Tributes have poured in for legendary showjumping course-designer Bob Ellis, who has died aged 79 following a short illness.

Bob’s crowning moment in his distinguished career was designing the London 2012 Olympic showjumping tracks.

He created courses across the UK’s major international and county shows, including London International Horse Show (LIHS) and Windsor where he was senior course-designer for many years. He also built at multiple international championships, from ponies to seniors, at World Cups and Nations Cups, and in 33 countries over a career that spanned decades.

Bob started as a rider and took his first steps into designing in his early 20s when working for Stephen Hadley, who had put in an indoor school and decided to have some shows. Bob would build a course on Wednesday evenings, then fetch a horse and see if it was jumpable.

In 1975, course-designer Alan Ball asked if Bob would go with him to Horse of the Year Show as an assistant. The following year, he went to the Royal International and his career took off. He spent more than four decades designing, including in Brazil, New Zealand and South Africa, and closer to home at Hickstead, Windsor, Olympia and the South of England, among many others.

He is also remembered for his mentorship of the next generation of course-builders and as a trainer, helping develop horses and riders.

In 2019, Bob announced he would step back from designing while staying in touch with the sport – and planned to spend more time with family and following his football team, the Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He told H&H at the time that his fondest memory of his career was Britain’s victory at the home Olympics in 2012.

“When Britain won the team gold in London I cried – we all cried – that was some moment,” he said.

Bob was awarded the Liz Dudden Trophy in 2012, for individuals for making a major contribution to equestrian sport, by the British Equestrian Writers Association (now British Equestrian Media Association). In 2019, he was presented with the Horse of the Year Show Equestrian of the Year Trophy, and also won the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tributes from major horse shows’ organisers

A tribute from Hickstead said the team is heartbroken.

“Bob Ellis enjoyed a long-standing association with Hickstead. He first came to the showground as a rider in 1969 and was later a member of the winning team at the inaugural team chase held here in 1972,” said the tribute.

“One of his proudest moments was watching Joe Turi and Vital win the Hickstead Derby in 1990, as Bob had originally bought, backed and produced the stallion.”

It added: “Bob began course building in the outer rings in the 1990s, under the mentorship of Jon Doney, and by 1993 he had stopped riding to concentrate on his course-building career.

“Later he became the senior international course-designer in the International Arena, where he worked with Kelvin Bywater for many years. He was one of a select group within the sport to hold the FEI’s O status, enabling him to design courses at some of the world’s major competitions.”

The tribute added that Bob’s courses at the London Olympics “showcased the very best of Great Britain to a global audience”.

“Bob will be remembered not only for his outstanding contribution to the sport, but also for his ready smile, infectious sense of humour, and lifelong passion for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family and friends.”

A spokesperson for HPower Group, which runs London International and Royal Windsor, said Bob was “held in high esteem by all who worked with him, as well as the riders who jumped his courses”.

“He was a great friend, much loved by all and will be greatly missed by all that knew him,” said the spokesperson.

“He was a huge support to HPower, serving as jumping advisor on the London International Horse Show committee from 2006 to 2021.

“Thanks to Bob’s popularity, and the respect in which he was held, LIHS had five-star level course-designers working as corner men. Bob launched many course-designers’ careers, and was always ready to put others before himself.

“On retirement, he continued to visit the shows for many years with his wife, Cal, and family. His cheery smile and sense of humour were omnipresent.

“‘Bob the Builder’ will never be forgotten.”

Bob Ellis: “He inspired generations”

A British Showjumping spokesperson said Bob’s “distinctive style, creativity and ability to challenge competitors while always prioritising horsemanship earned him international recognition and respect”.

“Throughout his career, Bob was admired not only for his professionalism, expertise and eye for detail, but also for his warmth, humour and unwavering passion for the sport. He inspired generations of riders, officials and fellow course-designers, many of whom benefited from his guidance and mentorship,” he said.

“Everyone at British Showjumping extends their sincere condolences to Bob’s family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

“He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.”

