4th-7th May 2000

11, February, 2000.
Lord Burns, PO Box 31010, London, SW1H 9ZL.

Dear Lord Burns,

This event is one of the biggest sporting occasions in Europe in terms of spectators and it has been in existence and grown steadily for 50 years. We have about 200,000 spectators over the 4 days.

The link between the cross country riding element of this sport and foxhunting is self evident, while the very successful record of British riders over many years has often been attributed to their experience in the hunting field.

As the event organiser however, my major concern is that we are utterly dependent on the volunteers to run the competition. On cross country day we have approximately 350 volunteer judges and stewards. Almost every one of them is involved in foxhunting, as a mounted or dismounted follower and the local hunts and hunt supporters clubs are instrumental in providing these personnel. Most of these volunteers are not particularly keen followers of the sport of eventing in itself but come to help us because we are an integral part of local society and culture and because the event supports the hunt.

We have a Parade of Foxhounds on the last day in the main arena and over recent years, particularly perhaps because of the perceived threat to the continuation of foxhunting, this Parade has been extraordinarily popular and greeted with great enthusiasm by the spectators.

The event is probably the most secure horse trials financially in the world. If we had to pay our volunteers, we could not continue! This perhaps illustrates the financial importance of their enthusiasm, the withdrawal of which would surely have a catastrophic effect on the sport.

I would also mention that Great Britain is acknowledged world-wide as the leader in terms of the number and quality of competitions in this sport. While it exists in many other countries, there is nothing like the range and depth of events. The extended hunting "family"-and its influence on and in rural life has undoubtedly played a vital role in developing and sustaining these competitions.

Yours sincerely,

Date uploaded to site 29 May 2000