The last time eventing was in lockdown was during foot-and-mouth in 2001. However, I had managed to break my neck in a fall and by the time I recovered, the season was up and running at the end of May with Tweseldown and, I seem to remember, the Wiegersmas’ fun event at Penzance.
A sort of “bargain” Burghley was salvaged thanks to the generous donations – of several thousand pounds – from owners and supporters. And in Ireland, which was also in lockdown, everyone was cheered up by the determination of Georgina Colthurst to run Blarney Castle.
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