A tribute to Bob Ellis from Horse of the Year Show added that his “knowledge, encouragement and generosity helped countless people throughout the sport, and his passion left a lasting impression on all who worked alongside him”.

“Our thoughts are with Bob’s family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him,” said the tribute. “Thank you, Bob, for everything.”

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Competitors and the team behind Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) waved an emotional farewell to retiring stalwarts who have committed decades of their lives to making the show a success.

Showjumping course-designer Bob Ellis, Pony Club steward Danny Wilson and the show’s FEI chief veterinary delegate James Sutton worked their final HOYS this week (2 to 6 October).

Mr Ellis was awarded the HOYS equestrian of the year trophy for his lifetime contribution to the sport.

“I had absolutely no idea and it is such an honour,” said Mr Ellis, who was presented with the award on Puissance night (Saturday, 5 October) by Grandstand Media chairman Sandy Anderson.

“Having been a part of HOYS for 44 years it’s quite emotional to be saying goodbye. But I will be back next year as a spectator and I am confident that I am leaving it in good hands.”

This year also marked the final one as part of the HOYS team for Mr Wilson, who has stewarded the Pony Club mounted games at the show for more than 25 years.

He first became involved in 1993, when the show was still at Wembley, and thousands of children have children have benefited from his guidance.

“It’s been great fun and a privilege to be involved with the show for so many years,” he said. “The people are amazing, and I have genuinely made life-long friends.”

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Mr Sutton is retiring after 45 years as HOYS’ FEI chief veterinary delegate.

“The vets at HOYS work tirelessly behind the scenes to protect the welfare of the 1,600 horses and ponies who compete throughout the week,” said a HOYS spokesman.

“After 45 years of service James has embarked on his retirement with a presentation from Grandstand Media’s chairman, Mr Anderson.”

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Legendary showjumping course designer Bob Ellis will be taking a step back after a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years.

Bob has designed courses across the UK’s major international and county shows for decades, plus the London 2012 Olympics, European Championships and in 33 countries around the world.

This week marked the last time he would design at the Great Yorkshire Show and October will be his final Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) as he plans to cut down on course designing from the end of the year.

“There comes a time in everybody’s life when it’s got to be,” Bob told H&H.

“I have a lot of brilliant memories, the places my career has taken me to have been amazing. I’m getting no younger.”

He added that all being well, he plans to do Bolesworth, Windsor, Olympia and the three Hickstead meetings next year, but not as designer.

“I’ve been doing Horse of the Year Show on and off from 1975 and this year is my 44th consecutive Royal International,” said Bob, 72, adding he would like to stay involved with British Showjumping.

“I will certainly miss a lot of the camaraderie. I’ve made so many friends; riders, course builders, judges, but I don’t intend to stop coming to the shows. I’ll be there for days out with the grandchildren. It will be nice then with no pressure.”

He added he also plans to spend more time following his football team, the Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Bob has designed from Brazil to New Zealand, with Mexico and South Africa favourites abroad, and Hickstead, Windsor, Olympia and the South of England among his favourites at home.

His fondest memory is of Britain winning team gold at the London 2012 Olympics.

“When Britain won the team gold in London I cried — we all cried — that was some moment,” remembers Bob.

But his career started from humble beginnings.

“When I was in my early 20s I went to ride for Stephen Hadley and he had just put up an indoor school. He decided to have some shows and somebody needed to build the courses, so I was designated course designer,” he said.

“I used to build a course for the unaffiliated shows on the Wednesday evening, then go and fetch a horse out and ride round it to see if it was jumpable.”

He knew renowned course designers Jon Donley and Alan Ball via the showjumping circuit and in 1975, Alan asked if he would go with him to HOYS as an assistant. The following year, he went to the Royal international and the rest is history.

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“I start with a graph with the measurements of the arena on,” said Bob, explaining how he goes about designing a course.

“If you haven’t been before, that gives you an idea of the size of the arena, where the judges are, where the sun goes down or comes up, these are the sort of things you need to know.

