LEAD, DON’T FOLLOW

Sir — With reference to your news article (14 June) about tack checks at Pony Club events, these are in place as a matter of safety for the rider and welfare of the horse or pony because riders may change tack between each section.

As a training organisation, the Pony Club should be giving guidance, not handing over responsibility. At tack checks, the Pony Club seems to have abdicated responsibility, by “recommending or suggesting”, with nothing being mandatory other than hat, back protector and no jewellery for going crosscountry, and allowing open-neck shirts and short sleeves which offer no protection in a fall.

It is now an established fact that youngsters prefer discipline and rules to laissez-faire. The Pony Club should lead, not follow.

Margaret S Auld

Chief instructor for East Hertfordshire Hunt branch of the Pony Club, Buntingford, Herts