On a clear January day, Obama and I set out for some exercise. The shooting season was still in full swing, and soon the shotgun pellets were pattering down all round us. Obama stayed remarkably calm, even when dead bodies were falling from the sky and we headed on past to the peace and quiet of the forest.

Climbing the side of the valley, I could hear the unmistakable sound of hounds, and as we came out of the woodland, over the bare fields we could see running men and dogs. The beagles were out.

We continued climbing for a better view, and suddenly the sound of hounds was rapidly getting louder. When on a narrow track, with a pony that has never been hunting, you realise the pack in full cry are heading straight for you, you get out your phone and try to film the event.

I had no idea how Obama would behave, so as the pack flooded past I pulled the ripcord an the Saddlechariot and carried on filming. Obama just stood there. After the pack went past, I re harnessed and set out in pursuit as you can see in the video.

No bit, no whip, no blinkers, a pack of hounds in full cry and an inexperienced pony, sounds like a recipe for disaster, but with a safe vehicle, the Saddlechariot which I can release if necessary, and a training system based on kindness, I had no problems. So why do all the “experts” need bits and whips and blinkers and all that stuff?

The difference is that Pony Access cares about safety, and is safe. Is it less fun because it is safe? Black Beauty opens with a hunting scene. Black Beauty’s brother dies. The Squire’s son dies. Gosh, what a fun time for all concerned.