'Should we introduce feedback forms?'

Simon Reynolds on how we can make showing more fair and transparent

- Simon Reynolds

AS always, the end of the showing season was a whirlwind of championship shows for us, swiftly followed by the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

I was fortunate enough to enjoy a relaxing end-of-season family holiday, where I managed to switch off and reflect on what has been a very successful year. More importantly, I was able to not think about coats, timetables and 1.30am alarm calls!

We have also waved some of the horses off to pastures new, and I really look forward to seeing what they can achieve in their new homes. There's a saying that horses are a great leveller; if you were fortunate to have a good run at HOYS, then you are soon brought back to earth while breaking in youngsters on cold winter days!

"JUDGING IS A PRIVILEGE"