William Ross Norman Funnell (born 10 February 1966 in Ashford) is a top-class showjumper.

William Funnell
Personal information
Full nameWilliam Funnell
NationalityBritish
DisciplineShow jumping
Born (1966-02-10) 10 February 1966 (age 58)
Ashford, England
Medal record
Representing  Great Britain
European Championships
Gold medal – first place 2013 Herning Team jumping
William Funnell with Billy Birr, Grand Prix of Eindhoven, Internationaal Concours Hippique Eindhoven (CSI 3*) 2008
William Funnell with Billy Angelo at Internationales Pfingstturnier Wiesbaden 2013

Career

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Funnell has represented Britain internationally in many Nations Cup teams.[1] In 2006 he won the Hickstead Derby for the first time and won it again two years later in 2008 and again in 2009. In 2018 William became one of 5 riders to win The Hickstead Derby 4 times, joining Harvey Smith, John and Michael Whitaker, and Eddie Macken.[2] He also won the famous derby of La Baule in France in May 2011.[3]

Personal life

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Funnell is married to eventer Pippa Funnell. He married her in October 1993 in Uckfield.[4] They live in Ockley in south Surrey where they have a stud farm to breed horses.[5] They became the first husband and wife to be inducted into The British Horse Society Equestrian Hall of Fame when William joined Pippa (2005) in being inducted in 2014.[6]

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  1. ^ short rider biography: William Funnell
  2. ^ "WILLIAM FUNNELL JOINS HICKSTEAD RECORD HOLDERS". Hickstead.co.uk.
  3. ^ "William Funnell wins Derby class at La Baule". Horse & Hound.
  4. ^ "Pippa Funnell". nicomorgan.co.uk.
  5. ^ "How William and Pippa Funnell Breed Their Own Future Superstars". heelsdownmag.com.
  6. ^ "British Horse Society welcomes new names to Equestrian Hall of Fame". Britishshowjumping.co.uk.