'Promote top horses' personalities'

Pammy Hutton on ways to improve public perception of equestrianism

- Pammy Hutton

WE need to think outside the box to maintain the right to ride and compete - because even as equestrianism comes under threat, we're still debating among ourselves what is and isn't acceptable.

I hate tight nosebands, yet one of my horses has a snug one. I love double bridles, but can ride in snaffles. I love to give pats, yet I'm told they're unnecessary. And I prefer to wear spurs as they mean the aids can be more specific.

Then there's the public's perception of us. It's easy to look out of reach when you're in the saddle, so we need to relate to people when out and about with our horses.

A friend recently unloaded her horse in a forest car park to go for a hack, and encountered two gentlemen with Down's syndrome walking with a friend. They were keen to meet the horse and were invited to pat him and take photos. It made their day, their friend told my friend. It made hers too.

Competition horses need to be equally user-friendly, to have their personalities brought out to endear them to the public.