Excitement as Pippa and William Funnell visit Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre
Pictured left to right at the Questions and Answers Session: Caroline Tierney, Eirnna Hannon, Elizabeth Snelgrove, William Funnell, Jenny Richardson, Pippa Funnell, Sammy Leslie, Tina Gallagher, Mary-Anne Woods.
Last weekend, Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre in conjunction with Charles Owen had the pleasure of hosting world champions Pippa and William Funnell. They were there to conduct a series of private one hour group lessons which booked out within days of being released. An exclusive, by invitation only event was held on Friday evening with the couple, where guests indulged in champagne and canapés followed by an exclusive questions and answer session.
Jenny Richardson, Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre Business Manager commented:
“It was such an honor to have such a prestigious couple as Pippa and William Funnell to Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre”. Visitors were thrilled with the event and we’re excited about the possibility of hosting future events with them.”
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 a significant 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.
Category: Eventing, International, News, Other, Show Jumping
