And the winner is

DEVON. We all need to move to Devon. Failing that, Hampshire — it transpires H&H Towers relocated to the right county two years ago — Somerset, Gloucestershire or North Yorkshire.

The frustration is the lack of equestrian property available in these horsey hotspots, or indeed across the board. Should you be fortunate enough to live in one such sought-after place, no wonder you want to stay put.

Playing some part in helping Cheshire move up the rankings is Bolesworth International. Britain’s dressage riders filled me with great confidence here ahead of the World Equestrian Games, with personal bests all over the shop.

Riders love this show because it is run like a European event in terms of how they are looked after and the facilities with which they can in turn look after owners and sponsors. In other words, the VIP areas are great. Please the riders, and the spectators should come to watch them.

Nina Barbour is the (considerable) brain behind both this and Liverpool International, which made headlines last year after a fire broke out in the car park. She deserves more luck, because she’s doing so much right.

Another county worth the trip of course is Lincolnshire, home of Horse & Hound’s brand new Festival of Showjumping (Arena UK, 13-15 July) and Festival of Dressage (Sheepgate, 20-22 July). These welcoming events for competitive amateurs are the championships to contest this season, with enviable prizes and — obviously — great coverage in our magazine and online.