Showjumping legend John Whitaker has a vast talent that has underpinned his remarkable longevity as he continues to reign at the top of the sport in a glittering career spanning 50 years (and counting).
To celebrate this much-loved rider’s milestone 70th birthday today (5 August), we asked the great and good of the equestrian world to pay tribute to an inspiration, a hero, a pioneering sportsman and a true role model. Here’s what his fellow riders – and members of his family – had to say…
Geoff Billington on John Whitaker: “He’s a man of few words, but when he says something, listen”
“John and I met when we were 12 but I tell everyone he didn’t speak until we were 15!” says Geoff Billington. “We used to go to the same riding club and he’d turn up in the cattle truck with the ponies he’d been delivering milk with in the morning while I was riding ponies for a coalman, and we’d just take the mickey out of each other.
“He didn’t have his jodhpurs washed from the beginning of the season to the end and he’d say my ponies had muck on them until June when their winter coats dropped out.
“He’s a man of few words, but when he says something listen because he always hits the nail on the head. He may look like a 90-year-old when he walks but as soon as he’s on a horse he looks like his 23-year-old self again. Happy birthday John, you’ve caught up with me again so welcome to your 70s – I just look a lot younger!”
Ludger Beerbaum: “An inspiration, both in what he stands for and what he’s demonstrated”
“John is unique and has always been very inspiring to me, both in what he stands for and what he has demonstrated, in the way he works his horses and his competitiveness,” says Ludger Beerbaum. “I first saw John riding his earliest rounds on Ryan’s Son and what stood out for me then was that everything he did was much more simple than the other riders at the time, then with Milton it was the same.
“Of course, everyone talks about Milton, but he’s been so successful across so many decades with so many different horses.
“I wish him all the best from the bottom of my heart.”
John Whitaker has many fond memories of competing at the Spruce Meadows Masters, including with his brilliant partner Milton.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Michael Whitaker: “Still leading the Whitaker family by example”
“I watched and learned from John when we were young, but who did he learn it from?” says John’s brother Michael Whitaker. “He was the start of the Whitaker family dynasty and he’s still leading it by example. Happy birthday John, I hope your arms have got longer and your pockets shorter, because it’s your round!”
Scott Brash on John Whitaker: “A privilege to grow up around him”
“I must have watched the Milton – Simply The Best video many times over as a kid, so I’ve always been a big admirer of John,” says Scott Brash. “Then it became a dream come true to jump alongside him.
“He and Michael were always fantastic to me when I started out on teams, and very supportive. I’ve admired all John’s successes throughout the years and he’s a fantastic team member for the country. You can always rely on him to produce a clear when it matters.
“Win, lose or draw he’s always the same. I’ve seen him win the biggest grand prix at the weekend, then on the Monday or Tuesday he’s back at a national show producing the next young horse – and he’s been working on the farm in-between!
“The partnerships he gains with his horses and his determination are what I admire most, he’s an incredible man and it’s been a privilege to grow up around him.
“Happy birthday John, keep rolling on because there’s many years of success left in you yet. Enjoy a well-deserved 70th.”
Donald Whitaker: “John made all my dreams become reality”
“I feel immensely privileged to be part of the same family as John,” says his nephew Donald Whitaker. “He’s the one that’s made it all happen and I wouldn’t be in the fortunate position I am now without him doing what he’s done in his life. He’s made all my dreams become reality.
“He’s always said to me, ‘Keep going, never give up,’ and he’s still as motivated as ever, even though this is a difficult job – you’re losing most of the time. He’s inspirational, he’s family, but he’s also a legend.”
John Whitaker on Ryan’s Son in the Hickstead Derby.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Nick Skelton on John Whitaker: “A very great friend and a true legend of the sport”
“The story of how John and I first met isn’t printable, but he and I grew up riding together, jumped on countless teams together and he’s been a very great friend for many years,” says Nick Skelton. “He’s so consistent, he never gives up and he deserves his status as a true legend of the sport.
