John Whitaker

Badminton Horse Trial 09 05 2014DressageJohn Whitaker is one of the most admired showjumping riders worldwide and is still going strong at the age of 63. He has competed in dozens of major international championships collecting 24 medals at Olympic, World and European championships during his long and successful career to date.

John was selected to represent Britain at the Rio Olympics with the talented, yet inexperienced, mare Ornellaia. The daughter of For Pleasure had been on great form ahead of selection. He ruled out his top ride Argento, despite the stallion winning at grand prix level this season, saying: “Argento is a great horse, he’s a real fighter but he has his limits and I don’t want to push him beyond them.”

John Whitaker has also won numerous major classes such as the Hickstead Derby. One of his most famous horses, Milton, was the first showjumping horse to win more than £1 million in prize money.

John is married to Claire and they have three children, Joanne, Louise and Robert.