Olympic 3 day Eventing

It was awful when Zara won Sports Personality of the Year and gave a terrible speech [well, it wasn't a speech at all], because she's so down to earth and funny. Someone interviewing her once said something about her relatives and she laughed and said something about 'her dodgy family'. She's never had loads of money, either [well, not by royal standards]. She used to live with the NH jockey Richard Johnson, so was quite involved with the racing world. Of all the royals, I understand that Princess Anne is the hardest working and she's brought her kids up most creditably. Wonder who has got all these tickets, Jacey?

Me too ...like to walk the course on the x-country day. Tried for tickets at Greenwich ...with no success.[grumpy]emoticon

Sorry crimson you had already said that Zara had won her place, must read posts more carefully

I see Zara Phillips has won her place, you must be delighted crimson. I like her, she seems a very down to earth young woman and while all her privileges definitely help there is no denying the basic talent and dedication she has needed to get this far. I saw a photo of Zara, Princess Anne and the Queen riding together and thought how wonderful to see them all doing something they love so much.

Hats off to Mary King, still competing at olympic level at 51! I will definitely watch it this year, look forward to sharing the excitement with you. I can't believe there are no other GNers interested in this, where are you all ?

I'd forgotten about Richard Meade. And Ian Stark [always rode mad grey horses]. I really want to go to Giffords Circus, which is run by Nell Gifford. It was on at Cheltenham Racecourse a couple of weeks back but I was feeling sad and I want to go to it when I'm feeling happy. They don't seem to come oop north. I remember when showjumping was really popular when I was a kid; Vibart and Stroller. And Harvey Smith wasn't fat! See him at the races sometimes. They're such a gifted family, the Giffords.

I didn't know Josh Gifford had died. I don't follow racing but I remember him because I think he married Althea (someone?) who was a showjumper, and that was another equestrian sport I used to enjoy. I was quite horse mad in my youth and still love that horsey smell... I am determined to take up riding again when I finally retire, although I have no illusions about my abilities and just want a very quiet plodder. I do remember Mary King and also Richard Meade and of course Mark Phillips. I agree with you about their bravery, just standing by some of those jumps is enough to make my knees tremble.

Tina Cook has been chosen; sad in that she lost her dad earlier this year [Josh Gifford, the guy who trained Aldaniti to win the National]. He was a lovely man, who came to our racing club when Bob Champion couldn't make it due to ill health. I hope he'll be looking down on her. Mary King as well [thought she was getting a bit old]. And Piggy something or other. These posh people do call each other strange names, don't they .

I can't believe the size of the fences they jump or how brave they [horse and rider] are. I've only been once, and that was to Burleigh. I'm like the White Knight when it comes to horses; get on one side and fall straight off the the other, so I gave up long ago. William Fox Pitt must have been chosen; he's riding out of his skin at the moment. Can't remember the name of that little horse he used to ride a few years back that I used to like.

I used to love 3 day eventing crimson although I do have to close my eyes at some of the jumps. I only watch it, I hasten to add, I am not a competitor! I don't really follow it these days but I remember seeing Princess Anne compete at Burleigh in the 1970's. It was a wonderful day out (or even 3 days out!). Maybe I will reacquaint myself with it for the Olympics.