Healey's Horse SIR,—Mr George Hutchinson's logic CA Spectator's Notebook,' October
7) eludes me. Presumably he would allow army officers to take part in sport, but not to be good at it. Are those unfortunate enough to be selected for the army football or tennis teams to be forthwith drummed out of the service?
If, as a taxpayer, he objects to Captain X's sport- ing activities, presumably he raises a similar objec- tion to those of, say, an employee of a company in which he holds shares. But is it not rather reactionary to insist that excellence in sport be the prerogative of professionals and of gentlemen of independent means?
Perhaps he thinks that Captain X spends too much time in the saddle, to the detriment of his military duties. If so, Captain X's commanding officer should be in a better position than any casual passer-by to recognise and to correct this fault. Or does one, in the modern army, no longer have to apply for leave?
The only other explanation is so improbable that I hardly like to suggest it. Can it be that Mr Hutchin- son resents Captain X's pastime being equestrian?
CHARLES CHENEVIX TRENCH
Abbot's Sharpham, Walton, Street, Somerset
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