A tough goodbye to Pippa Funnell’s five-star and championship horse who ‘brought so much joy’

Pippa Funnell has said a “tough goodbye” to her five-star and World Championship ride Redesigned – and her “dear friend”.

“Red” spent over two decades with Pippa, who was with him until the very end as she let him go this week, aged 25.

“It was incredibly tough but also a huge comfort being with him as he crossed the rainbow bridge last night,” she said.

Pippa was given Roger and Denise Lincoln’s British-bred Canute gelding when he was a four-year-old and they won their first international event together, a one-star (now two-star) at Tattersalls, Ireland, in 2008.

They came third at the young horse World Championships at Le Lion d’Angers that year and won Bramham three-star (now four-star) two years later. They also completed Badminton Horse Trials twice and Burghley Horse Trials.

They came fifth individually at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. Redesigned was also in the running for a spot at the London Olympics in 2012 but both he and Pippa’s other top ride Billy Shannon missed out as both were injured at the crucial time.

Red and Pippa’s last international event was the three-star (now four-star) at Burnham Market in 2016, after which he enjoyed retirement with her.

“Having been given Red as a four-year-old, for the 22 years he spent with me he was a delight,” Pippa said. “He was the kindest and gentlest horse one could ever meet, a big softy who will be greatly missed by all those that cared for him and whom he brought so much joy to.”

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Eleanor Jones

H&H news editor

Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.