Mr Douglas H D Bunn was nominated for the BHS Queen’s award by the British Show Jumping Association
Douglas Bunn was born on 1 March 1928. A barrister, he has had a lifelong interest in show jumping having been chairman, president and currently honorary vice president of the British Show Jumping Association (BSJA). Douglas also served on the Executive Board from 1963 to 2000 and as an FEI Judge until 2002.
Douglas competed successfully on ponies before turning to horses. He has owned many top show jumpers, notably The Maverick, latterly ridden by Alison Dawes, and Beethoven, on whom he competed successfully himself before giving the ride to David Broome. David won the World Championships in La Baule in 1970 on Beethoven. Douglas was also chef d’equipe of many British teams.
In 1960 he opened the All England Show Jumping Course at Hickstead, incorporating in its International Arena many famous permanent obstacles. It is now home to many prestigious events in the national and international calendars including the Hickstead Derby, the British Nations Cup, the Royal International Horse Show and the Schools Show Jumping championships.
Over the years many major championships have also been held at Hickstead including:
- Ladies World Championship 1965
- Ladies European Championship 1963
- Men’s European Championships 1969 & 1973
- Junior European Championships 1971
- The European Championships 1983 & 1999
- The World Championships 1974
The Royal International Horse Show is currently enjoying four days of live television coverage with Sky Sports and the world famous Hickstead Derby is covered by the BBC.
Douglas can always be found supporting his family who now run the complex for all the events, which take place there.
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