“Then I just doodle — put some fences down and try and get some routes, the ways you want to go and add some fences to it, it sounds simple! Some days you can rattle plans off one after another and other times you can look at a blank piece of paper for about five days.”

He added he tries to go to a show a day early to visualise where fences will go and which lines will work.

“It’s not an exact science and you are dealing with animals so anything can happen, and usually does somewhere along the line!”

And advice for aspiring designers? “It is hard work to start off with as you start by picking up poles for little or no money, but the rewards come if you work hard enough.”

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Olympic gold medallist Scott Brash is among the showjumping stars entered for the Royal Windsor Horse Show CSI5* this week.

Scott is the only rider to have won the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping, with consecutive grand prix wins at Geneva 2014, Aachen and Spruce Meadows 2015.

“Royal Windsor Horse Show is such a special place to compete,” said Scott.

“Not just because it is in front of the British public, but the atmosphere and setting give it the edge over many other events. The British public love showjumping and it’s an honour to ride there.”

Last year’s Windsor grand prix winner Kent Farrington is also on the start list.

“Windsor is one of my favourite shows,” said the US rider.

“The atmosphere is magic and the spectators are especially knowledgeable and appreciative of horses. Now, with Rolex helping to make this a five-star event, it sits among the finest on the international circuit.”

Ireland’s Bertram Allen, London 2012 individual Olympic gold medallist Steve Guerdat from Switzerland and Canada’s Eric Lamaze are also entered.

They are joined by a host of other top riders, including Kevin Staut from France and six-time Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil.

Royal Windsor Horse Show runs from 9-13 May, with the international showjumping starting on Thursday (10 May).

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An estimated 55,000 spectators are expected over the five days.

“Royal Windsor Horse Show continues to grow year-on-year,” said show director Simon Brooks-Ward.

“We are making our mark as one of the best international shows in the world, and we are delighted to have Rolex on board for this journey.”

Course designer Bob Ellis said he looks forward “every year” to setting the course for the “world’s best”.

“This year will be a testing challenge for all who enter the famed Castle Arena,” he added.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Also inside this week’s edition, 75 years of Royal Windsor Horse Show magic, ‘big dreamer’ sets up eventing grand slam bid and investment sparks debate over grass versus surfaces.

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From his secret weapon to his guilty pleasure, find out more about the showjumping course designer

Who was your first pony?

His name was Tommy and he came from our local riding stables. He was a horror — always trying different ways of removing you from the saddle.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Irish coffee.

What is your most memorable event?

Without doubt, it’s the London Olympics. The honour of course — designing at the Olympics is wonderful, but to do it in your own country is unbelievable. It’s the event of which I’m most proud.

What is your secret weapon?

The team I work with. I couldn’t do any of this without them.

What is the best after-show party you have been to?

Nick Skelton’s post-Olympic party was something else. He held it at his yard and each stable had been transformed to represent a different nationality with food in each. We drank pink champagne until we’d run the place dry. Barrels of the stuff. Let’s just say the journey home the next day was very quiet…

What is your best bit of advice to riders?

For any rider tackling one of my courses, I’d tell them to say a small prayer beforehand.

What is your favourite meal?

Roast duck and a bottle of wine.

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What is your favourite show?

It’s difficult to choose one — I’m lucky to have designed at most of the top shows around the world.

What course-designing mistake have you learnt from?

I once put too much blue dye in the water jump. We then had one of our top riders fall in it and he came out looking like a Smurf.

Don’t miss our interview with Bob Ellis in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (19 May 2016), where he talks about looking forward to Rio, how he started his career and his modest ambitions for the future

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

All eyes were on the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead for a medley of top class action at last week's Royal International Horse Show

Heading for the double

America’s Beezie Madden rides her 2014 winner Cortes C to another King George V Gold Cup victory during the final day of Hickstead’s Royal International Horse Show (2 August).

Going, going…

Showjumpers get their own back on course designer Bob Ellis for his challenging tracks after he is awarded The Dorian Williams Trophy for his services to the sport.

