'Our sport revolves around money'

Pammy Hutton on the spirit of competition and words of caution

- Pammy Hutton

“THE most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle.”

That was the creed laid down by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Games, in 1896 and applies to all Olympians.

So when a para rider has qualified for Paris, yet his national Paralympic committee thought not to send him as he isn’t a medal contender, what’s that about? And where is the motivation for him and others to continue competing?

Not so long ago, representatives of many sports – including some equestrians – ventured forth with chances of making the podium as slim as Eddie “the Eagle” Edwards. Their aspirations gave others hope.

The truth now is that funding stops when the medals stop. That shunned para rider is just another example of how our sport revolves around money.

At the winter dressage championships, I gawped at lorries costing more than the horses inside. Even simply to get there, pay entry fees and to stable, I very much doubt one can do a “party” like that for less than £2,000 if lost business or work is included.

“WE CAN’T BE COMPLACENT”