Pippa Funnell Named as Replacement for Izzy Taylor at Rio 2016

British Equestrian confirmed a late change to the eventing team for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, with Pippa Funnell drafted in as a replacement after an injury ruled out Izzy Taylor’s intended ride.

Allercombe Ellie, owned by Susan Holroyd and Frances Carter and ridden by Izzy Taylor, sustained a slight injury in training that prevented the combination from competing as part of the eventing team. The pair were replaced by the first reserve, Pippa Funnell MBE, from Surrey, with the late Carol Toliver’s Billy The Biz.

Funnell joined an eventing team that also featured William Fox-Pitt with Chilli Morning, Kitty King with Ceylor L A N and Gemma Tattersall with Quicklook V. Kristina Cook, from West Sussex, with Elisabeth Murdoch and Keith Tyson’s Billy The Red, was called up to the squad as travelling reserve.

Reaction to the change

“I’m really gutted and sorry for the owners and my support team. I wish Pip and all the team the best of luck out in Rio.”

That was the response of Izzy Taylor, who had been set to make her Olympic debut. Equestrian Team Leader Dan Hughes said the squad was extremely disappointed for Taylor, her support team and the horse’s owners, Susan Holroyd and Frances Carter. He described Taylor as one of the most talented British riders in the world and expressed confidence that Rio would not be her last opportunity to represent Great Britain, while praising Funnell as an extremely strong replacement.

Funnell said she was devastated for Taylor, acknowledging the work involved in bringing a horse to that level. She added that she felt privileged and honoured to be part of the team and was delighted for the connections who had helped her, noting that Billy The Biz was the first home-bred horse to go to a Games and reflecting on the absence of the horse’s late owner, Carol Toliver.

Mark England, Team GB Chef de Mission, said the wider team shared the disappointment over the injury that forced Taylor’s withdrawal and that their thoughts were with her and her support team. He welcomed Funnell to the Olympic team and said the squad could not have wished for a better replacement.