Together this pair thrilled us with their exploits in the arena and we saw them gallop, with sparks flying, to victory all over the world.
Huge cheers greet John whenever he enters the ring, but with “Archie” there was something special.
So often it seemed as though there was no fence the son of Arko III couldn’t clear, no horse who could outpace him and no combination that could outsmart him.
To celebrate this awesome stallion, we pick out just 12 of the many reasons Archie has captured our hearts.
1. He has the kindest eye and is one of the smartest horses on the circuit
Argento Conformation
Madrid 1st may 2015
ph.Stefano Grasso/LGCT
(Image credit: Stefano Grasso/LGCT)
“Look at me” Archie seems to say, and we do because his presence is magnetic. This is one handsome beast.
2. He believes he can fly
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Who needs wings when your name is Argento?
3. He has a sense of humour
HONG KONG, HONG KONG SAR - FEBRUARY 15: Ringmaster Pedro Cebulka (right) guides John Whitaker of United Kingdom on the course after he won the Longines Grand Prix during the Longines Hong Kong Masters 2015 at the Asiaworld Expo on 15 February 2015 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Power Sport Images/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
While John is all smiles for the camera after one of their biggest wins at the Longines Hong Kong Masters of 2015, Argento is busy sticking out his tongue at ringmaster Pedro Cebulka…
4. He’s as agile as cat
John Whitaker (GBR ) riding Argento in the CSI4* jumping competition (S47) at Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show held in the grounds of Bolesworth Castle, near Chester in Cheshire in the UK between 12-16th June 2019
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
With athleticism, scope and natural speed, Argento ticks every box — and more — in the attributes required to make it as a top-flight showjumper.
5. He has star quality
ARGENTO ridden by John Whitaker in Class 13 during the Horse of the Year Show at the NEC near Birmingham, UK between 4th - 8th October 2017
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
Of course he has all the ability, but in Argento John also found a horse with the X-factor.
6. The sky’s the limit
John Whitaker riding Argento GBR, 2nd in CSI4* Grand Prix for The Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy during Saturday of the Royal Windsor Horse Show, in the grounds of Windsor Castle in Windsor in the county of Berkshire, UK on 15th May 2016
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
John and Argento soar over 1.60m verticals like they are cross-poles, not least here in the CSI4* Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy at Royal Windsor Horse Show in 2016.
7. He is more popular than The Beatles*
John Whitaker (GBR)&Argento - O1 CSI5* - Longines Global Champions Tour London 2013 - International Quarter, Stratford, London, United Kingdom - 06 June 2013
(Image credit: Jon Stroud)
*OK, that may not quite be true, but Argento’s fan club is HUGE.
8. His longevity marks him out as a superstar
The FEI Nations Cup of Great Britain ARGENTO WHITAKER John
John first took the reins on a seven-year-old Argento, who was bred in Great Britain by Keeley Durham, and the stallion was still winning international classes at the tremendous age of 17.
9. He is ultra-reliable
LGCT of DOHA - John Whitaker on Argento
Doha- Al Shaqab,5th november 2016
ph.Stefano Grasso/LGCT
(Image credit: ph.Stefano Grasso/LGCT)
As John says, “When you put Argento on the truck, you knew you’d be winning”. They were a core part of Nations Cup teams as well as enjoying individual success.
10. ‘You want me to jump it from here? No problem!’
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
With great enthusiasm, he can take out strides, he can turn on a sixpence and all with his ears pricked.
11. He conquered the world
John Whitaker of United Kingdom rides Argento in action at the Longines Grand Prix during the Longines Hong Kong Masters 2015 at the AsiaWorld Expo on 15 February 2015 in Hong Kong, China. Photo by Juan Flor / Power Sport Images
(Image credit: Photo by Juan Flor / Power Sport)
One of Argento’s biggest wins came at the 2015 Longines Hong Kong Masters where, out of the three classes he jumped, he won two — including the grand prix — and was third in the other.
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12. His Hollywood good looks means he fits right in on Miami Beach
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Even the local body-builders don’t get a look-in when Argento is around.
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Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