“Have a great birthday John, but get your hand in your pocket for a change and put on a 70th birthday party!”
Peder Fredricson: “I watched John and Milton in awe”
“John is a living, active legend,” says Peder Fredricson. “When you think about showjumping, John Whitaker is the first name that comes up in everybody’s mind.
“My first memory of him is me lying on the floor watching him and Milton on television. When I did my first Olympics in 1992 in Barcelona at the age of 20, John was there with Milton. I didn’t get to meet him on that occasion but I watched him in awe – it’s always been a pleasure to watch him ride.
“He has a fantastic way of keeping the horse in balance, but he has a very modern, competitive way of riding – even though he’s been riding the same his whole life – and it’s inspiring to see someone riding like that, even more impressive to be doing it at his age.
“Thank you for all the inspiration John, and keep going!”
Graham Fletcher: “No one can emulate his brilliance”
“Very few sportsmen are remembered long after they hang up their boots but, when the time eventually comes, John Whitaker most certainly will be in that exclusive category,” says Graham Fletcher. “I’ve known him for decades, ridden against him and with him on teams, and no one can emulate his brilliance.
“The one thing we can all learn from him is that when he has a bad round you never see him get annoyed or cross with his horse. He knows there’s work to do and next time you see him he’ll have done his homework and that horse will be going a lot better.
“I’ve seen him on horses and thought, ‘Why are you bothering with that, John?’ Then weeks later you’ll think, ‘Wow, that’s a good horse!’
“Happy birthday John. It’s your 70th, so go and spoil yourself with something you never do… have a beer!”
John, Michael, William and Robert Whitaker together.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
William Whitaker: “Proving that good horsemanship is the foundation of it all”
“John has been my idol since I first started riding; someone I’ve always looked up to for advice, both on and off the horse,” says John’s nephew William Whitaker. “The next generation are very lucky to have someone like him to emulate. As well as being a fantastic horseman and competitor, I admire his mentality – his ability not to get too excited when it goes well and not get too down when it doesn’t.
“It’s amazing to look back at how the sport has evolved during his career, but that just proves that good horsemanship is the foundation of it all. Even after all these years, he still makes me nervous if he’s after me in a jump-off.
“So happy birthday John. Keep going and one day I’ll beat you!”
Di Lampard on John Whitaker: “A massive inspiration”
“John has been a leader of our sport for so many years and to still be at the top makes him a legend for sure,” says Di Lampard. “He’s been a massive inspiration in my career and very supportive, right through from my riding days to my chef d’equipe days.”
Tim Gredley: “I wanted to become a showjumper after I asked for his autograph at Hickstead”
“John is part of my first memory of wanting to be a showjumper when, aged about 13, I asked for his autograph at Hickstead’s collecting ring,” says Tim Gredley. “I was doing working hunters at the time and that was the moment I realised showjumping was what I wanted to do. So going from that to jumping on teams alongside him is very surreal.
“John is incredibly resilient. When you have a bad day, he’s the first person you should go and speak to. He makes it sound like nothing’s happened, nothing’s gone wrong – start again tomorrow. I think his motto is ‘Tomorrow is another day’.
“To ride on a team with him is brilliant, because he realises that it’s quite a stressful situation for the younger generation. He tries to keep you relaxed with a laugh and a joke, and actually half the time when you’re nervous all you need to do is have a little giggle and you’re fine.
“So happy birthday John, time to treat yourself to a new pair of boots because there’s another 10 years in you left at least!”
John Whitaker with his great partner Equine America Unick du Francport in action for the British team.
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Lizzie Bunn and the Bunn family: “Still showing everyone he’s as good as ever”
“In the run-up to this milestone birthday John has been at Hickstead competing at the Agria Royal International, showing everyone he’s just as good as ever,” says Lizzie Bunn. “John has been a friend of the Bunn family for the best part of five decades, and indeed this summer marks 50 years since he made his Nations Cup debut here at Hickstead – a winning debut, of course!
