AbFab star Jennifer Saunders becomes showjumping ambassador

One of Britain’s best-loved comediennes and writers, Jennifer Saunders, is throwing herself in to her new role as an ambassador for British Showjumping (BS).

The star of French and Saunders and Absolutely Fabulous signed up for the voluntary post to help boost the sport’s profile in the run-up to the London Olympics.

“Part of my role is to reintroduce the public to the fun of the sport and make them familiar with the characters,” she said.

Jennifer has been a huge fan of showjumping since her childhood, when she rode and competed herself.

“I did compete at a lowly level – gymkhanas and small shows,” she said.

“I was happy to get over the first jump, anything after that was a bonus.

“I was hooked on showjumping as it was covered widely on television and was hugely entertaining. The riders were household names and the horses were personalities, too,” she added.

One of Jennifer Saunders’ first assignments in her new role was at BS’s annual showpiece at Olympia.

In an interview with the BBC’s Clare Balding, she confirmed that she is making a documentary about showjumping’s Olympic hopefuls and their horses.

Jennifer also revealed that she is hoping to start riding competitively again – and would like to go eventing.

Earlier this year, ITN newsreader Alastair Stewart was announced as a BS ambassador.

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