The Whitaker family of showjumpers has been the backbone of the sport for nearly half a century.

The famous sporting dynasty stems from the late Donald Whitaker, a Yorkshire farmer, and his wife Enid Whitaker, a keen horsewoman, and it is through their four sons, John, Michael, Ian and Steven, that the legendary Whitaker showjumping name was made.

Here is a complete Who’s Who of the famous Whitaker family.

The Whitaker family Who’s Who

Family of John Whitaker, married to Clare Whitaker

John Whitaker (born 1955) is the oldest of the four brothers and has been at the top of the sport for five decades, winning 21 championship medals, including with the mighty Milton. He and wife Clare have three children, Louise, Robert and Joanne Whitaker, all of whom compete internationally.

Louise Whitaker

John and Clare’s eldest daughter Louise (born 1980) is now a highly respected producer of young horses, married to Ian Turner with two children, Harvey and Sienna.

Robert Whitaker

John and Clare’s son Robert (born 1983) regularly competes at five-star level showjumping and is a British team rider and Hickstead Derby winner. He and wife Kate have two young daughters, Evie and Millie, both of whom are keen young riders.

Joanne Whitaker

The youngest of John and Clare’s children, Joanne (born 1987) is also a hugely talented rider, producing many top horses in their early years.

Family of Steven Whitaker, married to Carole Whitaker

Steven Whitaker (born 1957) also competed in showjumping to international level and now runs an equestrian business with son Joe. He and Carole have four children, Ellen, Joe, Thomas and Donald Whitaker, all of whom are international showjumpers.

Ellen Whitaker

Steven and Carole’s eldest daughter Ellen Whitaker (born 1986) is a very successful international rider and has made her name winning some of the world’s biggest grands prix. She has two sons, Harry and Frankie, with her former partner Antonio Marinas Soto.

Joe Whitaker

Steven and Carole’s second child Joe (born 1988) has also jumped on British teams, as well as riding as a National Hunt jockey. He is married to Fiona and they have four children, Sophia, Stevie Joe, Emily and Bonnie.

Thomas Whitaker

The third of Steven and Carole’s children, Tom Whitaker (born 1990) runs his own business, Tom Whitaker Equestrian, buying, selling and producing horses as well as competing internationally and teaching.

Donald Whitaker

The youngest of Steven and Carole’s four children, Donald Whitaker (born 1992) is named after his grandfather, the late patriarch of the Whitaker clan, and he is making a real name for himself on the international circuit, currently based in Germany with girlfriend German team rider Nicola Pohl.

Family of Michael Whitaker, married to Melissa Whitaker

Michael Whitaker (born 1960) is the third son of Enid and Donald, following in the footsteps of his oldest brother John to become one of the greatest showjumpers in the world, winning 15 championship medals and the Hickstead Derby four times. He and Melissa have three children, Jack, Molly and Katy.

Jack Whitaker

Jack Whitaker (born 2001) is one of the brightest young stars in showjumping, having won individual gold at the pony European Championships and he is representing the Whitaker family showjumping dynasty as a regular competitor on the five-star circuit.

Family of Ian Whitaker, married to Alison Whitaker

Although he’s a knowledgeable horseman, Ian is the only brother who followed the farming route rather than becoming a professional showjumper. He and his wife Alison have nevertheless passed on the jumping genes as all three of their sons, William, George and James, are involved in the sport.

William Whitaker

The oldest son of Ian and Alison, William (born 1989) is another member of the Whitaker family to represent Great Britain on showjumping teams, as well as jumping to victory in grands prix and he has won the Hickstead Derby. He is married to Elisabeth Whitaker and they have three children, Isabella, Oliver and Evelyn.

George Whitaker

William’s younger brother George (born 1992) is another successful showjumper from the family competing at both national and international level. He is married to fellow showjumper Michaela Whitaker and the couple run Dallamires Stables together. Their young daughter Gracie May is achieving great success in the show ring.

James Whitaker

The youngest son of Ian and Alison, Jim (born 1997) is a regular winner on the national circuit and Queen’s Cup victor, producing some top class horses from his base in Yorkshire. He married Isabella in 2024.

Then we mustn’t forget international rider Joe Clayton, who is a second cousin of the Whitakers and was based with Michael Whitaker in his early days.

It’s quite some family – no wonder the Whitakers have become showjumping royalty!

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And now for something completely different… The Whitaker family goes cross-country

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In this week’s international showjumping news round-up we head to Wellington, Florida, where Irish teenage sensation Tim Brennan has everyone talking. There’s also the latest Nations Cup contest to read about and this week the Longines Global Champions Tour of 2025 kicked off in Qatar, where a whizzy mare stole our hearts for the second year running.

Read on for this week’s international showjumping news and results round-up.

Showjumping news: Irish teenager is living the US dream

Remember the name, because Tim Brennan is a real rising star of the sport. Having jumped with great success on youth teams in recent years, the Kilkenny 19-year-old has made the trip to Florida to contest his first Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). In this season’s prestigious BrainJuice under-25 series, he’s been in flying form and sealed overall victory by landing the penultimate grand prix riding his own Diadema Della Caccia.

“She has the heart of a lion,” Tim said of the Italian-bred Diamant De Semilly mare he’s been riding for five years.

The pair topped a competitive six-way jump-off and were cheered ringside by Tim’s family who were visiting from Ireland.

“She’s deadly careful,” said Tim of the flying grey mare. “She will jump anything for you once you ask her and I just have to be on the ball. She’s taken me all the way up through the ranks in Ireland and now we’re lucky enough to bring her out [to Florida].

“I was always thinking about coming out here; it’s a great experience to get more mileage under my belt. I’m looking forward to carrying this experience home, hopefully for a good year.”

Tim is based with John Roche while in the US, who credited his teenage pupil for having “a good eye, a good feel and a strong bond with Diadema Della Caccia”.

“A good grey mare will try for you. He gets on very well with her,” said John, who also credited Tim’s groom Juan Luis “Guicho” Rebollo for his help. “This series brings great development. For juniors or amateurs, it gives great opportunities for team involvement, and there’s no one route to success. I can’t say enough positive things about the division.”

• BrainJuice Under 25 Semi-Final Grand Prix results

Nations Cup serves up team thriller

Nine teams came forward for Saturday’s $150,000 CSIO4* Nations Cup at Wellington International’s WEF and it was won by the all-female US team of Natalie Dean (Acota M), Carly Anthony with Heavenly W, Charlotte Jacobs riding Playboy JT Z and Laura Kraut with Tres Bien Z, making her 90th Nations Cup appearance for USA.

“When Robert told me who the team was, I was really pumped,” said Laura. “These three amazing riders have been on fire for a while now, not just recently but for years. The way they rode the first round, it was textbook. I think building towards the Los Angeles Olympics we have three exciting young girls here that I think have a strong chance if things go right.”

Senior team debutante Carly Anthony was full of praise for Heavenly W after jumping a double clear.

“We wouldn’t be here without the horses, so I owe everything to Heavenly and to my team that supports me every day to be able to achieve this incredible opportunity and goal,” she said.

Ireland finished seven penalties behind USA for the runner-up spot. Lining up were Michael Duffy (Cantano 32), Bertram Allen riding Qonquest De Rigo, Cian O’Connor with Belvedere and Daniel Coyle on Incredible.

Great Britain’s three-rider team of Jessica Mendoza (In The Air), Charlie Jones (Capitale 6) and Harry Charles riding Casquo Blue finished sixth.

