Joseph Stockdale

Joe is the son of Olympic showjumper Tim Stockdale. He grew up around horses and they’ve always been part of his life, although he never really focused on being a rider – it was more for fun and enjoyment. He was a member of the Oakley Hunt West Pony Club as a child, starting with mounted games competitions before moving onto tetrathlon, showjumping and cross-country, and also competed on his school showjumping team. As a teenager, he took the ride on the grey stallion Gunner (known as Romeo) and jumped a few Newcomer classes.

Cricket was always Joe’s plan and he was signed by an Australian team, but unfortunately injury meant he had to pull out. It was during this time that Tim became ill, so Joe took over the riding – he found that his injured knee didn’t hurt in the saddle. Joe and Romeo qualified for the Horse of the Year Show, where they finished ninth and clear in the Grand Prix, and Joe also won the Five Fence Challenge with a borrowed horse. These successes gave Joe the confidence to start riding full-time – something he’d never felt was an option before – and take over the yard with his father’s blessing. Tim sadly died shortly afterwards.

In 2019, Joe had successes on home soil and abroad, including winning the U25 class at Royal Windsor Horse Show and being selected as the ‘fifth man’ for the Young Rider European Championship. The following year, despite an interrupted season as a result of COVID-19, he competed on his first Senior Nations Cup team in Vejer. Since making the decision to ride full-time, Joe has received ongoing support and coaching from William and Pippa Funnell, who’ve helped him to develop as a professional athlete.

Joe made his Senior championship debut in 2021, when he competed at the FEI Jumping European Championship with Equine America Cacharel. The talented young mare has been with the Stockdales since she was three years old, after being talent-spotted at a loose horse auction, and has always shown incredible ability – despite being known as a bit of a diva! Joe was the youngest rider at the championships and Cash one of the least experienced horses, but they put in a credible performance and Joe has high hopes for their future together.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games is Joe’s big goal, which he feels comes at a perfect time because Cash will be the right age and their partnership will have a few more years of experience. In the meantime, he hopes to cement himself at five-star level, jump on some more Nations Cup teams and, if all goes well, target the World Championships 2022.

Away from equestrian sport, Joe enjoys playing golf with his brother and the occasional session in the cricket nets. He’s also very into his cars and has an old classic car in the garage that he likes to tinker with when he gets the chance.