It is apparent Shane Rose has given great service to the equestrian community, but no one was expecting the clothes off his back. (Horseflesh fun puts Olympic hopes at risk, 19/2). Churchill wrote that “no hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle”, but Equestrian Australia might not agree in this case. Looking less bronzed than his Rio medal, Mr Rose would do well to abandon the centaur look and focus on the expectations of those around him. He deserves a second chance and should participate in our Olympics team in Paris. With luck, the choice of colour for his mankini augurs well for his prospects in Paris, but this time the gold should be around his neck. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 20Feb2024