• WEF Nations Cup results

Showjumping news: Kimosa returns to the winner’s enclosure

On the CSI2* Andalucia Sunshine Tour, British riders were in flying form. Among the winners was Jodie Hall McAteer and her 15-year-old mare Kimosa Van Het Kritrahof, who landed the 1.45m ranking class, and Chloe Winchester who topped the 1.40m small grand prix riding eight-year-old stallion Toblerone OS.

• Andalucia Sunshine Tour results.

Global Champions Tour kicks off with remarkable double

Finally in this week’s international showjumping news round up, we head to Doha, Qatar, where the opening grand prix of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) went to Abdel Said with Bonne Amie for the second year running. The Belgian rider finished ahead of Daniel Deusser (Gangster VH Noddevelt), and Saudi contender Abdulrahman Alrajhi claimed his first LGCT podium finish in third on Ventago.

“When I walked the course, I thought ‘Wow’ – you don’t come across courses like this every week,” said Abdel. “I’m incredibly proud of ‘Bonnie’ today.”

Best of the Irish was Denis Lynch and Brooklyn Heights who jumped clear in round one but tipped the first fence in the jump-off to finish seventh. Great Britain’s Ellen Whitaker (Korlenski) and Scott Brash with recent dual grand prix winner Hello Folie each picked up four faults in round one.

The opening Global Champions League contest went to reigning champions Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames, one of 17 teams in action this year.

• LGCT of Doha results
• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The new year is barely a fortnight old, but 2025 is already all systems go for international showjumpers as the sport hits top gear around the globe. Just some of those headlining this week’s showjumping news round-up are winning riders Darragh Kenny and Julien Epaillard, but there were also big grand prix results for the likes of Tim Gredley and Ellen Whitaker. Meanwhile in a touching moment, Nina Barbour received her third-placed rosette in a class she sponsored from her four-year-old son, who stepped up to present the prizes in Abu Dhabi.

Read on for our weekly round up of international showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: three wins from three shows for Darragh Kenny’s new ride

Week one of the 12-week 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) kicked off with another big win for Ireland’s Darragh Kenny at only his third show with Andrzej Oplatek’s 13-year-old Chaccossini (Chacco-Blue x Cassini II).

“Straight away we clicked,” said Darragh, who had already racked up a five-star win with Chaccossini at the London International and in a CSI2* in Belgium on debut.

The pair’s first win at WEF came in the CSI3* $32,000 Hermès 1.50m classic.

“At our first show we won a ranking class, then his second show I took him to London where he was clear in a 1.55m and won a big 1.50m class [the Christmas Tree Stakes] – and this is my third show with him,” said Darragh, “He’s a cool horse. He’s unbelievably fun and competitive. He also has this huge stride, which makes him fast against the clock.”

Ten jumped clear in round one for an exciting jump-off where Chaccossini’s “fast stride” came into play, beating second-placed Lillie Keenan (USA) on Opium JW van de Moerhoeve TN, with Charlotte Jacobs third riding Thomascourt Ballypatrick.

Saturday night’s $140,000 Southern Arches CSI3* grand prix was won by Egypt’s Nayel Nassar with ESI Ali, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse by Stakkato Gold, bred at the Hughes’ ​​Ennisnag Stud and produced by Seamus Hughes Kennedy until Evergate Stables bought him in 2023.

“He’s 10, so this is the first year I start to ask them a little bit more,” said Nayel. “I try not to do too much with them as nine-year-olds and hope that it lengthens their career. We’re listening to him telling us what he’s ready for and we’ll keep placing him where we think he can be successful.”

• WEF week one results

“McGregor jumped his heart out”

The CSI3* Al Shira’aa grand prix presented by Longines during week one of the Al Shira’aa show in Abu Dhabi, UAE, went to home rider Abdullah Mohammed Al Marri riding crowd favourite BBS McGregor. The pair triumphed with the sole double clear, finishing ahead of Great Britain’s Joe Stockdale with Barbara Hester’s Ebanking, who scorched home with the quickest jump-off round but with a pole down at the final fence.

“I went into the jump-off knowing that a steady clear would guarantee the win,” said Abdullah Mohammed Al Marri. “Of course, it was a risk, but the gamble paid off.

“McGregor jumped his heart out and I’m thrilled. Thank you to the Al Shira’aa team and especially to HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Al Nahyan for her continued support, not only of the team but for running this incredible show.”

British success also came for Katie Speller and smart youngster Z7 Pink Panther, who landed the seven-year-old final. Meanwhile the biggest smiles of the day came when Bolesworth managing director Nina Barbour finished third in the Bolesworth International-sponsored 1.30m speed class riding Geshia Batilly, receiving her prize from her four-year-old son William, who stepped up to present the prizes for the class.

• Al Shira’aa Show week one results

Showjumping news: Epaillard continues his winning run

Next in this week’s round-up of international showjumping news, French showjumper Julien Epaillard celebrated success in the World Cup of Basel, Switzerland, with prolific winner Donatello D’Auge. The only other double clears came from second-placed Maikel van der Vleuten with Beauville Z NOP and Great Britain’s Tim Gredley riding Imperial HBF, who finished third.

“When I watched Julien go, I thought, if they gave me 100 goes at the jump-off, I wouldn’t be able to beat him!” said Tim. “I know my horse is going to jump clear rounds and the class played into my favour. All the big guys were trying to beat each other, as they should do, and I just stuck to my plan of jumping a clear round. It’s worked out nicely.”

Julien’s strategy had been to earn enough points to qualify for the World Cup Final.

“When I went in the ring, I saw the risk of turning inside fence three to the double was big, so I decided not to,” he said. “Donatello is a really special horse for me and my family. He’s in top shape and this is also why I really want to get to the final.”

Brazilian rider Yuri Mansur and the great Vitiki won the prestigious Golden Drum at the show, and Henrik von Eckermann of Sweden and Iliana triumphed in the grand prix, where Tim and Imperial HBF were again in the ribbons.

• CSI5*-W Basel results

Ellen Whitaker’s cracking prospect steps up

Great Britain’s Ellen Whitaker rode the very exciting 10-year-old mare Korlenski to finish on the podium in the CSI4* grand prix on week one of the Doha Tour in Qatar.

Victory went to Austrian rider Gerfried Puck (Equitron Naxcel V) with Abdel Said in the runner-up spot with Arpege Du Ru. But just 0.16sec separated the top three; Ellen slotted into third with Tilly Shaw’s Cornet Obolensky mare, who looks a cracking prospect for the year ahead.

Scott Brash continued the strong performances from the British contingent in fifth with Hello Valentino and Millie Allen secured seventh with her double clear on E-Maitresse TVH Z.

• Doha Tour results
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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Former British team horse Equine America Spacecake has helped Saudi Arabia qualify for the Paris Olympics.

The 11-year-old mare was formerly competed by Ellen Whitaker, until she was sold to the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation at the end of 2022. At the time Ellen said “the offers were getting bigger and bigger until it just became impossible to turn down”.

With Ellen, Equine America Spacecake represented Great Britain at the Nations Cup final in Barcelona last year and they were fourth in the Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix of London. They were also shortlisted for the World Showjumping Championships in Herning.

Saudi’s Khaled Almobty took over the reins in January, and the pair are already showing a promising relationship. They were part of the Saudi Arabian team at the CSIO5* Nations Cup leg in January, and last week helped the country secure Olympic qualification at the Doha Nations Cup in Qatar.

