Just a quick memory of Prince Philip:

A group of us from the Philadelphia area, most of us affiliated in some way with the local three-day events like Radnor and Chesterlands, were recruited to go out to Los Angeles to serve as fence judges, timers, etc. for the Olympics (in 1984).

We were complete volunteers - paid our own way out, provided our own housing, transportation, etc. T

he Olympic people provided box lunches for the rehearsal day and actual event day plus one barbeque, and they supplied our ugly orange uniforms.

That was the sum total of our "thanks."

We could not get a break on tickets for the dressage, etc., although the stands were half empty, and, of course, no tickets for any of the events actually in LA, as the equestrian activities were down in Del Mar.

Apparently when Prince Philip, who was there in his FEI role, heard about the situation, he made it a point to visit every single one of us on the course to convey the official thanks of the FEI.

He asked each of us one quick question about our fence, then moved on after actually listening to our answers.

It was impressive and a good reminder of the importance of the volunteers who make so many equestrian sports possible.

Sandy Mannix. Chester Springs