It’s as though the tragic death of Hickstead provoked some kind of domino effect last week. I’m very sorry to learn the sad news of several more losses: Beth Underhill’s Monopoly passed away just days after being inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame as a member of the 1991 Pan Am Games team; Catherine Haddad has lost her Grand Prix partner Cadillac. Her moving tribute on the Chronicle website can be found by clicking on his name in the last sentence; and finally, closer to home, Leslie Reid has bid farewell to her wonderful, wonderful Sea Fox.

Leslie Reid on Seafox – Volvo World Cup Canadian League Finals – RAWF 1996 – Property of the CEF (Cealy Tetley Photo)

He had a great run, but it’s always so hard to say goodbye. Sea Fox, you will be remembered with love by many friends and fans.

Ugh. All this sadness doesn’t put me in the mood for gossiping about the FEI, DC and WEG 2018 bidders (go Morocco!) but I’m sure I’ll be up to full rant speed again next week. In the meantime, I have a request for Fate: can we please have a little break from the tears?