At GS Equestrian & Country, we're marking International Women's Day by honouring five remarkable female riders who have shattered records and barriers in the equestrian world.
Pippa Funnell: The First Rolex Grand Slam Champion
British eventing legend Pippa Funnell made history in 2003 when she became the first person ever to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. This incredible achievement required consecutive victories at Badminton, Burghley and Kentucky Three-Day Events – a feat considered nearly impossible. Riding Supreme Rock and Primmore's Pride, Funnell demonstrated remarkable skill across all three disciplines of dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Her precision, courage and partnership with her horses set a new standard in the sport.
Isabell Werth: Most Decorated Olympic Equestrian
German dressage rider Isabell Werth has earned more Olympic medals than any other equestrian in history. With an astonishing collection of seven gold and five silver medals across six Olympic Games, Werth's technical brilliance and artistic expression have redefined excellence in dressage. Her ability to form exceptional partnerships with different horses throughout her career demonstrates not only her adaptability but her extraordinary understanding of equine psychology and movement.
Zara Tindall: Royal Record-Breaker
Following in her mother Princess Anne's footsteps, Zara Tindall (née Phillips) became the first British royal to win an Olympic medal when she secured silver in team eventing at the London 2012 Games. Earlier, in 2006, she was crowned World Champion in individual eventing, demonstrating that her success came through merit rather than privilege. Her partnership with her horse High Kingdom showcased her exceptional talent, work ethic and competitive spirit.
Lucinda Green: Six-Time Badminton Champion
No rider has matched Lucinda Green's remarkable achievement of winning the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials six times on six different horses. This extraordinary record, set between 1973 and 1984, demonstrates not only her exceptional cross-country riding ability but also her skill in forming successful partnerships with a variety of horses. Green's bold, balanced riding style revolutionised the approach to tackling challenging cross-country courses and her influence continues to shape the sport today.
Beezie Madden: Breaking Barriers in Show Jumping
American show jumper Beezie Madden has smashed multiple records throughout her illustrious career. In 2004, she became the first woman to earn over $1 million in show jumping prize money. She was also the first woman to win the King George V Gold Cup in the competition's 100-year history. With Olympic team gold medals in 2004 and 2008, plus individual bronze in 2016, Madden has consistently proven that in show jumping, skill and partnership matter more than physical strength. Her precise, thoughtful riding style and deep connection with her horses have earned her a place among the greatest show jumpers of all time.
These five extraordinary women exemplify the qualities we celebrate at GS Equestrian & Country: determination, skill, and a profound respect for the horse-human partnership. Their achievements have not only broken records but have also broken down barriers, inspiring countless women and girls to pursue their equestrian dreams.
This International Women's Day, we tip our riding hats to these remarkable champions and to all women in our equestrian community whose exceptional horsemanship, determination and spirit continue to inspire riders across generations.
