"Tough for organisers and riders'

The weather is more than just small talk in eventing, says Mark Phillips

- Pippa Roome

THE unpredictability of the British climate is enough to make anyone pull their hair out. After two of the wettest winters and springs ever, we've only had 3mm of rain on the farm in the past six weeks. If that makes life difficult for farming, spare a thought for event organisers in this era where the quality of footing for horses has become of paramount importance.

The wet springs of previous years have led insurance costs to rocket such that they've forced many out of business and others are hanging on by their fingernails.

Last year, Thoresby only just managed to run, in what could only be described as deep footing; this year they had perfect going. Last year in the wet, Burnham Market was a godsend for competitors seeking a pre-Badminton run; this year, after heroic efforts by Alec Lochore and his team, the crumbled ground was on the firm side of good.