LADIES and gentlemen done up like "doggies" dinners, with immaculate make-up and coiffure to outdo one's contemporaries and mounted on fine equestrian stock, are supposed to be the epitome of country life come a sharp Saturday morning but ..... should the same "gathering" be openly drink driving (not a bobby in sight)?

I do believe a horse is included in the Highway Code as traffic. And should the "doggies" not be on leads instead of raking about a main road and busy roundabout stopping traffic in both directions?

And are the same "doggies" to be allowed to shop at the local bakery shop and leave with slobbering jowls without paying - we all know it as stealing?

And after partaking in alcohol and jollity, set off on their merry way on both sides of the road towards their quarry?

And lastly should not this same gathering return to their meeting place and sweep up the dung deposited by their mode of transport? Just a thought ..... Tally Ho!!

Chris Petch,

Ashdale Road,

Helmsley, York.

Updated: 08:53 Thursday, December 02, 2004