As I write this we are only beginning to devise this year's performance. While a loose theme has been established and much of the planning has taken place, none of us know yet how the show will be. For the next three weeks the cast will invent, create and conjure what you will see before you (Equilibre 2003). It is a hazardous and unpredictable process guaranteed to raise adrenaline levels!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank some special friends and supporters who helped to shape the concept ten years ago and have seen us through to this last show.

So, at the danger of sounding like Miss World - First, and central to Equilibre are Georges Dewez and Capriole without whose very special presence and skill the whole ide would have floundered. Georges, inspired by Nuno Oliveira, introduced the philosophy of presenting classical riding as an art form. It was from this starting point that all the rest followed.

Ian Morgan, who has over the many years consistently given me the support and confidence to lead increasingly far reaching collaborations. I am very grateful.

We could not have begun without Auriel Martin, action woman herself. (the greater the crisis the better she solves it) and Meri Wells, a great creative force who helped conceive the name Equilibre - which has served us so well.

Charmian Savil, Beryl Howard Allen, Sue Jones Davies, David Ian Rabey, Liz Turton, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Janet Rich, Steve Mattison, Stephen Sustad, George Wemyss and Agnes de Graaf we owe thanks for your support.

Nick Jones, Nick Taylor, Peter Pavli, who created new music for the first three shows. Jez Danks, our extraordinary, undervalued Musical Director for the last six years as despite his better judgment, the allure proved too great! We could not have managed without you. Sarah Barnfather, calm amidst chaos!

So an explanation why it is time to stop. It all began with wanting to show equitation as an art form. However, the limitations created by too little time and space to prepare - not to mention the demands of the production - do not allow us to achieve these aims. Equilibre, at its best, is a surprising and occasionally magical spectacle. It would be a shame to diminish what has been achieved over the past ten years, by repetition. Better to pause, gather strength and, who knows, perhaps emerge in a new and even more vibrant way.

Of everyone, we are most grateful of our audience, many of whom return every year and are prepared to make the long journey, whatever the weather, to see us. Without you there is no theatre.

Much extraordinary creative activity has been born from Equilibre. I hope that some of you will be inspired to make your own personal artistic gestures in a world that needs relief from the mundane.

I would like to dedicate my own contribution to Equilibre this year to some very close and special friends, Lucy, Andrew, Maisie, Tobin and Henry Morris.

Jane