Lionel Dunning - Announcement of Death
Tuesday 31 December 2013
It is with great sadness that British Showjumping announce the death of former international showjumper Lionel Dunning as a result of a heart attack yesterday, 30th December 2013. Aged 75 years, Lionel had been teaching in the morning and had appeared in good health before suffering a fatal heart attack at approximately 1.15pm.
Lionel regularly represented Great Britain on Nations Cup teams, playing an active role in their victory on numerous occasions. He was awarded FEI bronze, silver and gold medals of honour as a result of his international performances and was also consistent in his securing of national titles during his competitive career which spanned twenty five years.
During his peak in the mid 1970’s he sustained a fall which resulted in head injuries so severe he was left semi-conscious for seven months. Despite being told he would never ride again, he returned to the saddle just a year later with incredible success; resulting in him taking the leading rider title on the GB ranking list. Lionel, was best known for his partnership with Jungle Bunny, the horse whom he rode at the highest level with incredible success.
British Showjumping extend their condolences during this difficult time to Lionel’s wife Pam, who was also one of Great Britain’s leading riders and their son Robert.
