Badminton International
5*
9 th
CSI-L
01. Pippa Funnell
onMCS Maverick
01. Pippa Funnell
Trainer and Mentor for Wesko Foundation, Patron for World Horse Welfare
Related Sponsors
Recent Results
Related Media
109
Related Horses
Related News
AN ENJOYABLE SEASON FOR ALL - MY TOP TIPS
At the back of all of my children’s books, I have a section ‘Pippa’s top tips’, so now the 2024 event season (and my 41st season!!!!!) has officially started, and with my new British Eventing board member hat on, I thought I would share some of my personal top tips to make this season an enjoyable season for all…”
1. THINK OF YOUR HORSE’S WELFARE AT ALL TIMES
Our horses mean everything to us, so always put them first and ensure they are well cared for at all times.
2. RESPECT EACH OTHER
Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
3. BE GRATEFUL/COURTEOUS…
…To organisers and their team of officials and volunteers. It is not acceptable to be rude and abusive. Work has already been done advising official teams how they should address matters civilly so we as competitors have to be brought to the table too.
4. STICK TO THE TIMES GIVEN
I know there can be delays but frustrations run high when you go for your time and you find you have to wait for 25 horses. Above all it is not fair on the horses. It worked during Covid. I think competitors and organisers need to collectively work together on this.
5. THINK FIRST
Before you criticise, come up with a solution and jot it down, then send an email or use the new QR code being brought in to get anonymous feedback on every event.
6. HELP EACH OTHER
That also includes our back up teams. BE is bringing in a new initiative “HERE TO HELP” So any high-profile, experienced riders, please be available to give advice. We are looking for ambassadors for this.
7. RESPECT THE VENUE
Take your litter and muck home or use bins provided.
8. SOCIAL MEDIA
Please think carefully before using this platform. It can be very far reaching and can have a very negative effect on the whole equestrian industry.
9. BE KIND TO YOURSELF
If you are unlucky enough to have a fall, whether at home or competition, or if injured, please look after number one. Give yourselves time to recover fully and I am not just referring to concussion. As riders, we have a wonderful new charity in British Eventing Support Trust who are there to support us in our times of need, but we must help and support them to succeed. www.besupporttrust.org.uk
10. FITNESS
Make sure you and your horse are fit and well prepared for the level intended.
If anyone is keen to add to these tips please put in the comments and be part of the solution.
Have a great season everyone! Let’s all pull together, work together and really enjoy the very best of OUR great sport of eventing.
Order Pippa's Pony Tales books
My Children’s Books under the name of ‘Pippa’s Pony Tales’ are available for purchase through the following link or by scanning the QR code above.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CLKX4427?binding=paperback&qid=1707135349&sr=8-1&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tpbk
The key message is to help children understand the responsibilities involved with horses and ponies, whether looking after them, riding them or even dreaming about them - building those partnerships based on trust and mutual respect.
Each book is an individual story but over the series there is an overriding story of Tilly, a little adopted girl finding out who her real family are.
Full of horsey education and tips.
Hopefully these stories will keep inspiring youngsters to follow their dreams and will give them a valuable in sight into the responsibilities needed for looking after, riding and caring for our four legged friends.
If I can inspire one young child to follow their dreams through reading my children’s books then it has been worth all the hours put in to writing these stories but I really hope many children will enjoy the Tales about Tilly and the horses and ponies she comes into contact with.
Learning not only valuable morals in life about kindness, good manners and the importance of friendship but above all the responsibilities they have even at a young age of the care, dedication and love needed for being involved with our incredible four legged friends.
We must educate these children at a young age that they absolutely have to treat horses as their best friends then I have full confidence they will enjoy their time spent with these magnificent creatures as much as I do.
Thanks to Fiona Kennedy of Zephyr (an inlet of Publishers Head of Zeus Books ) who has been instrumental in the release of these books.
Pip x
Tarzan XII takes the 1.40M Grand Prix at Coombelands!
What a super show at Coombelands Equestrian Young Horse Championships, fast becoming a real top venue, with a great friendly atmosphere.
The highlight being dear Tarzan XII winning the 1.40 Grand Prix (sadly these beautiful cars were not for the winner but thank you to Harwoods Group for sponsoring.)
More rosettes for Billy Mufasa 2nd in the 7 yr olds always a little 🌟
It really was a great day for The Billy Stud Horses with Jessica Burke - Showjumping taking the 5 and 7 yr olds with Billy Caspian bought out of our Auction and Billy Rivera. Lottie Tutt winning the 6 yr olds with Dynamite and William and Lucy Townley all picking up podium finishes.
Great teamwork as always from all the staff.
Thank you
Pipx
P.s the soft top for me.