Zoe Williams goes horse riding - in pictures

Studland Stables Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

Zoe Williams starts her lesson at Studland Stables Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

Stuart Spreadborough, the owner of Studland Stables says "You have to make yourself quite quiet, and eventually, they’ll come over to you" Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

Upper body - lean forward slightly, hips - stay supple, lower leg - grip the horse to maintain contact, feet - toes point down, hands - gentle but firm hold of the reins Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

"It turns out, it makes very little difference whether you’re on sand or bracken, or how fast you’re going. Either way I think I’d feel slightly terrified" Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

Dorset beach Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

"You can’t yank their reins half-heartedly, out of politeness; you can’t kick them into action without their noticing. English manners are uniquely bad preparation for horse riding" Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

"So high up it’s impossible not to feel superior. It’s just about all a human can do to shake the feeling of grandeur as you touch back onto land" Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

The Dorset coast Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

Harnesses at Studland Stables Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian

Studland Stables Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian