Without sponsors, great events like this one simply wouldn't happen, so as supporters of Equestrian sport make sure you make the sponsors your first port of call if their product or service is one you require - and let them know that you are at their door because of their sponsorship!

Again it was an early start at Punchestown this morning with the Bloxhams Stockbrokers 6&7 year old showjumping competition in the Main Arena at 8.30am and rising early told a very sad tale indeed - the rains which had been predicted for every day this week finally eventuated - and boy did it come down!!! We have not seen such heavy driving rain in Ireland for quite some months now and it took everyone by surprise - sadly the impact of the rain on this Saturday in September was huge - it was Cross Country day and also the final of the Kerrygold Grand Prix League.

But in typical "horse enthusiast" tradition - it did not seem to affect the numbers at all - people braved the elements and complete with umbrellas were there in droves!

As you head off to look at our pictorial coverage of the Cross Country course I would ask you to spend a moment and read these magic words from William Micklem which sum up so brilliantly what Cross Country riding is all about.

"Successful cross country riding is an extraordinary joy for both horses and riders. One only has to witness the willingness and pricked ears of the horses as they head to the last fence and the smiles of the riders as the land over the last fence to realise the truth of this.

Horses allow ordinary people to do extraordinary things and riders will never forget completing a course such as this."

Perfect words from William which we, at jumpingaround.com, believe perfectly complement this exceptional photo of the Cross Country rider in action - alone on the course - no spectators around them, the dark skies above them - ears pricked and moving forward - you can imagine the smile on the riders face!