Former chef d’equipe Michael Bullman dies

Michael Bullman, former vice-president of British Showjumping and chef d’équipe, has passed away at the age of 72 at his home in Hungary.

Successful owner

Michael was heavily involved in British Showjumping in many guises. He was chairman of the international selection committee (1994-2000) during which time Great Britain won European team and individual silver, European team bronze and World team bronze.

He was also assistant team manager to Ronnie Massarella(1986 to 2002) and British chef d’equipe at the 2006 World Equestrian Games.

As well as his commitment to British Showjumping, Michael was a very successful owner, producing more horses from novice to Grand Prix level than any other patron in history.

Two of his best known horses were Kruger, who won team gold at the European Championships in 1989, and Hickstead Derby winner Vital.

Best rider

Both horses were ridden by Joe Turi, who worked with Michael for three decades becoming one of the best riders of all time. Joe was Hungarian, but took on British nationality for ten years.

With Michael’s support he rode in more than 50 Nations Cups, winning 16 of them, and qualified for six FEI World Cup Finals.

When Joe returned to Hungary Michael went with him, where they built a base and continued to work together. Michael was also chef d’equipe for the Hungarian showjumping team.

When Joe tragically died in 2003 at the age of 48 in a motorcycle accident, Michael stayed in Hungary and used his talents to nurture Britsh showjumper James Wingrave.

James moved from the UK to Hungary and changed his nationality so he could ride for Michael. Under Michael’s tutelage he competed in more than 30 Nations Cup and represented Hungary at the FEI World Equestrian Games 2006 in Aachen.

Old-school gentleman

British Showjumping wrote a tribute to Michael: “Michael’s presence will be missed around the world.A true British Ambassador, his big heart, knowledge and bearing gave anyone who came into contact with him guidance, assurance and hope with horses and in life.

“His death is an irreplaceable loss to the horse world, one of the dying breed of old-school gentleman, who was in his own words ‘A lover of horses first and a horseman second’.”

Michael is survived by his five brothers and one sister.