Pippa Funnell: The Autobiography [Paperback]

Pippa Funnell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2005

Pippa Funnell is the golden girl of the British equestrian scene, but it hasn't always been so. She seemed doomed to be a "misser" in the really big competitions, but everything began to change for her in 1999 when her results, including her first European title, were excellent. But it was at the Olympics that she really came of age, where her horse, Supreme Rock, finally fulfilled his potential and they won a silver medal. Since the Sydney Olympics Pippa has gone from strength to strength, and in 2003 she firmly established herself as the top sportswoman in the UK. She won the Rolex Grand Slam, which is three four-star events: Kentucky, Badminton, and Burghley.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The text gallops through Funnell's life story with engaging candour.' - Chris Maume THE INDEPENDENT 'an inspiration to those who aspire.' HORSE AND HOUND 'inspiring, mvoing and funny.' EVENTING 'A highly engaging and deeply revealing account of the life of Pippa Funnell... an inspirational story THE IRISH FIELD 'a gripping, entertaining and often touching read.' NFU COUNTRYSIDE 'The book is interspersed with funny moments, private personal moments and the inevitable lows associated with horses. It will inspire all those who read it.' THE SCOTTISH FARMER --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Pippa Funnell is the first woman to become eventing's world number one. She was born Pippa Nolan in 1968 and, with her first horse, Sir Barnaby, went from pony-club level to Badminton, en route winning the European Young Rider title in 1987. Her numerous victories include back-to-back European Championships in 1991 and 2001, and back-to-back Olympic silver medals in 2000 and 2004. She is the first winner of the Rolex Grand Slam, in 2003, and has won Badminton three times, in 2002, 2003 and 2005. In 2003 she was awarded the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year. In 2005 she was awarded an MBE in the Birthday Honours List. Pippa is married to the international show jumper William Funnell and lives in Surrey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Orion Publishing (September 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0752865196
• ISBN-13: 978-0752865195
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #150,462 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #94 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Animal Care & Pets > Horses > Riding
  • #98 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Individual Sports > Horses > Equestrian

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A story told from the heart of eventing, March 22, 2005

By 

Robert Stevenson (Halifax, NS Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pippa Funnell: The Autobiography (Hardcover)

Pippa Funnell - the autobiography

The equestrian sport of eventing has experienced a great deal of scrutiny, tragedy and change in the past decade. Though much discussion over the past three years has been of the new format changes, the most uncontested feel-good story in the community has been that of Pippa Funnell. Thankfully, Pippa found the time through a very busy 2004 to record some of the details of her journey.
Remarkably, she tells the story of her life to this moment in time (21 August 2004 -- such that the book could be launched at Burghley) in such a way that it is not just a summary of happenings. She draws you into to her horse crazed youth. She describes the pains of pursuing the life of an athlete - one where both parents are not always pleased with your decisions. She describes the sacrifices - particularly as they relate to family - that are implicit in the life of one seeking to be the best in the world. She details each event in the book with great success. Information is supplied for the reason of understanding - no more, no less, and we are then able to follow the story-line as it unfolds. She displays the uncanny ability to transmit the feeling of her `nerves' into her written text. Fortunately, there is no tidy epilogue - and this is most suitable as her story continues.
Her account of the equestrian details is most satisfying. She expounds on her development as a rider - both physically and mentally/emotionally. Her insight in to her cross country riding and balance should be duly noted by many. Through her account of her work with Nicky Heath, we all learn of the importance of the mental game. And of course, she tells her tale in a fashion that pays highest respect to the horses that have made her successes possible.
When we finish her story, we feel satisfied that she has really `left no stone unturned.' We get the sense that things will never truly go `belly up' for Pippa Funnell ever again. Go ahead, read this book, and then shower your horse with praise.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful perspective and inspiring, August 2, 2009

By 

K. Lucas "DraftDressage" (Upstate, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pippa Funnell: The Autobiography (Paperback)

Just love Pippa and follow her riding. This is a great read and inspires riders of all ages and levels to push through their issues - either with themselves, others and/or their horses and get to the goal!! Great stuff!!!!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pippa is justgreat, September 14, 2007

By 

Sharon Turner "Eventing Fool" (Watkinsville, Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pippa Funnell: The Autobiography (Paperback)

Pippa offers the reader an insight into her day to day life. I enjoyed reading this book.