Two Paris tickets were up for grabs in the five-way battle featuring Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Morocco, Egypt and Qatar. At the halfway stage of the competition the UAE led on eight faults, with Saudi Arabia on nine, and Qatar on 10.

In the second round Saudi’s Abdulrahman Alrajhi and Babalou HD had nine faults, and Ramzy Al Duhami and Untouchable had six. But it was clear rounds from Khaled and Equine America Spacecake, and Abdullah Alsharbatly and Steve Guerdat’s former World Cup winner Alamo, that sealed Olympic qualification. The UAE took the other qualifying spot – the first time the country has qualified for equestrian sport at the Olympics.

Khaled is the youngest rider on the Saudi team, aged 24.

“Today is a day to remember for the rest of our lives,” he said.

“To qualify for the most important show in the world, the most important Games in the world, I’m very happy and proud of my teammates for all the hard work they put in. Hopefully we can continue success in the Olympics”, he said.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE join the list of countries qualified for the showjumping at Paris 2024. As hosts, France automatically qualified. Great Britain, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sweden won their spot at last summer’s World Championships. Belgium qualified at the Nations Cup Final in October.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

British showjumper Ellen Whitaker’s top horse Equine America Spacecake has been sold to Saudi Arabia after connections received an offer that meant “we couldn’t afford to keep her”, Ellen told H&H.

Since teaming up in 2021, Ellen and the mare, owned by Tilly and Andrew Shaw, competed at the highest level, including representing Great Britain at the Nations Cup Final in Barcelona last year and finishing fourth and best of the Brits in the Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix of London. They were also shortlisted for the 2022 World Showjumping Championships in Herning, Denmark.

But the 10-year-old grey had started attracting plenty of attention from potential buyers and, said Ellen, “the offers were getting bigger and bigger until it just became impossible to turn down”.

Equine America Spacecake has been sold to the Saudi Equestrian Federation for one of the country’s leading riders, Khaled Almobty.

“They were looking for a very good horse so I hope she’ll go on and do well,” said Ellen. “It’s a huge shame, the whole team were in bits, it was very sad.

“It’s always difficult to let horses go – good horses even worse – so when you find one as special as she was… she was unique. She was probably the best horse I’ve ever had, in that we were very well suited and we grew so much together in a short period of time during last year.”

“So it is a pity not to reap the rewards of that this year, but at the same time I’m extremely proud of how she stepped up to the top sport and proved herself in the way she did,” said Ellen, who took the reins on the Stakkatol daughter from Belgium rider Jeroen Appelen.

“The London GCT was nice, I’m so happy with that, then Barcelona was the last Nations Cup she did and she probably jumped that one the best, so she was still improving. I’m super proud of her.”

Ellen Whitaker: ‘Time was running out’

“I started to try to look for options to keep her, I was looking for somebody to perhaps buy her for me to keep, but time was running out,” said Ellen Whitaker, a European team bronze medallist and part of the famous showjumping dynasty.

“The price of horses has just gone through the roof in the past few years and I don’t know if it’s because of the Olympics coming up, but people are desperate for horses at the moment. I got a hundred phone calls for that horse. So I knew [the sale] was coming because the offers were getting to the point where we couldn’t afford to keep her.

“When I work with my owners, I try to be as fair and as reasonable as possible. So when my owner asks me if that was a good price to sell the horse at, I can’t say no because it is! We all have to make a living out of what we’re doing as well. I’m a single mother of two children, I have to provide for them, so business is hugely important to me and this is all I do – this is my sport, my business, my career. So it was a good business deal for me too, but it’s still devastating to have to lose Equine America Spacecake.”

Ellen still has the talented 10-year-old Equine America Ivanhoe GPH and the exciting nine-year-old J Superstar in her string as well as some younger horses, but is keen for “more support, more owners” to help maintain her position as a frequent Great Britain team rider and one of the country’s most successful riders.

“It’s getting more difficult than ever to keep our top horses and I’m desperately looking for as much support as I can get,” she said.

“I’ve worked with fantastic owners over many years. Tilly Shaw and her father Andrew have been massive supporters and we’ve had a great time so far. But the reality now is that to take on the best riders at the top of the sport, you need as many good horses as you can get your hands on and a very strong team to be able to do that, and the price nowadays means you need a whole team of owners or at least ones willing to spend a lot of money. I’m always looking for the next top horse!”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

In a thrilling afternoon of world class showjumping, Belgium claimed outright victory in the Longines FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona on Sunday (2 October) as well as booking their place at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

It all came down to Belgium’s fourth team rider Jerome Guery riding his brilliant 16-year-old stallion Quel Homme De Hus, the silver medal-winning partnership from the World Showjumping Championships in Herning, Denmark in August.

A clear round in Barcelona would ensure victory while just one rail down would have forced a jump-off against France and Switzerland – the latter being the only other team in Sunday’s final bidding for the one Olympic qualification spot.

However, this outstanding pair soared home over the testing track set by Santiago Varela and a huge cheer erupted from supporters ringside.

“There was so much pressure beforehand as I knew I had to jump clear,” said Jerome, one of five riders to produce a double clear between Thursday’s opening leg and Sunday’s final to share the 100,000euro bonus.

“We were also here for the Olympic qualification, so it was great to come back with victory as well.”

His team-mate Gilles Thomas (Calleryama), who has enjoyed tremendous success this summer including winning the King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead and at the London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour, also jumped clear in his first Nations Cup Final.

“I was so happy to cross the finish line. It’s a privilege to be part of this team,” he said.

Narrow margins at the top of Nations Cup Final leaderboard

The Belgium team won the Nations Cup Final on a zero score. This was the third time the nation have won this prestigious conclusion to the series. They finished just ahead of France and Switzerland, who both posted team scores of four faults but were split by their cumulative times.

“All my riders are very strong, with very good horses – they can stand the pressure,” concluded Belgian chef d’equipe Peter Weinberg.

The Nations Cup Final defending champions, the Netherlands, finished fourth this time around on eight faults.

Having qualified as one of eight teams for Sunday’s final, Great Britain’s quartet of Ellen Whitaker (Equine America Spacecake), Lily Attwood riding Cor-Leon V Vlierbeek Z, Jodie Hall McAteer on Salt’N Peppa and anchorman Joe Stockdale (Equine America Cacharel) came home on a team score of 16. This placed them equal with Spain but the Team GB showjumpers took fifth position by finishing just three hundredths of a second faster than the hosts in sixth.

Great Britain’s young star Joe Stockdale agonisingly just tipped the back rail of the final oxer for four penalties when looking nailed for a share of the competition’s lucrative double clear bonus.

Germany took seventh, ahead of Ireland’s squad of Andrew Bourns (Sea Topblue), Trevor Breen on Highland President, Jack Ryan on BBS McGregor, with a tremendous clear round from Mikey Pender riding HHS Calais.

You can read the full report from the Longines FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, in the shops Thursday 6 October.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The showjumping teams from Great Britain and Ireland are among the eight finalists for Sunday’s Longines FEI Nations Cup Final after qualifying from a nail-biting opening round in Barcelona, Spain, on Thursday (29 September).

Fourteen nations lined up for the first leg of this week’s finale and the outright winners were France, who proved unstoppable with four clear rounds. They fielded the same team of horses and riders who finished sixth at the World Championships last month.

“We were just saying how much the horses have grown since Herning,” said Simon Delestre, who rode the 10-year-old Hickstead son, Cayman Jolly Jumper. “They are super quality horses with a good mind, they are fighters and really modern horses and they proved that again today. My horse has had an amazing Nations Cup season this year.”

