Americans are keeping alive a spirit that is rare. The French and Russians have it, too. Spirit is the invariant; that which defines the ultimate purpose of a people. Being here in Britain is not easy. We are degraded and faded.

Much as it pains me to say it - I have to agree, the majority are still firmly chained to the wall.

However... like yourself, there are bright sparks fluttering in the gloom of the UK.

As a Brit, living in the US, I watch both sides...

I have actually been pleasantly surprised that comments I have made on the Horse and Hound facebook page have actually met support.

Folk involved in the horse world, and country pursuits, are starting to realize, that there is a campaign slowly building to destroy the equine community...

After all, there is no point restricting folk to 15min city zones, if they can get on a horse and go for miles using traditional bridle ways and paths... or restrict the use of travel by putting the cost of fuel up, when a grass fed transportation still exists.

There is also the psychological effect of being on horseback - hard to think like a slave from 5ft up on 1200lb of majestic animal, you control with legs and fingers...😊

Time to bring the horse trails back!