RIDER PROFILES

For Ben, the road to becoming a event rider  began as an enthusiastic six year old, although Ben began riding at 4 years old. A partnership with a cheeky little dun pony known as Rabbit brought him his first lot of success, winning at most of the local shows and including a bigger win at the first ridden championships at Ponies UK. At Lancashire’s Holcombe Hunt pony club Ben’s talent became visible, qualifying for the Pony Club championships in all three phases; the first to do so in his pony club for 25 years.

After starting as a working pupil for Cheshire based Hannah Bate, also one of Baileys sponsored riders, Ben went on to seize the chance to work for acclaimed rider, William Funnell. Gaining valuable experience in the world of show jumping as well as gaining invaluable knowledge from William's wife; top international three day event rider Pippa Funnell MBE. It was there that the first inklings of a special riding skill were acknowledged. Ben’s talent began to be encouraged and then refined, to the point where he would win the U21 National championships and then go on to be selected for the World Class Start Programme, followed with selection for Britain’s young rider squad, giving him the chance to compete with the very best in the Europe.

Ben whose average day starts at 6.30am who normally rides between 8-10 horses a day believes in working hard and  uses all oppurtunities that come to him, is aiming at Bramham this year and the Young Rider Europeans and hopes one day to produce a horse to compete at the Olympics!

Ben is also available to give lessons to all levels, and often has horses for sale, and if you would like to know more please visit Bens website www.benhobday.com