Tremendous start for Ireland in Nations Cup Final

Ireland showed tremendous early form in the Nations Cup Final to take second ahead of hosts Spain, equal with Belgium in third.

Irish clears came from Trevor Breen with Highland President and Jack Ryan riding BBS McGregor, both home-breds. Andrew Bourns jumped round for four faults with the Irish-bred Sea Topblue, while Mark McAuley (Jasco V Bisschop) was the drop score of eight.

Jack, 21, said: “There was a little bit of pressure because today is all about qualifying for Sunday and to get the clear round. McGregor is very special, my mother bred him and he’s been a fantastic horse. He’s a great character and everything he’s been asked to do so far he’s done it with ease. He has a big heart and every time he goes in the ring he wants to do his best and you can’t ask for more than that!”

Tying for fifth on eight penalties were Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands and squeaking through as the last of the eight teams to qualify for Sunday’s final were Great Britain, who finished with 12 faults. They posted the same team score as Brazil, however the Brits earned the coveted top eight place thanks to a marginally quicker time – just 0.4sec split the two squads.

Clear round for Joe Stockdale

The sole British clear came from Joe Stockdale riding his World Championship team bronze medal-winning partner Equine America Cacharel, whom he described as jumping “fantastic” in the opening round.

“We went in there and felt very comfortable, and I sort of knew even from jumping the first three fences that she was on good form,” said Joe, who had given the mare a break after Herning, slowly building her back up to finish fourth in a grand prix in Belgium before coming to Spain.

“For some horses switching them off for a few weeks and switching them back on is tricky but she took to it well. You can tell when she’s ready because she gets a bit bored in the field!”

Pathfinder on Di Lampard’s young Great Britain team was Ellen Whitaker, who just picked up four faults at the treble combination on Equine America Spacecake while Jodie Hall McAteer and Salt’N Peppa came home on eight. Lily Attwood, at 20 the youngest rider in the competition, and Cor-Leon V Vlierbeek Z hit three fences and collected two time-faults.

These top eight teams go straight through to Sunday’s final where they will start again on a zero score. As well as the Nations Cup title honours, Paris 2024 Olympic qualification is at stake for either Belgium or Switzerland.

The lower placed teams now bid for victory in Saturday night’s Longines Challenge Cup.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

British showjumpers Ellen Whitaker, Joe Stockdale, Jodie Hall McAteer and Lily Attwood will be flying the flag this afternoon (Thursday 29 September) in the first round of the Longines FEI Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, Spain.

A total of 14 nations line up for this prestigious finale to the Nations Cup series, held at the Real Club de Barcelona, all bidding for a place in Sunday afternoon’s final when the winner will be decided.

With an average age of just 25, the British squad is packed full of young talent. Pathfinder Ellen Whitaker, 36, is the senior member of the team and rides Tilly Shaw’s 10-year-old mare Equine America Spacecake. The only rider from GB’s bronze medal-winning team at the World Showjumping Championships last month is 22-year-old Joe Stockdale with his top mare Equine America Cacharel. Jodie Hall McAteer, also 22, brings her superstar 13-year-old Salt’N Peppa and team anchor is 20-year-old Lily Attwood and the hugely consistent Cor-Leon V Vlierbeek Z. The fifth member of the British squad in Barcelona is William Whitaker, a late replacement for Harry Charles after his mount Casquo Blue wasn’t quite fit enough to compete.

“The Brits always look forward to coming to Barcelona for the Nations Cup Final and we have a group of riders who are very excited to be here,” said chef d’equipe Di Lampard.

Nations Cup Final defending champions

The defending champions are the Netherlands, three-time winners of this final, who are represented by big names Maikel van der Vleuten (Beauville Z NOP), Johnny Pals (Zarkava Hero Z), Jur Vrieling (Long John Silver 3) and Harrie Smolders riding Monaco NOP with Jos Lansink at the helm.

Argentina and Brazil, who have been drawn first, will represent South America while Canada and Mexico qualified ahead of surprise absentees USA.

Hosts Spain, as well as Belgium, France, Germany and Switzerland will also be in action.

France’s chef d’equpe Henk Nooren said: “We are bringing the same team as we had at the World Championships in Herning but we need to see how the form of the horses is because most of them have only jumped one show since Herning so there’s a bit of a question mark but we will see!”

Irish team ‘hope to be lucky – and good’

Ireland will be well represented by Trevor Breen (Highland President), Jack Ryan (BBS McGregor), Mark McAuley (Jasco V Bisschop) and Andrew Bourns (Sea Topblue).

“We love Barcelona and we are reasonably lucky here normally so we hope we will be lucky, and good, this year!” said Irish chef d’equipe Michael Blake. “We have a slightly less experienced team, they have experience but have never been to this final before.”

The reigning Olympic and world champions Sweden are another country bringing a younger team of riders to Barcelona – having finished bottom of the European Division 1 series alongside Norway they didn’t earn direct qualification to the Nations Cup Final, however with no participating teams from the Middle East region attending, both countries were invited to compete.

“We are excited to be here and happy to be here because we were struggling a bit, but now we are here with a team of the future I hope,” said Henrik Ankarcrona, Sweden’s chef d’equipe.

With eight of the top 18 riders in the world rankings in action, this is sure to be a hard-fought and thrilling contest.

Surprisingly, the Swiss have never won the Longines FEI Nations Cup Final title but they, along with Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and Norway, will be bidding for the single qualifying spot on offer for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games from this competition.

Competition begins for all 14 nations at 1pm BST on Thursday 29 September, with the top eight finishers going straight through to Sunday’s €1,250,000 final. The remaining six countries return for Saturday night’s Challenge Cup, won last year by Great Britain. Olympic course-designer Santiago Varela will once again be setting the tracks.

• H&H will be bringing you all the latest news from the Longines FEI Nations Cup Final online and there will be a full report in next week’s magazine, on sale in shops on Thursday 6 October

You may also like to read…

Nations Cup Final, JL Dublin’s first international run with new rider and more events to watch this week

‘When you come so close, it’s disappointing’: Ireland narrowly miss out to dominant Dutch in Nations Cup Final

Jubilant Irish and a mare’s miraculous comeback – who won showjumping ribbons this week?

‘All you want to do is please your home crowd and we didn’t’: Team GB reflections after Nations Cup ‘disappointment’

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Nations Cup Final takes place this week in Spain and a star horse returns to international competition – check out what’s happening this week in equestrianism…

1. Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final, Barcelona, Spain

Dates: 29 September-2 October

More info: csiobarcelona.com

How to watch: ClipMyHorse.TV

Get the H&H lowdown: we’ll bring you the latest news from the three rounds of jumping online as well as a full report in the following week’s issue of the magazine, in the shops Thursday 6 October

Why we’re excited about it: the 2022 series reaches its thrilling climax this weekend with some of the best teams in the world lining up for team honours in the Nations Cup Final. Great Britain is sending Lily Attwood (Cor-Leon VD Vlierbeek Z), William Whitaker on Galtur, Jodie Hall McAteer with Salt’n Peppa, Joe Stockdale riding Equine America Cacharel and Ellen Whitaker (Equine America Spacecake) to fly the flag.

