'Good manners go a long way'

Gratitude, mementos and the upcoming Euros are on Piggy March’s mind

- Pippa Roome

I LOVE summer weather, but the recent mild storms have been a positive for eventing as we’re running on good ground. I competed at Upton House earlier in the month and the rain meant the going was excellent, but the team there always put in a lot of effort – last year they watered to ensure decent footing.

Upton’s huge entry meant they were able to put on an extra day and deserved to do so. It’s a beautiful venue and we’re lucky to compete there.

I made a conscious effort to walk to the secretary’s area at the end of the day to see if any of the host family, the Waley-Cohens, were around to thank them for their effort and say how much I enjoyed their event. Since Covid, without prize-givings, it’s easy to ride, compete and leave, without acknowledging event teams, which is sad.