Lucy Higginson says . . .
“I’ve not noticed an information board anywhere urging us to crack on with getting an equine passport. Every horse owner in the UK is meant to apply for one by January.
“Shouldn’t DEFRA be distributing forms and information at huge events like Gatcombe, attended by tens of thousands of horseowners? My fear is that there will be a horrendous rush at the year’s end, leading to delays.
“And one wonders how DEFRA is going to enforce them.”
Pammy Hutton says . . .
“Summer holidays; several balls are in the air as parents juggle their offspring’s activities.
“Do you go to this show or that Pony Club rally? When to fit in an extra lesson and how to achieve it all without allowing ponies to occupy the childs every waking hour? The sleepover at a friends and the swimming party need slots, too not to mention the family holiday.
“Enthusiasm must be nurtured and riding remain fun.”
William Fox-Pitt says . . .
“Gatcombes 21st birthday was celebrated with an appropriately high standard of competition in the Doubleprint Festival of Eventing. Riders repaid their faith in Mark Phillipss commitment to producing good going and more horse-friendly courses by tackling his courses positively and competitively.
“The success of the British Open could be measured by the amount of horses who started across country, which is ironic in the light of Gatcombe having lost TV coverage, because it would have made great viewing.”
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