Celebrating horses

MONDAY was not a good news day. We woke up to trainer Gordon Elliott’s apology for what many assumed couldn’t be a real photograph (news, p5), while the seriousness of the EHV outbreak in Europe gathers pace (news, p6). Then, by 10am, Badminton cancelled – a stark contrast to the upbeat plans for the resumption of sport (news, p4).

Badminton gave so many riders and enthusiasts something to look forward to. Its cancellation is heartbreaking for all concerned.

Organisers reveal why it wasn’t possible to simply move the date

(news, p5), and riders explain their contingency plans. Between travel restrictions, Brexit and EHV, rerouting is no simple task, but there are options.

Looking for further positives, we have a lovely feature this week looking at the work horses, charities and riding schools have been doing helping people who have been struggling to get through lockdown (p32). As one interviewee says: “We don’t celebrate enough what horses can do for people.”

There are few things I like more than seeing proof of the power horses have to help people. It’s something we all know to be true, and that we witness to varying degrees. But when there are centres targeted specifically at making a difference to peoples’ lives, and testimonials saying what a difference the horses and those centres have made, that helps others realise what an important role horses can play in society if we will let them. And centres need to be allowed and enabled to let them.

And as we well know, once riders are hooked, there’s no getting away…