Madam - The ugly, factional and downright unseemly squabbling in Irish showjumping makes me sorry for the horses. After all, they have to deal with these people all the time. - Yours, etc,
MARY FITZPATRICK, Sallins Bridge, Sallins Co Kildare.
Madam, - The term "gone to the dogs" has frequently been used to suggest someone has gone to ruin. In the light of recent events in Irish equestrian affairs, perhaps it would be more appropriate to use the expression "gone to the horses". - Yours, etc,
EILEEN O'DUFFY, The Village Gate, Dalkey, Co Dublin.
Madam, - Nick Skelton triumphed at the RDS - and blew the assumption of sporting good manners. What a pity your Equestrian Correspondent was moved to publicise a probably unconsidered remark made in a moment of triumph - a remark that should never have been made. Nick Skelton and Grania Willis deserve a crack on the knuckles. - Yours, etc,
HELEN SKRINE; JONATHAN EASTWOOD, Solicitor and Avocat, Paris; GERHARD FISCHER, formerly German Ambassador to Ireland; IMOGEN STUART, RHA, (member of Aosdána); c/o Butlerstown, Tomhaggard, Co Wexford.