‘What should we aim for now?'

Despite lockdown easing, it’s not easy to plan for events, says Mary King

- Pippa Roome

IF all goes well, we might actually be going eventing in two weeks’ time – and I can’t wait to see everyone again – but it’s still hard to make plans. Although it looks as though the French autumn season might survive, the devastating cancellation of so many lovely events – Hartpury, Millstreet, Blair, Burghley, Blenheim, and Boekelo – makes it difficult to know what to aim for.

“Within half an hour, 1,500 people had responded to my plea”

You always start a season with a goal for each horse, even if it doesn’t come off. I had high hopes of the six-year-old championship at Le Lion for Kings Tilly, but I don’t think she’ll be ready in time.

When lockdown started, I turned away the competing horses; they’re back in work, but working of grass, and the hard ground has slowed preparation. It’s ironic to think of the number of withdrawals there would have been in recent weeks.