Competition success for Petworth rider

A Petworth rider is celebrating after taking the individual honours in the Pony Club competition at Hurstpierpoint College National Schools and Pony Club Jumping Championships.
Ellie Barnwell, by Julian PortchEllie Barnwell, by Julian Portch
Ellie Barnwell, by Julian Portch

On Thursday, August 4, Ellie Barnwell, 15, was crowned overall individual champion, representing the Lord Leconfield Branch of the Pony Club.

Ellie is the daughter of Donal Barnwell, co-founder of the Billy Stud with William and Pippa Funnell.

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Ellie’s eight year old mare Billy Crisp is both homebred and home-produced, something the family is really proud of.

Ellie said: “She’s a chestnut mare and she’s quite small so she didn’t get sold!

“She’s coming into her own now as we move up the levels and she’s now competing in Foxhunters and we just did the Children on Horses Grand Prix here at the Longines Royal International Horse Show.

“It’s such an honour to compete here and follow in the footsteps of so many top riders.”

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One such top rider is of course Hickstead Derby winner William Funnell, who was watching the action on the livestream on Hickstead.tv with Ellie’s father Donal.

Ellie won decisively jumping one of only two double clears, with a time some 6.51 seconds faster than her closest rival.

The Lord Leconfield Branch of the Pony Club was one of the earlier branches to be formed and covers the area between Petworth in the West and Billingshurst in the East.

Tim Leeper, deputy headmaster of Hurstpierpoint College, was on hand to present prizes to competitors.

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He saidL “It’s been a wonderful day, with some excellent showjumping.”

The All England Jumping Course at Hickstead in West Sussex was founded in 1960 by Douglas Bunn.

In 2010, Hickstead celebrated its 50th anniversary, and in the five decades since it first opened it has become known as the home of British Showjumping.

The showground has been the venue for a number of World and European Showjumping Championships over the years.

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It now hosts two major international shows each year – the Equestrian.com Hickstead Derby Meeting in June and the Longines Royal International Horse Show in July; plus a national show known as the All England Jumping Championships.

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