Ella Popely - Condolences

Wednesday 07 December 2016

Ella Popely - Condolences

It is with deep sadness that British Showjumping offer their condolences to John & Lea Popely for the death of their daughter Ella Popely, who died tragically yesterday, 6th December 2016.

An extremely talented rider who was dedicated to the sport, 18 year-old Ella represented Great Britain on a number of occasions always proving herself to be a great competitor and popular team member. 

Starting her international team career in 2011 when she was selected for the Children’s Nations cup team competing in Hagen, she was then selected for the Children’s European Championship Squad that same year where she took the position of reserve.  2012, saw Ella represent Great Britain on further Nations Cup Teams, once again being selected for the Children’s European Championship team where she delivered three consecutive clears with Amaryllis van de Heffinck.  2015 saw Ella selected for Junior Nations Cup appearances at both Hagen and Deauville with La Boom where she also put in some extremely solid and promising performances.

 The past two years have seen Ella compete extensively at home and abroad with her most recent international win in Verbier with Little Luidam whom she also won an international class with at the Allington International show this summer.

Committed to developing a career within Showjumping, Ella was particularly delighted to have been selected for inclusion within the 2015/2016 Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) cohort.  Embracing the course with enthusiasm, she applied herself with great dedication both completing and passing programme earlier this year.

An extremely bright, enthusiastic and personable young woman whom had her first recorded win with British Showjumping at the age of 8 years-old she will be sorely missed by many. 

Iain Graham, for British Showjumping commented “I speak for myself, the Non-Executive Board and the entire Association when I say that words are unable to convey the sadness we feel in the loss of Ella.  Our sincerest thoughts are with Lea, John, and Ella’s brother Jack during this extremely difficult time”.


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