Sir - I fail to understand the grounds on which Jim Yates (August 11th) describes the Aga Khan trophy as having "little relevance to modern Irish society". This fatuous and mean-minded remark barely merits a response. That said, perhaps Mr Yates would care to explain how the showcase event of Irish showjumping could be "irrelevant" to a country so steeped in this tradition.
Furthermore, as a perennial Horse Show attendee, I object strongly to being referred to as "pretentious" and "pseudo", and to his characterisation of those present as would-be English aristocrats. Like thousands of others attending the Agha Khan on August 7th, I was there simply to enjoy the excitement, tension and competitiveness of this wonderful display. Congratulations to the RDS for hosting a terrific event. As for Mr Yates, let him nurse the chip on his shoulder while the rest of us look forward to next year's Horse Show. - Yours, etc.,
Jennifer O'Farrell,
Monkstown,
Co Dublin.