Riding Jack in the school I have kept to on the buckle riding for the whole time; no contact at all, except very occasionally picking up one rein for steering purposes. It has been very windy at times but he has kept his head low and remained calm and focussed throughout.

Then, yesterday, even though I still had no contact, he started to pick himself up and offer me some collection at times, even though it was VERY windy.

It seems as though, by showing him that I have, finally, understood his position and I am willing to do whatever it takes to keep him confident, he is finding the confidence to do what I was really after. Through my giving away any pretence of having him under my control, he is offering me real control, freely given. It's a lesson I won't forget in a hurry.