I WAS amused to read Jon Burgess' letter (You Say, January 4), where he accuses anti-hunt protesters of upsetting the horses by booing and jeering.

I know animals are intelligent, but I didn't think horses were clever enough to distinguish between jeering and cheering.

He condemns the protesters for booing at the riders, but appreciates the cheers and chaps of the hunt supporters.

Surely, to animals, the noise is the same? Is he not aware of the concept of horse racing, where horses are cheered and applauded as they approach the winning post?

As for his complaints that the protesters played music, perhaps what really annoyed him was its lyrical content. The hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful must have made him think about his barbaric pastime.

MARGARET LAYLAND,

St John's, Worcester.