Athens 2004 Olympic Games – Markopoulo Equestrian Centre 17th August
Three Day Event – Cross Country
© Kit Houghton
Pippa Funnell and Primmore’s Pride Great Britain

Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre in conjunction with Charles Owen are thrilled to announce that world champions Pippa and William Funnell will be visiting them to conduct a series of private 1 hour group lessons on 29th & 30th March. William will conduct show jumping lessons from 9-1pm each day followed by lunch and Pippa will conduct eventing lessons on both days from 2-6pm including lunch. 

Jenny Richardson, Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre Business Manager commented: “We are extremely excited and honored to be welcoming such a prestigious couple as Pippa and William Funnell to Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre”.

Pippa Funnell, MBE is an equestrian sportswoman regarded as one of three day eventing’s sporting elite. Her most famous horses are Sir Barnaby, Supreme Rock, Bits and Pieces, Primmore’s Pride and Ensign.

Pippa lives in Surrey with her show jumping husband William Funnell. In 2003 she became the first rider ever to complete the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing by adding the Burghley title to her victories earlier in the year at Lexington and Badminton to earn $250,000 bonus from Rolex and place in the history books. As a result of her phenomenal achievements she was voted Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year 2003 and was in the top five of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards. She then went to Punchestown in Kildare to defend the individual European title that she had won in 1999 and 2001.  In total Funnell has won the Badminton Horse Trails three times: 2002, 2003, and 2005. She has won both the Blenheim venue and Windsor Horse Trails four times, the only rider yet to do so.

William Funnell one of the UK’s top show jumpers also produces horses at their stud, Billy Stud. William is a three time Hickstead Derby winner with Mondrian adding the 2009 championship to his wins in 2006 and 2008. He is a regular on the British Nations Cup team and won a team European Gold medal on his first outing to a major championship in 2013.

Roy Burek, Managing Director of Charles Owen, said; “Combining the magical surrounding of Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre with the magic of Britain’s most successful equestrian couple is an event not to be missed. Charles Owen is proud to be associated with such a momentous event”.

Price is €180 per person per lesson. Pre booking is essential for this exclusive event and spaces are limited.  Complimentary car parking will be provided and to make a booking, please contact Tina or Jenny in the Equestrian Centre directly on +353 (0) 47 88 535 or emailstables@castleleslie.com