone to hear.