The hoo-hah over Ann Romney's part-ownership of Olympic dressage horse Rafalca will backfire on the liberal critics. She began riding to help with her multiple sclerosis — admirable, gutsy.

Horse ownership isn't just for the rich; it is for the obsessed. As a friend of therapeutic riding, a dressage enthusiast and an owner of a not-expensive horse, I testify that the 98 percent of like-situated riders love to watch the rest achieve. We were glued to the Olympic equestrian events on TV.

I'm no fan of Ann Romney's spouse, but leave her and her horse alone. If I had the bucks, I'd be in London to see my horse work and kiss it on the nose, and to hell with what anyone thought about it.

This nonsensical debate takes away from the efforts of the other Olympic riders. Chill out, arm-wavers; concentrate on Mitt Romney's policies.

Jackie McCowen-Rose

Roy