2. Osberton Horse Trials, Nottinghamshire

Dates: 28 September-2 October

More info: schedule on British Eventing website, results on Eventing Scores, or event’s own website

How to watch: live streaming on Horse & Country

Get the H&H lowdown: report in 6 October issue of the magazine

Why we’re excited about it: Osberton has bumper entries for this end-of-year showcase, with over 100 in each of the long format classes and more than 60 in each young horse class. Five-, six- and seven-year-olds go head to head in international classes, with the results often pointing to the stars of tomorrow. Recent Burghley Horse Trials winner Piggy March, Olympic gold medallists Tom McEwen and Oliver Townend, European team gold medallist Kitty King and Australian Tokyo silver medallist Kevin McNab are among the many big names competing.

3. Veteran Horse Society championships, Arena UK, Lincolnshire

Dates: 30 September-2 October

More info: veteran-horse-society.co.uk

Get the H&H lowdown: coverage in 13 October issue of the magazine

Why we’re excited about it: the largest veteran equine event in the UK which hosts the prestigious end of season supreme finals and the acclaimed veteran of the year. Held at Arena UK, the show is hosted over three days and has over 120 classes, across showing, dressage, jumping and fun classes.

4. Childeric Saddles Little Downham (3) and 4) Horse Trials, Cambridgeshire

Dates: 27 September and 1-3 October

More info: schedules on British Eventing website and results on Eventing Scores

Get the H&H lowdown: report in the magazine dated 13 October

Why we’re excited about it: this is actually officially two fixtures, with advanced and CCI4*-S classes on Tuesday 27 September and then everything from GO BE80 up to open intermediates over the following weekend. Recent world bronze medallists Tim and Jonelle Price have six horses between them in the advanced, while the CCI4*-S field includes the likes of Bramham Horse Trials CCI4*-S winner Izilot DHI (Ros Canter) and Monkeying Around, who was long-listed for the eventing World Championships with Izzy Taylor. JL Dublin – who was the European champion under Nicola Wilson and who now has a new rider in Tom McEwen following Nicola’s serious fall at Badminton Horse Trials – will have his first international run with Tom in this class.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Team GBR horses and riders who will be gunning for glory in Herning have been chosen, as the British team for the showjumping World Championships has been announced.

British Equestrian and British Showjumping have today confirmed the four horse and rider combinations, and reserves, for the event in Herning, Denmark, from 6 to 14 August.

The entries, in alphabetical order, are:

Scott Brash with 13-year-old gelding Hello Jefferson

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline KirkhamBreeder: Bernard MolsBreeding: Cooper Van De Heffink, out of an Irco Mena mareGroom: David Honnet

Harry Charles with 13-year-old gelding Romeo 88

Owners: Ann Thompson and HarryBreeder: Picobello HorsesBreeding: Contact Van De Heffinck, out of an Orlando mareGroom: Georgia Ellwood

Ben Maher with 13-year-old gelding Explosion W

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter, Pamela Wright and BenBreeder: W WijnenBreeding: Chacco-Blue, out of a Baloubet mareGroom: Sophie Currie

Joe Stockdale with 10-year-old mare Equine America Cacharel (pictured)

Owners: Joy Cocklin and Joe’s mother Laura StockdaleBreeder: Bohm HelmutBreeding: Cachas, out of a Quinar mareGroom: Charlotte Attwell

Harry has also been selected with 12-year-old gelding Casquo Blue as a direct reserve

Owner: Stall ZetBreeder: Gestuet LewitzBreeding: Chacco-Blue, out of a Carthago Z mare

Ben has also been selected with 12-year-old stallion Faltic HB as a direct replacement

Owner: Oakingham StudBreeder: A BrinkmanBreeding: Baltic VDL, out of a Concorde mare

The travelling reserve is:

John Whitaker with 14-year-old gelding Equine America Unick Du Francport

Owners: John and his wife Clare WhitakerBreeder: Laurent BailletBreeding: Zandor, out of a Helios De La Cour mareGroom: Kerry Finch

The reserves are:

Amy Inglis with 14-year-old mare Wishes

Owner: Amy’s mother Claire InglisBreeder: Claire InglisBreeding: Guidam, out of a Wellington mare

Jodie Hall McAteer, with 13-year-old gelding Salt ‘n’ Peppa

Owner: Jodie’s mother Mandy HallBreeder: Heinrich ZettelBreeding: Stolzenberg, out of an Escudo mare

Ellen Whitaker with 10-year-old mare Equine America Spacecake

Owner: Tilly ShawBreeder: Gestüt LewitzBreeding: Stakkatol, out of a Kannan mare

Selection decisions for the British team for the showjumping World Championships are subject to the athlete and horse maintaining fitness and performance, and this list may be amended at any point until 25 July 2022.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The British entries for the showjumping World Championships have been announced.

British Equestrian and the British Showjumping selectors have revealed the 14 horse and rider combinations from which the squad of four, plus one reserve combination, travelling to Herning, Denmark (6-14 August), will be drawn.

British entries for showjumping World Championships

In alphabetical order by surname, the combinations are:

Scott Brash with 13-year-old gelding Hello Jefferson

Owner: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Bernard Mols (BEL)

Breeding: by Cooper Van De Heffink, out of a mare by Irco Mena

Harry Charles with 11-year-old mare Aralyn Blue

Owner: Ann Thompson

Breeder: Franjo Udovc (SLO)

Breeding: by Chacco-Blue, out of a mare by Ludwig AS

Harry Charles with 12-year-old Casquo BlueOwner: Stall ZetBreeder: Gestuet Lewitz (GER)Breeding: by Chacco-Blue, out of a mare by Carthago Z

Harry Charles with 13-year-old gelding Romeo 88Owner: Harry and Ann ThompsonBreeder: Picobello Horses (BEL)Breeding: By Contact Van De Heffinck, out of a mare by Orlando

Harry Charles with 12-year-old mare StardustOwner: Pembroke Holdings and Stall ZetBreeder: Gestüt Lewitz (GER)Breeding: By Chacco-Blue, out of a mare by Con Air

Jodie Hall McAteer with 13-year-old gelding Salt’n PeppaOwner: Mandy HallBreeder: Breeder: Heinrich Zettel GER)Breeding: By Stolzenberg, out of a mare by Escudo

Amy Inglis with 14-year-old mare WishesOwner: Amy’s mother Claire InglisBreeder: Claire Inglis (GBR)Breeding: By Guidam, out of a mare by Wellington

Ben Maher with 12-year-old gelding Explosion W

Owner: Ben, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: W Wijnen (NED)

Breeding: By Chacco-Blue, out of a mare by Baloubet du Rouet

Ben Maher with 12-year-old stallion Faltic HBOwner: Oakingham StudBreeder: H A Brinkman (NED)Breeding: By Baltic VDL, out of a mare by Concorde

Matthew Sampson with 12-year-old gelding Fabrice DNOwner: Luis Alejandro Plascencia OBreeder: D Noordhuis (NED)Breeding: By Gelha’s VDL Emilion, out of a mare by Baloubet Du Rouet

Joe Stockdale with 10-year-old mare Equine America Cacharel

Owner: Joy Cocklin and Joe’s mother Laura Stockdale

Breeder: Bohm Helmut (GER)

Breeding: By Cachas, out of a mare by Quinar

Ellen Whitaker with 10-year-old mare Equine America Spacecake

Owner: Tilly Shaw

Breeder: Gestüt Lewitz (GER)

Breeding: By Stakkatol, out of a mare by Kannan

Jack Whitaker with 13-year-old stallion Equine America Valmy De La Lande

Owner: Michael Whitaker

Breeder: Jérome Leconte (FRA)

Breeding: By My Lord Carthago, out of a mare by Starter

John Whitaker with 14-year-old gelding Equine America Unick De Francport

Owner: John and his wife Clare Whitaker

Breeder: Laurent Baillet (FRA)

Breeding: By Zandor, out of a mare by Helios de la Cour II

The names of the grooms for each horse will be included in the final squad announcement.

