Mark Phillips says . . .
“I get the impression that Aachen WEG in 2008 is edging ever closer to being a CIC competition. I’m also told that Aachen still has not acquired all the land it needs.
“How the FEI managed to award the Games to yet another European nation when it did not have access to all the land required and the alternative was Lexington with all the infrastructure in place, I’m not quite sure! Both the World Cup and the World Equestrian Games need to move out of Europe before too long if the world title is to stay meaningful.”
Graham Fletcher says . . .
“Two good shows were run recently by area committees. What really set them apart were their hospitality marquees. With superb catering, ringside seating outside and civilised toilets, sponsors and owners were made welcome and thoroughly looked after.
“Such good facilities stand out when the overall standard of catering and toilets at shows is so low. As Andy Austin remarked: “I don’t think shows should be affiliated if they can’t provide good toilets and decent catering.” “
Emma Collings says . . .
“Looking around at the huge crowd enjoying a polo match in the heart of good hunting country recently, it was hard to image that these same people could well be subjected to draconian police measures.
“Chatting with people from the hunting, polo and racing communities, the message is quite clear: this simply will not be tolerated. There was no ranting, rather a clear-headed and rational determination that the fight to preserve a wayof life we have enjoyed for so long will continue.”
Stuart Hollings says . . .
“I do hope Ann Pitchard and my brother are intending to eat a hearty breakfast — including three Shredded Wheat — before they judge the HOYS ridden M&M classes at the Royal Welsh. There are 110 Welsh Cobs entered in one class. Will there be any left to compete at the RIHS on the same day, I wonder?
“This year’s Royal Lancashire Show has moved to a new home and returns to midweek. Prize-money has been increased and entries are up, although 80 individuals had theirentries returned because they were received after the closing date.”
