Gatcombe was a big show for us. Many local customers and friends said hello and the stand was buzzing for the 3 days. Fortunately there was fabulous weather too which meant the chilled prosecco from the food hall opposite went down very well. The sommelier was also very kind letting us taste his vast array of wines, many times, just to be sure!

Highlights included Wanderberry and Caroline Smail who loved the trolley and is already putting it to good use around home. Lizzie Coombs, head of the Langford Trust who also runs the dog creche at Badminton Horse Trials, popped in.

I purchased a lovely hunting whip bracelet from the gorgeous Andrew at Hi-Ho Silver (www.hihosilver.co.uk) and as ever marvelled at the Fairfax & Favour collection (www.fairfaxandfavour.com), justifying further expenditure by the fact that one needs the matching shoes to her handbag.
The show was lacking the usual big names this year as they were off representing us at Rio and unfortunately Princess Anne was unable to do her usual “rounds” of all the stands as she was very pre-occupied with the Olympic Committee. However the competition was great and all the PC riders had the time of their lives. It was only in 2004 I was in their shoes, so emotionally, I told them to savour every minute.

The Gatcombe party on the Saturday night is always worth attending. This year the bar ran out of vodka and gin – if that doesn’t sum up the horsey world, I’m not sure what does! Emily & Sukey, as ever, showed me a fabulous time, fed me well and were wonderful companions for the show.