William Funnell: Breeding Legends, Building Teams, and Competing with Purpose at the Al Shira’aa Le Lame Sagrantino Show Jumping 2025Montefalco

The serene hills of Umbria set a breathtaking stage for the Al Shira’aa Le Lame Sagrantino Show Jumping 2025 in Montefalco, where riders from around the world gathered for high-level competition. Among them was British show jumping icon William Funnell, whose storied career as an elite rider, successful breeder, and now chef d’équipe of the UAE national show jumping team makes him a figure of rare versatility in the equestrian world.

We caught up with Funnell during the second week of competition at Le Lame to reflect on the many chapters of his career—from standing atop podiums to producing future champions—and to hear how his recent efforts with Team UAE are putting new ambitions into motion.

A Life in the Saddle: The Evolution of a Rider

Funnell’s career spans decades of international competition, national titles, and historic moments, but his passion remains grounded in the horses and the sport itself. “I’ve always mixed my competitive career with producing and breeding,” he said. “For the last thirty years, that’s been our life. Riding, yes, but also creating something long-term.”

Reflecting on how the sport has evolved since he first entered the arena, he explained: “The courses today are more technical. You can’t just ride at fences anymore—you need precision and adjustability. But the sport’s also become safer, especially for the horses. Innovations like safety cups have changed how we build and approach courses.”

He credits these changes with raising the bar. “It’s more demanding for both horse and rider, but it’s better. The level of horsemanship and awareness has improved massively.”

The Pride of Breeding Success

While many riders achieve greatness by sourcing top horses from around the world, Funnell took a different path. With the Billy Stud, which he co-founded with Irish horseman Donal Barnwell, he committed to breeding and producing horses in-house—a rare feat in the modern sport.

“One of the proudest moments of my life was winning team gold at the European Championships with Billy Congo, a horse we bred ourselves,” he shared. “We even bred both his dam and sire. That’s a legacy.”

Their focus on producing homebred horses has also seen Funnell win the Hickstead Derby, one of show jumping’s most demanding tests. “Some would say riding only homebred horses limits your chances,” he said, “but for me, it’s more rewarding. To win major classes on horses you’ve raised from foals, that’s something very few have done.”

The stud has become a powerhouse, producing between 70 and 80 foals each year. But quality, not quantity, is the core philosophy.

“We’re always working to improve—better mares, better stallions, better production,” Funnell explained. “You can never stand still. The sport requires blood horses now—ones that are quick, careful, and athletic. That changes how we plan our breeding.”

Billy Stud now operates several live auctions annually, creating a reliable pipeline from their UK base to riders and buyers globally. “We just had an auction last week of four- and five-year-olds. We’ve sold to Italy, America, across Europe. And people come back to us because they know what they’re getting.”

Sharing Success: Riding and Life with Pippa Funnell

William’s life in horses is shared with his wife, Pippa Funnell, a legend in her own right in the world of eventing. Their partnership is more than just personal—it’s a mutual source of professional growth.

“We’ve never really had conflict over our careers,” William said. “We’re in different disciplines, so we don’t compete against each other. But we learn from each other. I’ve helped her with the jumping, and she’s definitely improved my flatwork. That’s made me a better trainer.”

He’s quick to praise her achievements: “Watching Pippa win the Grand Slam—that’s one of the proudest moments I’ve had. To be a part of that, to support her and celebrate it, was really special.”

Leading a New Chapter: Coaching the UAE National Team

Funnell’s latest challenge sees him stepping into the role of mentor and team leader for the UAE national show jumping team, a rapidly rising force in international competition. It’s a role he approached with curiosity—and is now embracing with pride.

“My connection to the UAE started when I won the Hickstead Derby,” he recalled. “The Sheikh flew my horses over for the winter tour. I got to know the riders better, and eventually, one came and based with me and even rode at Hickstead.”

The collaboration deepened with the backing of Al Shira’aa Stables, whose commitment to building horsemanship as well as sporting success aligns closely with Funnell’s values.

“What I really admire is that the goal isn’t just to win—it’s to turn these riders into real horsemen,” he said. “Horses aren’t machines. When you understand them, when you communicate clearly, they give you everything.”

Under his guidance, the UAE team has made a statement on the world stage. “Coming second at the Nations Cup in Abu Dhabi, up against the best teams in the world, was massive. It showed that the UAE isn’t just participating—we’re competing.”

Montefalco: A Key Stop on the Road to Rome

Their stay at the Al Shira’aa Sagrantino CSI4* Le Lame Montefalco has been a key part of preparing the team for bigger challenges ahead, including the Nations Cup in Rome.

“This show has been perfect for us,” Funnell said. “The facilities are outstanding, the footing is excellent, and the horses have had great rounds. Last week we had wins in the ranking classes, top finishes in the Grand Prix—it’s ideal preparation.”

Funnell praised the atmosphere in Montefalco, where top sport meets genuine hospitality. “There’s a relaxed professionalism here that allows you to focus. It’s a beautiful setting, and the organizers have created something really special. Sheikh Shakhboot even bought a house nearby—he loves this place.”

The team is now looking ahead to key competitions across Europe: Rome, Hickstead, Dublin, Brussels—all stepping stones toward the next Olympics.

“Our focus now is on exposure—getting these riders into top five-star Nations Cups and building their experience under pressure,” Funnell explained. “We’re looking past Paris. Los Angeles 2028 is the big target, and everything we do now is about preparing for that.”

A Lasting Legacy

Whether he’s standing on a podium, leading a young team into elite competition, or watching a homebred clear a Grand Prix track, William Funnell continues to shape the sport of show jumping from every angle.

“I’m still riding, yes,” he said. “But I enjoy training just as much—maybe more. Watching horses and riders improve, knowing you’ve helped them get there—that’s what it’s about.”

And as his UAE team rides forward with purpose, guided by his steady hand, one thing is clear: Funnell’s influence is only growing.

“We’re not just partaking anymore,” he said, smiling. “We’re a force to be reckoned with.”

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