Meet the man responsible for Hickstead's challenging jumps

HICKSTEAD'S challenging courses are a work of art and reflect the immense skill of the man who creates them- Bob Ellis, official course designer at the Sussex show jumping venue.

Bob has participated at all levels in many aspects of equestrian competition-initially as a rider, competing both nationally and internationally until 1993, and later as a judge and course designer.

Bob began designing courses in 1973 and was appointed to the BSJA Course Builders Panel in 1975, attained International status in 1989 as course designer and Candidate International Judge in 1999.

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In 2004 he was made official International course designer by the FEI. His course designing has taken him to 200 countries all over the world. Major events include World Cups in eight countries, Nations Cups, Senior European Championships, Young Rider European Championships, Junior European Championships, Pony European Championships and assisting at Senior world Championships.

"On average I attend about 35 to 40 shows a year from the smallest to the biggest '“ I enjoy working at Hickstead it has a charismatic feel to it bringing me a lot of satisfaction '“ all shows are different and they offer different challenges to course builders," he said.

For full story and more pictures see Sussex Horse World, West Sussex Gazette December 31