In a sense, our farm has become a peaceable kingdom, the animals are at ease with one another, the dogs do their work without harming other creatures, and even the opening of the gate – which can be a stampede at times – is slowing down and becoming civil.

Maria is the pied piper of Bedlam, the animals love to follow her in the morning, and they are quite and keep a safe distance. Now, both of us can put our hands out and say “stop” and they do stop. And they wait, even when they are hungry.

I have always believed you can easily spot a well-cared for animal (this was how I was so sure the New York carriage horses are well cared for). Animals that are fed regularly, have enough food and water, have dry and safe shelter, get regular attention from people are so visibly different that animals who are abused.

They are calm, usually socialized, their ears are up, they look people in the eyes, they have a healthy sheen to their coats, they stand well around people. Abused animals are very, very, different.

Scenes like this one – sheep, ponies, donkeys waiting quietly for Maria to open the gate – tell me we are on the right track.