Day four continued much the same as the previous day: intensive training in preparation for the competition ahead. Riders prepare for disciplines including tölt, gaited classes, and pace as well as dressage, trail riding and flag race.

In the evening all enjoyed a lively and varied demonstration of a number of different top horses introduced by Christopher Weiss and Kaspar Holweger. Much emphasis was placed on solid principles of training which at the same time pay close attention to the horse’s character its physical and mental stage at any one moment.

This is also the point at which we need to mention the wonderful facilities here at the Solfaxi Stable in Switzerland: the hosts, the helpers and the organising group are most generous and helpful in letting us use their stunning facilities and freely giving us their time and welcome. Nothing is too much trouble, including digging trenches round the stables in preparation for last night’s thunderstorm (by the morning most of the stables were indeed under 10-20 cm of water), 3 powerful pumps to clear the stables, the oval track and the car park. And the food is simply amazing, offering the best of Swiss cuisine and beyond!