“Since then he’s been on more than 180 Nations Cup teams around the world, and in 2023 and 2024 he produced crucial clear rounds to help Britain to win back-to-back titles in the Agria Nations Cup.
“He is a legend of a horseman and his long, prolific career is testament to that.
“One of my father Douglas Bunn’s proudest moments was watching John win the Hickstead Derby in 2004, riding Dad’s home-bred Buddy Bunn. It was an exceptional performance, considering it was a catch ride and John had only ridden the horse a couple of times before winning. It was a moment our family will remember forever.
“We would like to wish John a very happy 70th Birthday.”
Robert Whitaker: “The grandfather we all look up to”
“To me he’s just my dad but both he and my mum have always been so supportive of everything I’ve done,” says John’s son Robert Whitaker. “He’s always there if I need him.
“What he’s achieved in the sport is very rare – his longevity is incredible, but he’s evolved as the sport has changed and stayed at the top for 50 years.
“I think he just loves kids in general, but he’s great now with my children and they love watching all the old videos of him on YouTube. They tell me how much they look up to him – probably as much as I do.”
Harry Charles on John Whitaker: “A trailblazer with an incredible mindset”
“One of my biggest milestones in the sport was jumping on my first team alongside John in the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona,” says Harry Charles. “I went double clear and to do it in front of him was pressure! But it also meant so much because we all grew up watching him.
“Anyone would dream to have a career like John and he’s still as determined now as he was at my age and that’s something that keeps pushing me. I’d love to have half the drive and motivation as him.
“It’s an incredible mindset to have, especially when there’s not much left for him to win, plus his adaptability and willingness to learn in an ever-changing sport is for me what is so impressive. Hopefully I get to tell my kids that I got to ride with John – and my dad can tell his grandkids the same. Maybe my kids will jump against him too!
“He remains a trailblazer and we’re all privileged to be part of this incredible era.”
John Whitaker partners up with his granddaughter Evie Whitaker to finish sixth in the GS Equestrian Pony Club Mini Major Relay.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Geir Gulliksen: “A gentleman on and off the horse”
“John is a gentleman and a gentleman on a horse,” says Geir. “He treats every horse positively and he makes it believe that anything is possible. All young people can look to John and see how he treats his horses, how he rides them and how he looks after them.
“He has such a relaxed atmosphere around him and as a rider he’s brilliant. I’ve known him for nearly 50 years and he’s still as unbelievably good now that he’s 70. He said to me one day, ‘I cannot tell you what I’m doing, I just do it,’ and that’s exactly how he is – a natural horseman and fantastic for his horses.”
Jennifer Donald: “A true ambassador for his beloved sport”
“If there’s another sport that has celebrated one of its leading athletes turning 70 while at the very top of his game, I’d love to hear about it,” says H&H showjumping editor Jennifer Donald. “Like countless other pony-mad youngsters, a poster of John and Milton had pride of place on my bedroom wall and, at Hickstead recently, I saw a group of children come rushing out of the collecting ring excitedly shouting ‘We got his autograph! He spoke to us!’ I assumed they were talking about one of the younger generation of top riders, but it was John Whitaker they were so thrilled to have met – a touching reminder that his influence continues to transcend the generations.
“I feel immensely privileged to work with someone who is unflinchingly generous with his time, honest with his opinions and a true ambassador for his beloved sport. I still get goosebumps at shows when the crowd cheers louder for him than any other rider and I will never tire of listening to John’s wonderful stories.Happy birthday John and thank you for everything!”
Steven Wilde: “Crowds cheer the roof off at the mere mention of his name”
“I would like to thank John for making me look good as I’ve commentated on him all over the world!” says Steven. “At the mere mention of his name, crowds cheer the roof off, from Shanghai to Birmingham, Los Angeles to London. He’s a true superstar who lets his talent do the talking and horses are always better with him in the saddle. Happy birthday John!”
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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.