… DUNKED

Bob Ellis embraces his unplanned dip in style.

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Here come the girls

Fashionistas line up for the best dressed ladies competition — with a magnum of champagne, hotel stay and spa treatment up for grabs.

‘I’m not sure about this one’

Italy’s Lorenzo De Luca and Erco Van T Roosakker get into a spot of bother during the King George V Gold Cup.

A family outing

Jack, Michael and William Whitaker walk the course (in height order…).

Out the side door

Tina Cook comes unstuck from Zhi Zancorgino in the Amlin Plus eventers’ challenge on Thursday (30 July)

‘No thanks!’

Dans Hill doesn’t like the look of this upright in the Winter 128cm Championships — leaving rider Tegan Rowlands flying through the air

Standing tall

Cob champion Chaplin, owned by Mrs Rawding and Mr and Mrs Wilson, gets a loud cheer of approval from the crowds for mounting the famous Hickstead Bank, with Oliver Hood on board.

What a jump!

John Whitaker and Castlefield Cristobal 21 clear the water in the King George V Gold Cup in style — but are caught out by the the double of upright white gates that followed.

‘Errr what happens here?’

Harriet Nuttall has a hairy moment with A Touch Imperious in the King George V Gold Cup.

Sit tight…

Aris Cms puts on the breaks for Switzerland’s Janika Sprunger in the King George V Gold Cup

Making a splash

America’s Laura Kraut and Andretti S get caught out by the water in the King George V Gold Cup.

Going downhill…

Gemma Tattersall’s Tropique isn’t sure about the Irish Bank in the Amlin Plus eventers’ challenge — but the pair manage a show-stopping recovery to stay together.

Don’t miss our full report from this year’s Royal International Horse Show in 6 August issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

We are lucky enough to cover some pretty prestigious events here at Horse & Hound — Badminton, Hickstead, Olympia to name just a few. But every once in a while a sparkling new gem appears on the crown that is the British equestrian calendar.

Step forward Bolesworth CSI3* International, which last week wowed the crowds and competitors with its stunning venue, great atmosphere and some top class jumping.

The show has been running successfully at national level for several years. But organiser Nina Barbour, who teamed up with show director Alan Beaumont to create this new international event, has an enterprising vision to take Bolesworth to 4* and beyond. A new 5* on the British scene looks well within reach — it even has championship venue written all over it.

The foundations were laid this year with a 3* show, but it already has the look and feel of a 5*. World class venues like this don’t come cheap, but what an investment it is for our sport — a 102m x 62m spectacular Andrews Bowen arena? Check. A natural amphitheatre providing generous all-round viewing? Check. A moat? Of course! It does fall in the shadow of an imposing castle after all.

Ringside hospitality and 4 days of glorious sunshine gave the show a real European feel. Would everyone have been as happy had it rained solidly for the duration? Probably not, but what a warm Cheshire welcome we received from the show’s professional and friendly team of staff.

Prizegivings were slick and sponsors were given the recognition they deserve; riders didn’t have a bad word to say about the facilities — from the generous warm-up areas to the hard standing for the lorries. Even the ringside picnic tables were a nice touch and the packed grandstand on Sunday proves why expansion should definitely be on the cards.

We were treated to every type of traditional showjumping class, with expert design by Bob Ellis and Kelvin Bywater. But the evening novelty classes were a triumph — and a nod to the good old days, with riders dressing up as superheroes for a mini major relay and Matthew Sampson winning a thrilling knock-out tournament. This type of class isn’t always popular with the riders, as it can tend to set horses alight, so hats off to those who took part. We all loved it.

Crucially, this show was family-friendly, too, with dog displays, zorbing and even camel racing and a concert by boyband Blue — and yes, it turns out I do remember all the words, and rather too many of the dance moves than I’d care to admit to.