You might also be interested in:

‘I hope that’s secured my world champs spot’: exciting night for Team GB in Aachen Nations Cup

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World-class British entries announced for 2022 eventing World Championships

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

From five-star action at the historic shows of Hamburg and Rome, to two-star sport on home soil, there was plenty to write home about for British and Irish riders competing internationally this weekend – as well as one pioneering Polish rider.

Here is your weekly round-up of international jumping action.

1. First female Derby winner since Caroline Bradley in 1975.

It is hard to fathom that, until Sunday, the last female winner of the historic Hamburg Derby had been Caroline Bradley riding New Yorker in 1975. Fast forward 47 years and, jumping the only clear in a four-way jump-off, Hamburg-based Polish rider Cassandra Orschel seized a dramatic victory with the 11-year-old Dacara E. The delight she showed on her lap of honour (pictured) revealed just how much it meant to win this legendary class.

“Not only is this the biggest success in my career, I’m also one of only five women who ever win the Derby in Hamburg,” she said. “It was a day full of emotions!”

• Hamburg Derby results.

2. Two legends team up for victory – one of whom only needs one rein!

In the Global Champions League (GCL) at Hamburg, the legendary pair of John Whitaker and Marcus Ehning teamed up to claim top honours representing Valkenswaard United. However, John had a “scary” moment approaching the final fence in the first round when he dropped his left rein on Equine America Unick Du Francport.

“It all happened so quickly,” said John. “It was a bit scary but I tried not to panic – I think we got away with it!”

With some quick thinking and skilful horsemanship, the pair managed to clear the huge oxer and provide the first of two clears that propelled Valkenswaard United to victory. John and Marcus thrilled the crowds throughout the competition, but particularly with their antics on the podium – Marcus offering his senior counterpart a leg-up on to the stage.

“I was just trying to think positive and jump clear,” said John after his less eventful second round. “Marcus had a really unlucky fault but you have to keep fighting and my horse is on form.”

Marcus, who rode his great partner Stargold, added: “The pressure was on because we haven’t done too well over the last stages. But John is used to it so I thought I would put him under some more pressure and he pulled it off again! Picking up maximum points for the championship is so important and this gives us a lot of hope for the next shows.”

• Global Champions League of Hamburg results.

3. Double clear for Equine America Spacecake in first Nations Cup

Ellen Whitaker said she “couldn’t be prouder of our amazing horse and my team” after she rode Tilly Shaw’s 10-year-old mare Equine America Spacecake to a double clear in their first Nations Cup together in Rome. The team finished sixth to winners France but it was a particularly exciting debut for this pair.

“Hard work as it is – sometimes you just have to enjoy every moment,” said Ellen, who was joined by her brother Donald Whitaker (Di Caprio), Joe Stockdale (Equine America Cacharel) and James Wilson (Imagine De Muze) in representing Great Britain in the five-star competition.

• Rome Nations Cup results.

4. Ireland win Lisbon Nations Cup

The Irish squad of Richard Howley (Consulent De Prelet Z), Jessica Burke (Namamia), Kevin Gallagher (Ballypatrick Flamenco) and Jenny Rankin (Carmela Z) combined for a tremendous victory in the Longines EEF Nations Cup of Lisbon. Great Britain’s young team finished eighth and following the theme of British siblings on teams (see above), Olli and William Fletcher were part of the team, alongside Karl Robins and Sienna Charles.

• Lisbon Nations Cup results.

5. “When I got him, it was disastrous”: Lynch lands a historic second victory in Rome

Denis Lynch and new ride Brooklyn Heights (pictured above) triumphed in the CSIO5* Rolex grand prix in Rome, Denis becoming the first Irishman to win the historic class twice, having first claimed the title in 2008 on Lantinus. The 13-year-old Brooklyn Heights (Nabab De Reve x For Pleasure) has had a string of different riders in his career and Denis has only been riding him for four months but it was a case of trial and error finding the key to riding him.

“When I got him in the beginning I tried to go quick and it was disastrous, but in the last few weeks the horse has really grown with me, and given me and him incredible confidence,” said Denis. “He is quite strong. He’s a bit special, I’ve never had a horse like this before with his mentality. He’s not typical, he likes to be hacked out, you don’t work him at home and when we tried him and bought him we thought he’d be a good 1.50m horse. When he jumps 1.10m it feels big, when you jump 1.20m it feels big but when you get him in the arena in a good canter he really excels and it’s really incredible what he’s done today!”

From 50 starters in Sunday’s class, 13 of the 16 clears elected to jump off over Uliano Vezzani’s snaking track and Denis seized the advantage of last draw to pip long-time leader 30-year-old Jana Wargers from Germany riding Limbridge, with Italy’s Piergiorgio Bucci (Cochello) third for home side Italy.

“I think what I learned from 2008 with Lantinus is that when you come to a show like this with a great horse you really have to give it your best, and give that horse the best opportunity, and on a day like today it would be disappointing if I made a mistake because he didn’t want to make a mistake,” said Denis. “That’s what these great horses teach you. You have to give them your full focus and concentration because they are rare, and I’m very lucky to have a great horse again.”

• Full results from the Rome grand prix.

6. Victory for Edwards – with a little help from ice packs and paracetamol

Welsh showjumper Mark Edwards scored an incredible hat-trick with home-bred horses at the CSI2* Chard, Somerset, including the top-billed grand prix — all despite a foot injury.

“I was leading a horse out on Tuesday and it jumped on my foot. I wondered if it was broken but it’s just badly bruised. Ice packs and paracetamol have eased it and I got my boots on and managed to ride on Thursday,” said Mark. “It’s harder to walk than to ride and still sore; walking the distances on the course-walk is the hardest part.”

Mark made up time early on in the jump-off with tight lines, maintaining his momentum in the latter stages, scything a turn to the final oxer to cut the leading time by 0.89sec.

“Montreuxs Tale is so quick and covers the ground, I never have to chase after him,” said Mark. “ We made time up between the first two fences and kept it up.”

• Results from the CSI2* Chard grand prix.

7. Ahlmann scores ‘one of the biggest goals of the year’

Home hero Christian Ahlmann landed Saturday’s Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix of Hamburg riding his top stallion Dominator 2000 Z, just ahead of Ireland’s Mikey Pender on HHS Calais, who finished equal second after posting the same time as the European champions Andre Thieme on DSP Chakaria, to take his first LGCT grand prix podium.

According to Christian, earning his ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix in November was “one of the biggest goals of the year” and he takes over as championship leader in the overall standings.

“It’s an amazing win in front of a home crowd,” he said. “I know the ring very well and I know Dominator very well, we had our difficulties at the start of this show but today he jumped amazing and he gave everything so we had a perfect day. I was hoping for this golden ticket but I didn’t expect it today.”

• Results from the LGCT grand prix of Hamburg.

You might also be interested in:

Teenage Derby horses, Holly Smith, and a son of the great Hickstead: who won showjumping ribbons at the weekend?

The next Mikey Pender? Four-year-old boy with an eye for sharp turns hopes to make waves in showjumping

A jubilant 23yo, a soaring stallion and a rider with no stirrup: who won showjumping ribbons at the weekend (and who missed his flight as a result)?

Meet the stunning stallion being touted as one of Britain’s greatest young talents

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

At the recent World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany (7-10 April), 20-year-old Jack Whitaker finished a brilliant fifth, just one penalty point off the podium, riding Equine America Valmy De La Lande.

