JimJools
Which edition? I don't see it in my copy. I do see "the entire number", but not the equestrian bit.
As for the rest of the debate, I'm sure the most important things here are the pleasure we all get from these quizzes - and from the community of fellow puzzlers, and above all the money raised for charity. If some folk get a bigger kick from working alone, then good for them. But this is hardly like breaking the bank at Monte Carlo! It's sad if people now see this as 'a lottery', as these puzzles are so well constructed and clearly give so many people such a lot of pleasure over a considerable period of time.
Perhaps it would be purer if we didn't commune in this way, sharing hints and tips (or - heaven forfend! ANSWERS!!!) or if the internet didn't exist at all and make so many reference sources readily available. But then I know folk who share ideas by telephone, or letter, or who sit in libraries looking things up. Should they too be discouraged? Isn't one joy of this quiz (and many othyers) that people get together and talk about it?
Puzzling need not be a solitary quest. Please, let's just enjoy it, each at our own level.