Pippa Funnell takes centre stage at Olympia

Pippa Funnell put in a rare competitive appearance at Olympia taking part in the World Horse Welfare Santa vs Scrooge Celebrity Scurry Stakes.

High speed

Pippa acted as the backstepper to rescue pony Saphire and driver Amy Last as part of team Santa. They went head-to-head with Yogi and his rehomer Liz Harcombe while founding editor of In-Harness magazine Fiona Powell was on the backstep.

Both celebs were charged with the job of keeping the carriages balanced as the ponies twisted and turned around the arena at high speed.

Pippa was pipped to the post by team Scrooge whose prize was to throw a bucket of iced water at World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers.

‘Amazing talents’

“It was a fantastic evening and wonderful opportunity to showcase the amazing talents of our ponies in front of such a huge audience” said Roly.

“I’m immensely proud of what our team has achieved in putting this display together and very grateful to both Pippa and Fiona for taking part – it certainly made the ice bucket worthwhile!”

Yogi came into World Horse Welfare’s Hall Farm rescue and rehoming centre in 2006 as an unhandled two-year-old. He was very nervous of humans but following his rehabilitation was broken to drive more than five years ago. He was rehomed with Liz and the pair have enjoyed great success competing at national level.

Intensive treatment

When Saphire came to the charity three years ago she needed intensive physiotherapy to build up her strength. Now aged 12 she is now progressing well in her training and really enjoys her driving.

Pippa said she would love to take both of them home but wasn’t sure William would be very pleased… “He won’t let me take a pony home not with all the Billy’s!”