Edition Bobbett1. Texts by Elizabeth F. Bobbett: 1.1.3. Correspondence, Letters to newspapers
1968 Elizabeth Bobbett: Letter to the Irish Independent, 12.11.1968
“That Mexico Fiasco”
I was disgusted to read Jim Norton’s criticism of the Irish team at the Olympic Games as reported in the Irish Independent on November 2. He regards the “poor showing which Irish horses and riders put up as a serious matter for thousands of farmers who are breeding horses, as it was a rare occasion we had of giving our horses international advertising.” He also stated: “A good deal of white-washing has apparently been done to cover the cracks which appeared in our horses and riders in Mexico.”
I think he should apologise for his nasty unwarranted remarks about our horses and riders. It must be remembered that Ireland is a very small country, and our selection of riders for show-jumping, not to mention the Olympics, is very limited, compared with the population of our competitor countries.
That we had riders, ladies and gentlemen, who were prepared to give their time to training and travelling and give their horses, and that both should risk their lives in the contest, I as a horse-lover applaud and express my greatest admiration and thanks. When one considers that the course was at an altitude of more than 7,000 feet one must contrast that climate with home conditions. Also remember animals cannot be treated like a racing motor car. It is inanimate and can have its plugs and points and jets, etc., etc. tuned for the climate. We don’t know what notion an animal takes when it suddenly refuses at a jump. I never knew the good Barrymore to refuse before.
Mr. Norton evidently would like to see a semi-state body take over the setting-up of an Olympic team, such body to get finance to buy the best horses and get special trained riders. Does he envisage turning a sporting event into a financial project where fees will be paid to riders like some football players? That Irish horses were well to the fore we only have to read of the success of Miss Coates on the little Stroller. When asked how it was bred she said: “Irish” but could not say if it was “full-blood.” Also there was Mr. Softee (3rd prize) and on the US team there were Kilkenny, Irish-bred and Foster, both of which were very impressive.