But the talented young rider also used the show to make his international debut with a new horse — the 13-year-old stallion Arena UK Winston, who has been a top ride for Jack’s cousin Ellen Whitaker for the past seven years.

“Ellen used to ride him, but she thought maybe the ride better suited me and, just through various conversations, he ended up at our yard just a couple of weeks ago,” Jack told H&H.

“I’m excited about him – he’s 13 now so not at the start of his career, but certainly not at the end.”

In Leipzig, the pair jumped round for just four faults in the CSI3* grand prix.

“We’re not sure of future plans yet,” explained Jack. “I am in Mexico and Miami [for the Longines Global Champions Tour] over the next few weeks, so the next show for him after that might be Windsor — we’ve got to make a plan now.”

Arena UK Winston is an Irish sport horse by Waldo Van Dungen x Hamilton Tropics, bred by Brenda Morelli of New Priory Stud.

Ellen first starting riding Winston for owner Norman Oley as a four-year-old, taking over from Laura Mantel and describing him as an “explosive, beautiful type, very blood and extremely balanced for his age”.

They went on to compete in Nations Cups for Great Britain, helping Ellen make her return to senior British teams for the first time after a seven-year absence, and were placed in grands prix up to CSI4* level.

“He’s actually very easy to ride for a big [17.2hh] stallion, but I have struggled — there were periods when I felt over-horsed,” she said. “He loves a big grass arena, he’s a brilliant water jumper, he’s so quick against the clock and my proudest moment came when he jumped double clear in the Nations Cup in Gijon [in 2019].”

You might also be interested in:

‘I guess it’s not bad for two young lads’: Harry Charles and Jack Whitaker both in top five at World Cup Final

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

British showjumper Amanda Derbyshire has made the “heartbreaking” decision to retire her championship mare Luibanta BH at the age of 14.

“Lulu” can be credited for taking Amanda to the highest level of the sport and really helped to put her on the map. The pair helped Great Britain win team bronze, and earn Olympic qualification, at the 2019 European Showjumping Championships, they jumped to 17th individually at the World Equestrian Games in 2018 and earned many five-star placings.

But last year the Luidam daughter was diagnosed with spondylosis, a degenerative condition of the spinal column, and she will now be taking a step back from the sport to hopefully breed the next generation of top-class jumpers.

“Lulu gave me everything for the last five years, she was a little mare with the biggest of hearts,” said Amanda. “I’ll never be able to thank her enough for all she has given me, from jumping my first five-star grand prix to winning my first Nations Cup and many other classes.”

Luibanta was originally produced by Ellen Whitaker and Amanda began riding the mare as an eight-year-old in 2016.

“I remember going to Ellen’s to try a different horse and it wasn’t what I was looking for,” Amanda told H&H. “Ellen told me about Lulu but said she was very unfit and wasn’t ready to try because she had been on a break but I could do a few jumps if I wanted. We watched a video of her doing the seven-year-old classes at the Sunshine Tour and I liked the look of her. I tried her that day and the rest is history.

“I never expected her to take me to that level, but it just shows you what the heart can achieve. Lulu always believed in herself and thankfully she believed in me too.”

Amanda said Luibanta had given her “so many proud moments” but that team bronze at the European Championships in Rotterdam in 2019 (pictured below) was the stand-out.

“The plan that summer was to aim [my other horse] Roulette at the Europeans but after our fall at Hickstead, plans had to change,” she said. “I was at an all-time low mentally, but thankfully due to an amazing and supportive team around me, I got chosen to represent my country on Lulu instead. Lulu stepped right up and gave Team Great Britain all she had to help secure not only a medal but our Olympic place. Standing on the podium is a memory I will cherish for ever.

“Winning my first Nations Cup in Florida also stands out, and making it to the final of the World Equestrian Games. No matter what, Lulu always gave you her all — she was so versatile, from winning the speed final at Washington to getting top ribbons in several five-star grands prix, she really could do it all.”

“What made her so incredible was her heart, she was a little mare but you never felt like any track was too big,” she added. “I never walked a course and thought we couldn’t do it, that’s the feeling she always gave you. She made you believe.”

During the summer of 2020, Luibanta had been in flying form and US-based Amanda gave her a two-month holiday before gearing her up for the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida at the start of 2021.

“Although she was very sound, she felt stiff in her back and neck when I started jumping her and didn’t feel quite the same,” explained Amanda. “We spent a lot of time investigating and trying different things but after many treatments she still didn’t feel like the same horse when it came to jumping.

“In the summer she got diagnosed with spondylosis. Although if managed correctly she could have continued her career at a lower level, I just didn’t think she deserved that. Lulu had given me everything, made so many of my dreams come true, she owed me nothing. Her heart was always so big and I wanted her to end her amazing career at the top of the sport where she belonged.

“In October I made the heartbreaking decision to retire her. As a barn favourite it was hard to let her leave our team, so she travelled to Florida with us and has spent the past four months hanging out in the sunshine, going on an occasional hack and eating lots of treats!”

Luibanta flew back to the UK last week and will head to Amanda’s family home to enjoy her retirement.

“We are planning on doing embryos with her, as I don’t want to put her under any unnecessary pain whilst carrying a foal with her spine condition,” said Amanda, who is currently considering stallion choices but has “plenty of fun ideas”.

Amanda also paid tribute to the Gochman family who owned Luibanta and the whole team who have helped along the way, “who cared and supported us on our exciting journey”.

Amanda has some exciting new horsepower in her string, including the British-bred 10-year-old mare Wonder If, a daughter of Cevin Z who she bought from Emma McGlynn.

“I’m very excited about the future with her, she has been produced slowly and correctly and she’s now ready to step up to the next level,” said Amanda. “We also bought MHS Cardenta, an eight-year-old from Ireland who I’ve just started doing some 1.45 classes on, and a nine-year-old mare called Chanteric who I’m just starting out doing some 1.40 classes on.”

Amanda also has two exciting six-year-olds who are currently in the UK being produced by Emma Stoker and Declan Irvine.

“Of course we are still searching for my next ‘Lulu’!” she said. “I desperately want to get back up to the level to ride for my country again, so for now I’m working hard and being patient.”

But Amanda’s final words are paid in tribute to the unforgettable Luibanta: “You made so many of this little girl’s dreams come true and for that I owe you everything.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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Britain has named a stellar list from which the British Olympic showjumping team for Tokyo will be drawn.

British Equestrian (BEF) and British Showjumping selectors have today (3 June) confirmed the nine combinations and three reserves who will be submitted to the FEI as the nominated entries for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Only those who appear on this list may be put forward for selection.

Showjumping performance manager Di Lampard told H&H: “I’m absolutely delighted with the 12 combinations we’re putting forward at nominated entry stage. My fellow selectors and I were in total agreement when putting the list together and I’m excited for the next phase as we count down to final selection and the Games.”

