MORE RIDING HOLIDAYS

chosen not to disclose her autism during pre-trip consultations on the phone, feeling that it was a discussion about ability, experience and confidence in relation to safety, and not about disability. She’s not physically disabled and she can manage a horse. Elaine said she needed to make some phone calls but she was fiercely upbeat.

Lo, the next morning we arrived at the old prison farm (next to HM Prison Dartmoor) in Princetown to find Elaine and fellow guide Rachel Brockington next to a beautiful brownand-white show cob horse. “I had Graffiti shipped in at 9pm last night,” she said brightly as she patted the horse’s neck with a big smile. “She has a lovely temperament. I think Tamsin will really like her.”

I looked at mine, a silky chocolate-brown Irish Draught pure breed called Blackie, and immediately yearned to canter across an open moor.

A short but steep climb through foliage and fields brought us to North Hessary Tor, landmarked for its towering (643ft) mast. I could just about spot the fringes of the land as it shanked the sea at Plymouth, and to the left of us a cluster of wild Dartmoor hill ponies were gathered around a standing stone as if they were attending a political meeting.

Elaine and Rachel told us all about the moor’s double climate, wildlife and history of the land. Their knowledge of the moor is exceptional and Elaine, who spent her childhood going off for hours on her horse, knows every inch of the landscape. I could see why the trails were so popular, especially when you have your own horse and you want a guide for a few days.

Our experience wasn’t quite what we had hoped for as we were guided on foot with a rope and only able to trot a couple of times (also while being guided on foot by a rope). For Tamsin, who is able to canter (albeit in fields), I could sense the disappointment. I felt it myself.

That said, a short walk on past Foggintor quarry, and we approached Merrivale, which is a particularly interesting complex of menhirs (tall, upright standing stones), stone rows and stone These following companies welcome riders with autism or those who lack experience for bespoke breaks. Equestrian Escapes offers packages in Wiltshire and Cheshire from £295 per person for a three-day, two-night stay, with breakfast and riding for all levels (equestrianescapes.com). Transwales Trails breaks offers rides out each day in the Brecon Beacons National Park from £360 for a two-day/ two-night stay (transwales. com). Blue Door Barns, near Lewes in East Sussex, works with Three Greys Riding School to offer lessons and trail rides over the South Downs. From £120 per person, including accommodation and breakfast (bluedoorbarns. com).

Stately Rides allows you to journey from stately homes to luxurious farmhouses over the course of two to four days. From £600 to £795 per person per day all-inclusive (statelyrides. co.uk).

I did a double take as I saw a table in the distance fully dressed with cafetieres and croissants: breakfast