“Well each person must speak as they find, and I have no complaints at all about HF, and have never had a long wait between classes at affiliated level. I have not competed there unaffiliated, neither have I hired the arena so I cannot comment; but I am still unsure as to why HF is coming in for so much criticism if they have been operating correctly. Is there some kind of hidden agenda now that Abbey are being investigated? Why is there so much obvious ill feeling toward HF here?
Its not like planning permission is something you can deny knowing about when you are running a business, especially a large business like the set-up at Fiddington.
Thankfully there are a wide variety of venues reasonably locally to choose from so those with obvious distate for HF won't be forced to compete there.”

“I have competed at both venues many times. Abbey is not 'cliquey' far from it. Also when booking the said venues for private use at least Glenys doesn't watch your every move then turn the lights out the minute your hour is up! Also if yu do 2 dressage tests at Abbey you rarely wait more than 40 minutes between tests - I've had a 2 hour wait several times at Home Farm with no more people competing! Time will tell - lets see who is still in business in 5 years time! I know which one my money is on!!!”

“I think making personal remarks doesn't help anyone, but as a competitor who has competed at both venues I have to say Home Farm is far more friendly, and thankfully lacks the warm-up arena clique that sits and makes unkind comments about horse/rider combinations that are warming up.
Mr R is no worse than the busy gentleman at Hunters. Strange that HF should be so roundly criticised for operating within the law.”

“I have been to both these equestrian establishments as a non-horsey person. Glenys and her team run a very professional establishment. Also providing a freindly atmosphere which results in an enjoyable experience for everyone. Gary however runs a less professional establishment, running about in his high-vis jacket and getting very little done. Although he may be compling with all the regulations he fails to get the balance right, it does not create a very pleasent environment. If he was a true professional he would have kept his comments about a rival on a profeessional level. Rather than imply he sets the standards and regulations that you have to comply with and not that the Local Authorities and Government are the ones who set the rules that we have to abide by. I hope that any irregularities that have may occurred at Abbey Dressage are quickly resovled.”

“As a local competitor and having competed at Abbey and Home Farm I don't think Mr Rickards has done himself any favours other than hopefully promote his "JOBSWORTH" position!. Hopefully Abbey Dressage will rectifiy any planning consent issues and myself and others can continue to compete there in the friendly & encouraging atmosphere they provide for novice riders for many more years to come.”

“I would disagree personal experience rates Home Farm much higher, and as a small business owner myself i would also be annoyed that having done everything by the book to find out other poeple think they can get away with taking short cuts. A refusal to comment by Ms Hemming doesnt really help her case.”

“Stop whining Gary, Abbey dressage is a much friendlier and well run establishment than Home Farm. Glenys and her team are exremely supportive of all her clients and competitors and I'm sure whatever isn't right will soon be sorted out. The facilities there are some of the best in the area. Mr Rickards and co could learn a great deal from the way Abbey operate....A view felt by many equestrian lovers who compete on a regular basis!!”

“sounds like the green eyed monster is around some people just cant help themself why does mr rickards have so much of a problem with this is it because it is far nicer to compete there than at his own centre. may be he should remember that the eqeustrian world dont forget things .”

“didnt realise that the echo is now a platform for digging the dirt on your buisness rivals in a vain attempt to promote your own, perhaps we should all do this and get some free advertising , but i prefer to let coustomers decide if they like what you do they will come if they dont then they stay away scary but true.”

“Interesting story - but I am sure if the irregularities were serious enough TBC would have taken action by now - and they haven't so clearly it is all in hand. It sounds like something of nothing and the fact that a rival equestrian centre just 5 miles away seems to be behind all this is interesting too....
I wonder what he has to gain from all this?”