TIME TO TAKE STOCK

IT has been refreshing during this period of lockdown to hear how much many of our professional riders have enjoyed working their horses without the relentless, competitive pressure they all endure. It’s been a chance for them to take stock or adjust the work routine to benefit their horses, so that they can come back with a more relaxed attitude to their jobs.

They have been able to enjoy some downtime with their families, engage in other aspects of yard maintenance and indulge in valuable staff interaction that they might not otherwise have the time to do.

It does us all good to let go of the pressure and tension that can creep into riding and competing horses, so let’s hope we all learn – professional and amateurs alike – to maintain that enjoyment for the sake of our brave, gallant friend, the horse.

Rebekah Hirst Louth, Lincs