LETTER OF THE WEEK

FURTHER to Nick Skelton’s comments about improving the UK show circuit (news, 1 October), his argument that £150, compared to a gym membership, was good value (opinion, 14 May) missed the point – gym membership covers use of the facilities. A £150 British Showjumping membership with no entry fees would be excellent, but I’m not sure the competition centres would agree.

Then Mark Phillips’ thought that abandoning prize money could be the way forward, arguing only 10% win it anyway (opinion, 10 September). This is the 10% elite for whom Nick is aiming to cater.

However much we want the world’s best in this country, we cannot lose sight of the fact that strength comes from depth. And the depth also funds the elite. We have won gold medals in the not-so-distant past without pricing out the average competitor to achieve excellence.

Claire Whickman Newbury, Berks