Pippa Funnell

Two decades on from her epic Rolex Grand Slam victory, Pippa Funnell seems as hungry as ever for top-level success. Luz Wollocombe finds out how her love of horses drives this zeal

- Luz Wollocombe

THIS year marks the 20th anniversary since Pippa Funnell MBE became the first person to win the Rolex Grand Slam, snapping up Kentucky, Badminton and Burghley consecutively, not to mention the $250,000 bonus. She remains one of only two riders to have done this and two decades later she is still going strong, clinching her fourth victory at Bramham CCI4*-L this year, on MCS Maverick.

While winning still feels fantastic, Pippa explains that results are not her principal motivation.

"I do it because I love it," she says. "I learnt long ago it's not about the competing and winning - it's about the day-to-day. Training, teaching, being with the horses you live, breathe and sleep horses."

With this in mind, it is no surprise to hear retirement is not around the corner for 55-year-old Pippa, although she does admit that, "of course, when you get to my age, it crosses your mind".

These feelings were exacerbated by her friend Nicola Wilson's fall at Badminton last year, which made her "really question why I do it".

Nicola suffered spinal cord injuries and spent more than three weeks in intensive care and five months in hospital.

"Last year it really had a huge effect on me," Pippa says. "It affected a lot of us. Definitely, I mean Burghley last year compared to Burghley this year - there is no comparison."

Nicola's fall reminded a lot of riders of the risks they take when they set out on the cross-country course.

"We know it's dangerous, certainly it affects us when people are badly injured," Pippa says.

She emphasises the importance of taking responsibility with the training, the horses' fitness, and not moving up the grades before a horse is ready.

Poor preparation "wasn't the situation with Nicola at all" - her fall demonstrated that it is impossible to eliminate all the risks of cross-country completely.