Bob Ellis has died: The course designer for the 2012 London Olympics has passed away

The equestrian world knew Robert Ellis as “Bob the Builder.” He had been designing show jumping courses since the early 1970s. In 1989, he was appointed an international FEI course designer. His career took him to more than 30 countries, where he designed courses for prestigious events—including FEI World Cup show jumping, Nations Cups, European Championships, and some of the world’s most significant equestrian events. He was a familiar figure at well-known venues such as the London International Horse Show, Hickstead, and the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Highlight: The Olympics

The highlight of Bob Ellis’ career was his role as course designer at the 2012 London Olympics. In Greenwich Park, he designed the show jumping courses for the Olympic equestrian events. Jumping over Ellis’s courses—which featured, for example, red buses as walls and the Trafalgar Lions as poles—his compatriots won Olympic team gold.

In addition to his professional work, Ellis served as a mentor to younger course designers. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge, helped train the next generation, and thus contributed to the advancement of international show jumping. His calm demeanor, dry sense of humor, and enthusiasm for equestrian sports made him a highly regarded figure in the international community.

FEI Show Jumping Director Todd Hinde: “His courses combined technical excellence with fairness and creativity. He will be remembered for his warmth and his willingness to support and inspire others.”