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.
A tribute from Hickstead said the team is heartbroken.
“Bob 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 horse shows, 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.”
‘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 from Horse of the Year Show added that Bob’s “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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