Riding High
Name: William Funnell
Born: February 10th 1966
Lives: Ockley, Surrey
Occupation: International Show Jumper
William Funnell is a world-renowned, top-class showjumper married to top event rider Pippa Funnell. William boasts over 20-years experience at the top of his sport, and during this time has gained over 20 International titles and has represented Great Britain all over the world at the highest level.
Best Moment of 2006
It has to be winning the Hickstead Derby on Cortaflex Mondriaan. I was born in the South of England and have watched the Derby since I was a young boy; my father rode in the Derby and I had my first attempt at the age of 17. It’s always been an ambition of mine and having been second, third and fourth, it was very special to finally win it. I was then part of the Nations Cup winning team at Hickstead and I had a third in the Kings Cup, which cemented my selection for the World Equestrian Games in Aachen.
Worst Moment of 2006
My worst moment was at the Dublin Horse Show when Cortaflex Mondriaan twisted his fetlock and became unsound. I was forced to withdraw from the World Equestrian Games, which shattered my chances to compete for Britain. The same thing happened three years ago when I was forced to withdraw Cortaflex Amber du Montois from the Games in Jerez.
Best Horse of the Year
Cortaflex Mondriaan has been my best horse this year and I would also have to say he is my most experienced horse. He’s an 11-year-old bay gelding that stands at 17.2hh. I’ve had him since he was young and it’s nice to have produced him myself. He’s a big scopey jumping horse that is very brave and as natural a derby horse as I’ve ever had.
How do you and Pippa help each other?
I often help Pippa with her show jumping and she does a lot of work with the young horses, especially when I’m away. I couldn’t ask for a better stable jockey (laugh).
Chill Out Time
I don’t get too many days off but Pippa and I are hoping to get away sometime during the end of the year. We went on a safari in Africa last year, which was great fun.
Main Aim for 2007
I will be aiming for the European Championships next year, as will Pippa, and I hope to put a marker down for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. I have some very good homebred young horses, which I’m very excited about. I will be putting a lot of work into them with a big focus on the 2012 Olympics, as now is the time to start looking ahead and focusing not only on Beijing, but on the London Olympics.
