‘My proudest achievement? Holding my own against good young riders’ says John Whitaker, 69, in new TV programme

Jennifer Donald's avatar
By
Published In Features
John Whitaker and Equine America Unick Du Francport in action at the LGCT of London.
John Whitaker and Equine America Unick Du Francport in action at the LGCT of London 2024.
(Image credit: ph.Ljuba Buzzola/Longines Global)

Legendary British showjumper John Whitaker says his proudest achievement in the sport is holding his own against the younger generation of riders. But we all know that it’s actually the hugely successful and much-loved 69-year-old Yorkshireman who continues to set the bar for his younger rivals.

In “Defying Age”, the fourth instalment of the free content series Rising Above presented by Longines, equestrian icon John Whitaker discusses why age is is just a number when it comes to competing at the top level in showjumping.

Jennifer Donald
Jennifer Donald
Showjumping and racing editor

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.