William Fox-Pitt says . . .
“Pau was an interesting, challenging and exciting competition. Anyone who thought it was going to be a dressage competition was mistaken. As a series, the World Cup is the right idea, but its first year was far from perfect.
“The series, which should lend itself to sponsorship and television, should have been a vehicle for older, well-known horses, but most people didn’t have anything to ride by the end of the season. A lot of top horses were missing. But as a concept the World Cup should be encouraged.”
Graham Fletcher says . . .
“Irish shows always have a flavour all of their own, and the Belfast Indoor International Horse Show should be no exception. Riders and spectators alike can expect a warm welcome and hospitality aplenty.
“With a total prize fund of £210,000, including a £27,000-to-the-winner grand prix, many will be disappointed that only six Britons — John, Michael and Robert Whitaker, Nick Skelton, Di Lampard and Robert Smith — have been invited to Belfast. The organisers have obviously decided to be selective.”
Lynn Russell says . . .
“To get a passport or not to get a passport? That is the question — and the answer is that everyone is getting even more confused.
“I’ve already made my views clear about passports — they’re a waste of time, a waste of money and a waste of space. But I’ve done my best to be a law-abiding citizen and get ready for the inevitable. And excuse me for being cynical, but hasn’t the whole ill thought-out business been a great way of generating income from horses for the government?”
