Excellent man, did wonders for the sport. Feel so sorry for the family having to finalise Hickstead next week and in July. Think a minute's silence next week at the show is a great idea though.
RIP Douglas, condolences to all his family,
A great loss to the equestrian world, don't think there will be many people involved in the horse world who hadn't heard of Hickstead and Douglas Bunn
He was one of my best friends Godfather and in 2002 i was lucky enough to be invited to Hickstead and join the Bunn family for the day in their own personal little 'house/building' facing the main arena at Hickstead. It was a priveledge to meet Douglas and some of the Bunn family.
Thoughts and prayers with all his family and friends.
Huge thanks to Douglas Bunn for his tremendous contribution to British show jumping. Hickstead is an amazing legacy, it shows what can be achieved by one man's vision and determination.
Thank you Douglas for inventing team chasing, without which my life would be considerably duller! Perhaps we can have a memorial event at Hickstead (like the first one was) and you can cheer on from 'up there'!
I'm another one who spent all my childhood fantasising about Hickstead and when I was working for H&H some years ago was lucky enough to go and do some news reports from there, walk the Derby course and watch the fun from the Press box. Great memories!
He taught my Godfather everything he knows about horses and he, in turn, has passed much of that knowledge and enthusiasm to me. I , also, was priviledged to have spent time at Hickstead as a guest of the family in their "cottage"
May you always jump clear everytime . RIP Douglas
Like many a child i grew up dreaming of riding at Hickstead....I have been priveleged to do so on several occasions...and even fulfilled my dream of riding in the international arena (and collecting a rosette from Dougie himself) albeit just as a participant in the Inter-Schools Team SJ'ing Champs. My point being that Dougie made those dreams....and fulfilled them for many
Hickstead will always hold a very special place in my heart and i will raise a glass to Douglas when i'm in the Champagne Bar next saturday watching the Speed Derby.
I know that the place is in good hands with his children and look forward to many years more enjoyment...thanks Dougie for giving us all something to dream about
Well said Rambo.
Hickstead was one of my childhood dreams, it also became my childrens dream. Thankyou so much Dougie for having the inspiration to build The All England Jumping Course. My son has been fortunate enough to win the 138 Winter Championship in the main arena at The Royal International. The sheer excitement of the Hickstead arena with it's famous Klaxon (sp) at the start of the round sends shivers down my spine. These experiences gave us more drive to try & achieve so much more. Dougie was probably the only show organisor that allowed the real "outsiders" a chance to ride the Hickstead Derby. For that I will be eternally grateful. It was the best, & most thrilling experience of our lives. So thank you so much Dougie, & the rest of the Bunn family who are all such lovely people. My heartfelt condolences to each & every one of you. I feel I must give a smile if only for the fabulous memories that you gave us
The man who made me live and breath showjumping and who gave me impossible dreams that I am still chasing now at 35! I salute you Douglas Bunn, long live your memory!
I too dreamt of riding in that arena, I too live eat and breathe showjumping thanks to Douglas Bunn.
One of showjumpings greats, there are only a few of his ilk left and we must treasure everyone of them.