If I had one criticism — and let’s face it it’s minor — it’s that, with nearly 60 starters, Sunday’s grand prix was a tad too long. Even hard nut showjumping fanatics like me became slightly restless after 3 hours. Other shows tend to restrict the grand prix to 30 or 40 riders — but then again, who would want to deny some of our leading young riders the chance to compete in an international grand prix on home soil? William Whitaker’s triumph was worth the wait though — his was a truly classy performance.

Next year’s show runs from 18-21 June so mark it in your diary. This is a gem that’s here to stay — a showcase for our sport — and I for one can’t wait to return.

The full report from Bolesworth CSI*** International is in 19 June issue of Horse & Hound magazine, in the shops now.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

THE Blue Chip Winter Championships is a popular show at a fantastic venue. It runs like clockwork and there is something for everyone.

The grand prix was good and spectators could watch great riders such as Michael Whitaker, Billy Twomey and Tina Fletcher, as well as younger riders coming through. Unfortunately, we older ones got left behind!

The course was technical, especially the last dog-leg double of verticals to an oxer and an upright to finish. I told Michael Whitaker five strides then four, but he reckoned six and five. Afterwards he said he’d gone on my strides. It didn’t help him — he got a time-fault — but I’d better accompany him on an all-expenses paid trip to the World Cup final in France as adviser.

Riders were honoured to have our Olympic course-designer Bob Ellis building here. He did a fantastic job in London. The best team, Britain, won under pressure. But they only had to concentrate on themselves and each other and Bob had to consider everyone — from the world’s best to the less experienced.

I stood by him when the last horse jumped the last fence and I welled up, I could see the relief on his face. He got the right results without destroying any horse or rider. Our riders were rightly honoured at the Palace, but Bob deserved a knighthood, too.

I did the masterclass during Friday’s Gala night. Every other year Kelvin [Bywater, show director] makes the perfect choice — me! I never plan it and do it off the cuff. Although I have ideas, I prefer to play it by ear. And this year, they were a good crowd, listening and taking it all in.

A masterclass has to be show business and I like to ad-lib. Fortunately, I have a degree in bullshit!

Showjumper Geoff Billington and Olympic course-designer Bob Ellis are joining forces for a special lecture demo series, “From Both Sides of the Fence”.

Geoff will discuss his experiences as a rider at the Atlanta and Sydney Games, while Bob will discuss the challenges he faced when designing the course for London 2012. They will cover all levels of the sport, from grass roots to Olympic competition.

The demo will take place at 14 equestrian venues across the UK during January and February. Those signed up so far include Addington Manor, Bishop Burton, Reaseheath and Rodbaston.

To buy tickets, contact the venues directly.

This story was originally published in Horse & Hound on 12 December.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

As well as Britain’s incredible gold medals, equestrian fans were dazzled by the fabulous showjumps created by course-designer Bob Ellis and his team.

On their way to gold, the British boys jumped their way over an amazing array of British icons and London landmarks – including Tower Bridge, a London bus, the lions and Nelson’s Column from Trafalgar Square and Stonehenge.

And these fabulous jumps could be coming to a show near you. After the Games, they will go to the British Showjumping (BS) jump store in Hampshire, which provides jumps for hire and sale.

Bob told H&H: “Most of the jumps were built for us by BS and they will go back to them after the Games, so I believe we have not seen the last of them.

“Kelvin [Bywater] and I have been working on the designs since we got the contract in June 2010. We wanted to make it all about the UK, with London featuring prominently.”

Thirty-two unique jumps were displayed across the competitions by Bob and Kelvin, who drew the original designs.

“We spent quite a few days in London going to museums and landmarks. Then Kelvin sketched them down roughly and we took those designs to Christine Bousfield,” said Bob.

Mrs Bousfield is an Oxfordshire-based artist. She was commissioned to produce fence drawings for the 1976 Montreal Olympics and creates the detailed drawings of the fences each year for the Blenheim and Gatcombe horse trials programmes.

The 50 initial ideas were whittled down to the 32 that were approved by the FEI, before being made from wood and polystyrene by the BS team.

The end result has received plaudits from all over the world. Commentator Mike Tucker, who has seen many Olympic courses over the years, described them as being on “a level of design and attention to detail never seen before“.

