Pippa Funnell appeals to eventing’s iconic venues to preserve eventing
LAST week’s monumental fixture at Aston-le-Walls gave many top horses the run they so desperately needed, but it’s left me with mixed feelings. I don’t usually stick my head above the parapet with my opinions as I’d hate to offend anyone, but if it does resonate with others, consider this a cry for help to those who can assist our sport.
Firstly I commend Nigel Taylor and his team for running two very successful four-star sections at Aston. He did a fantastic job, the going was excellent and the sections featured the very best horses in the country.
I was delighted with my four boys all posting sub-30 dressage scores. They showjumped well and felt amazing across country. Was the cross-country as demanding as Chatsworth? Probably not, but we are grateful for it filling the gap in this strange season. But is this the permanent shape of things to come?
You can also read this exclusive column in the 20 May issue of Horse & Hound magazine.
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Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.
