I TRAVELLED to Wellington in early February for five weeks for a couple of different reasons. One was to visit my son David who has been the rider and trainer for Pine Hollow Farm for the past five years.

The position he occupies is not unique as many of our Irish riders based in Wellington are supported by the generosity of these US owners. This support is the catalyst for the ongoing success achieved by many of our top riders, it is this support that provides them with the top horses, without who they cannot maintain our high ranking in world show jumping. The other reason for my trip to the USA was in the role of interim chef d’equipe to our teams competing in the Nations Cup shows at Ocala and Wellington.