Bob said his phone and email have not stopped pinging.

“It’s brilliant that people have taken the trouble to email me,” he said.

And which is his favourite? As H&H went to press, Bob’s most impressive jump was still to come – he was saving it for the individual competition.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (10 August 2012)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Top course designer Bob Ellis has been at Hartpury all week, with long days and short nights.

The grand prix on Friday night was all I hoped it’d be. Several horses just stepping up to this grade coped well with the track technicalities. I aimed for eigh to 10 clears for an exciting jump-off for the crowd and got 11.

I thought Sam Hutton [last to go with Astral] was going to do it, but trying to cross a vertical sharply was a question too far. He was up on the clock and it would have made a great finish. All credit, Mark [Bunting on UB One] won it well.

Re-building the track for novice ponies on Saturday was a big contrast, and out came most technicalities to make it rider-friendly. But we asked different questions with turns to slow them down. Great spectator support created a good atmosphere.

We walked out of the arena at 12 midnight, although Wednesday was the worst, we started at 7am and finished the re-build at 11.30pm. But 409 first rounds plus jump-offs in 14 hours is good going. There was no time wasted in course changes thanks to great team-work.

A drink to wind down at night hasn’t happened — apart from Lemsips! It’s unusual, and I hope it won’t last!

Kelvin [Bywater] puts on a professional event, so different from a normal indoor show. The drapes, flowers and spotlights all add to the sense of theatre and makes the Blue Chip winter championships special. Full-to-capacity seating and full hospitality gallery all makes for a great Gala night atmosphere.

Mind you, changing the course during presentations can be perilous. One horse in the line-up kicked the railings and shot forward straight at us. They were a few nasty smells, I have to admit!

I’ve got a few days at home recovering before I fly out to South Africa to build for the South African president’s Cup. And fingers crossed, the cold will be gone and the whisky will be restored.

Bob

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Britain’s Bob Ellis has been named as showjumping course designer for the 2010 London Olympic Games. The decision follows a lengthy selection period that began last year.

Tim Hadaway, 2012 equestrian manager, told H&H: “Bob’s proposal was first class and he brings with him an experienced support team [Steve Renoir, Kelvin Bywater and Ireland’s Alan Wade].”

“It’s one hell of a challenge,” said Mr Ellis. “But one that me and my team are really looking forward to.”

Also competing for the post were Germany’s Frank Rothenberger, Italy’s Uliano Vezzani and Guilherme Nogueira Jorge of Brazil.

“It’s right and fitting that we should have a Brit do the job,” said 2008 Olympian Tim Stockdale. “Bob is more than qualified.”

His sentiments were echoed by British showjumping team manager Rob Hoekstra, who added: “I’ve got a great deal of respect for him. I know he’ll come up with something special.”

The decision will also go down well with showjumping fans.

More than 1,000 people joined a Facebook group entitled “Bob ‘the builder’ Ellis for course designer at the 2012 Olympic Games”.

However, the appointment involves some sacrifices.

“I’ve already decided to give up some shows,” said Mr Ellis, who is one of only 15 Olympic-level course designers in the world. “We need to start cracking on with fence design and within the next two months will have a first draft of tracks.

“I was supposed to be at Spruce Meadows this week, but I’ve had to tell them I can’t do it now.”

The former international rider began his course-building career in 1973. His ideas for specially themed London 2012 fences are top secret though Mr Ellis says some will be based on London’s skyline.

The manufacture of the fences will go out to tender in 2011.

Mr Hadaway added: “The great thing about showjumping and eventing is that they are the only Olympic sports where you can show off a country’s heritage and traditions.

“We will be focusing on Britain and London, and particularly Greenwich’s maritime history and the Meridian line.”

FEI rules allow course designers to build only one of each of the major championships – the Olympics Games, European Championships, World Equestrian Games and the World Cup final – during their career.

Having designed last year’s Europeans at Windsor, this will be Bob’s second major championship.

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