My bit preference was always a snaffle but I have used a range of snaffle bits over the years for different horses.

I have used rubber or ‘happy mouth” snaffles for horses with very sensitive mouths. The old rubber bits could be quite hard and bulky so I prefer the newer, thinner and softer “happy mouth” versions.

I usually used a loose-ring snaffle rather than a fixed ring eggbutt snaffle, and for some of the stronger ponies and horses, I used a french bridoon which was double jointed with a small central plate. This stopped them leaning on the bit which helped my arms a lot.

I also quite liked a full cheek version which I used on some of the younger horses, particularly if they were a bit difficult to turn.

I remember seeing an old straight twisted metal snaffle when I first started to ride. I can’t believe anyone would use something as painful as this today.

There have been a few recent reports of animal cruelty cases in the UK. In one case, a woman was banned from owning horses for 10 years, given community service and fined. I am always shocked that people can either mis-treat or not provide proper care for their animals. Often the owners involved have had animals for years so how can they not be aware of the problem or do something to address it? It takes some time for animals to deteriorate to the level where the owners are reported for cruelty.

The recent cases were bad based on the photos I’ve seen and the animals were considerably under-weight. However, a few months ago on Animal Planet I saw the worst cases I have ever seen. The horses were literally skin and bone. The inspectors thought they had not been fed for months. It was appalling and more amazingly all of the horses recovered well, including two who laid down and could not get up at the animal rescue centre. One needed a number of people to help it stand up and the other had to be kept in a sling for a number of days. I hope I never see any animal as thin as this again.

It is the centeniary year for the Olympia horseshow in London this year which is taking place 17-22 December.

The big names usually take part in the showjumping classes but most people remember the show for the Xmas parades with Santa, his sleigh of presents and the snow.