Elbow jabbing, body blocking. What we put up with to get the story..

Unbelievable. What are we doing in 2016? Well, not me, but others.

On a recent expedition to cover the HITS $1 million Grand Prix event you would think we were vying for a presidential interview, nod or comment.

An old ( and def. old) lady reporter who I guess now writes as freelance writer actually back pumped me while I was taking a photo. When I stumbled and stepped back to regain my balance she acted as though it was my fault. 'Ouch!' she exclaimed although I had not touched her feet or any part of her. The group of A list showjumpers signing autographs for a group of kids looked up with concern.

What????

At the press conference in a tiny room that was professionally handled by the HITS PR folk we were totally blocked from taking a photo by a long legged praying mantis of a chap. I am not sure why he would worry over us having access as an all volunteer publication but I guess he doesn't ask first. He pushed me out the way nearly landing me on the couch. I stood my ground more by luck than judgement because I may have weighed more than him.

What?

On the plus side and I will name names. Beth Raisin of The Chronicle of the Horse was there too. Professional. Her dog came to my chair row behind to hang out with me while she was asking questions of the panel. I didn't mind. I love dogs. It totally amused Jessica Springsteen, Brandi, Catherine etc. if not Tom Struzzieri who was perhaps oblivious and the German course designer who was an absolute sweetheart, bowing to me when I interviewed him later. Though we know he had a very rough week.

Well I used to play hockey, netball and soccer and can elbow and push with the best of them. I suppose I could commandeer a level of bitchiness if I needed to do though that kind of activity was only ever vaguely on my skill set, I am sure I can muster some sort of protective nonsense out of my motherhood experiences. I'd just like to say, maybe don't 'poke the bear.,' as my kids might say today. There truly is room for manners, etiquette. We are not covering O.J.Simpsom on courtroom steps after all. Get a grip folks and a perspective. Seriously. Looking back it was all quite amusing. But it was totally unexpected.