In alphabetical order by rider surname, the entries are:

• Scott Brash, with Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham’s 12-year-old gelding Hello Jefferson (breeder: Bernard Mols)
• Harry Charles, with his own and Ann Thompson’s 12-year-old gelding Romeo 88 (breeder: Picobello Horses)
• William Funnell, with the Billy Stud’s 11-year-old gelding Equine America Billy Diamo (breeders: William Funnell and Donal Barnwell)
• Ben Maher, with his own, Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright’s 12-year-old gelding Explosion W (breeder: W Wijnen)
• Emily Moffitt, with Poden Farms and Neil and Heidi Moffitt’s 12-year-old gelding Winning Good (breeder: WFM van Gestel)
• Holly Smith, with Ian Dowie’s 13-year-old gelding Denver (breeder: MG and AA Woertman)
• Alexandra Thornton, with Dunwalke Ltd’s 15-year-old gelding Cornetto K (breeder: Johann Krull NED)
• Ellen Whitaker, with Norman Oley’s 12-year-old gelding Arena UK Winston (breeder: Brenda Morelli)
• James Wilson, with Heather Larson and Susan Larson’s 13-year-old mare Imagine de Muze (breeder: Joris De Brabander)

Scott Brash and Harry Charles also have horses as direct reserves: Scott with Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham’s 12-year-old gelding Hello Senator (breeder: Henstra and Henstra) and as second reserve, Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham’s 12-year-old gelding Hello Vincent (breeder: Raphael Dulin and Annick Dulin Legoupil)

Harry’s reserve, subject to successfully completing a minimum eligibility requirement competition, is Princess Haya Bint A Hussein and Peter Charles’s 13-year-old mare Irenice Horta (breeder: Wim Van Rossem)

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Selection decisions are subject to rider and horse maintaining fitness and performance, and this list may be amended at any point up to 21 June. The squad of four combinations to travel to Tokyo, plus non-travelling reserves, will be announced on 28 June.

The dressage nominated list, and that for the squad for the Paralympics, will be announced on or around 18 June.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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From John Whitaker to Ben Maher, today’s leading riders didn’t get where they are without appearing on the pages of H&H along the way. So we decided to have a flick through the archives to remember when they were bobbing about on ponies or picked out as “Olympic hopefuls” by some of our shrewd reporters… and what we wrote about them way back when…

1. Stephen and Robert Smith

Both of Harvey Smith’s sons were making a name for themselves as the 1970s progressed and in 1977 a report from the Junior European Championships read: “At the same time as the British A team was winning the Prince Of Wales Cup at Hickstead, the British junior team won the European Championship at La Tour De Peilz in Switzerland. Team members were Jean Germany on Dark Vale, Harvey Smith’s sons Robert riding Royal Rufus and Stephen on Alabama, and Stephen Vallance on Moydrum. In the second round it was essential for Robert Smith and Royal Rufus to jump clear. This they achieved in excellent style. The team members each received a beautiful watch.”

2. Annette Lewis

Anyone who remembers the glorious, acrobatic antics of Annette Lewis and the grey Tutein, will spot her trademark style in this early image from Aldershot Horse Show in the late 1970s. Genevieve Murphy’s report read: “The Lewis sisters [Annette and Michelle] both added to their substantial store of prizes already won this season. Annette Lewis on Provencal dead-heated with Julie King on Norseman IV in the Junior Open, while Michelle Lewis finished 1.4sec behind on Ironside to take third place.” The writer also observed: “Most of those who go out of juniors at the end of the year are already set to ride horses next season and some of them will surely turn out to be our international riders of the future.”

3. Clem McMahon

In 1990, “A strong Irish contingent” took the overall trophy at the Scottish Home Pony International at Muirmill in Scotland, thanks in no small part to the country’s winning 13.2hh team, which fielded soon-to-be leading international rider Clem McMahon.

4. Ben Maher

Another to make his H&H debut on ponies is Ben Maher who, with Dusty Boy, won team gold medals at consecutive Pony European Jumping Championships in 1997 and 1998.

5. Ellen Whitaker

A 13-year-old Ellen Whitaker is spotted in H&H, having captured the final leg of the 1999 Young Show Jumper Award series — and earning her place at the Olympia final — at her first attempt. Reporter Suzanne Jones wrote: “Based at Michael [Whitaker]’s Nottinghamshire yard, Jasper’s Gold has only been ridden by Ellen when their shows coincide. “We picked him up last night especially for this class,” said Ellen’s mother Carol. “And we return him to Michael after Wembley.”

6. Robert Power and Dan Skelton

Now leading lights of National Hunt racing, both jockey Robert and trainer Dan made their names as young showjumpers. In the same year as an 18-year Robert was pictured competing in the international show at Towerlands, a 14-year-old Daniel Skelton “looked every inch the professional” when winning the Blue Chip Junior Novice qualifier at Gracelands riding Bodyguard.

7. Michael Mac

The late Michael Mac was pinpointed as “one of the most successful juniors to date this season” by H&H writer Henry Birtwhistle in 1977: “He was 15 earlier this year, so could, technically have another season on ponies, but he has grown so rapidly over the past 18 months this will not be possible. He started jumping two horses during the winter, but was especially anxious to have a season on his good grey The Cossack IV; the pony was out of action due to injury for much of the 1976 season. This year the partnership has amassed an impressive total of firsts at Walsgrave, Bicton, Mill Lodge, Trent Park, Arena North and others.”

8. Malin Baryard-Johnsson and Shane Breen

In “a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit” a glittering cast of riders stepped up to the podium for the European Pony Championships held at Pratoni Del Vivaro, Italy, in 1990. Joining British rider Scott Smith’s individual bronze, were Sweden’s Malin Baryard, who earned the gold medal, while Shane Breen of Ireland clinched silver.

9. Nick Skelton

The now double Olympic champion had already made a name for himself as a junior but in 1977, a year before earning his first senior cap abroad, Nick was making waves in amateur classes alongside the likes of Graham Fletcher, Tim Grubb and Tony Newbery. At the Lancashire international show at Arena North, H&H’s Henry Birtwhistle reported on an unusual prize: “The consistently successful Nick Skelton took the Victor Ludorum and with it the Berger prize of decorating to the value of £500, which I understand is likely to be used on Ted Edgar’s stables!”

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10. John Whitaker

And finally… never a truer word was written in October 1975 when one H&H writer observed a young John Whitaker in action: “Through this season when John has really made his mark in top competition, earning himself a place on the Olympic short-list, the hallmark of his riding has been his considerable composure and unusually well-developed sense of balance.”

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Continuing our series on stars we can’t wait to see once shows start up again, Jennifer Donald meets an impressive stallion who has helped to put Ellen Whitaker back on the map

Arena UK Winston

Age: 11

Breeding: Irish Sport Horse, Waldo Van Dungen x Hamilton Tropics

Owner: Norman Oley

Rider: Ellen Whitaker

Breeder: Brenda Morelli of New Priory Stud

Greatest achievements: several team appearances, including double clear to help Britain finish second in the CSIO5* Nations Cup of Gijon, Spain (September 2019); won CSI2* grand prix in Opglabbeek, Belgium (June 2017); third in the CSI4* grand prix of Bolesworth (June 2019); successful in young horse classes and won the CSI3* small grand prix on the Sunshine Tour (February 2020).Horse of the Year show supreme pony Coco Bongo

Rider Ellen Whitaker

“After trying Winston as a four-year-old, I couldn’t buy him fast enough. We saw him jumping at Arena UK with Laura Mantel – he was pretty expensive and I said to Norman Oley, ‘It’s up to you’, obviously with everything crossed for a yes, and a few hours later he found me and said, ‘Let’s go for it.’

“He was explosive, a beautiful type, very blood and extremely balanced for his age. It’s a calculated gamble buying horses that young, but it was clear he was good and he’s matured and now has a couple of years of top-level experience under his belt. He’s actually very easy to ride for a 17.2hh stallion, but I have struggled – there were periods when I felt over-horsed. He’s powerful and I felt I needed more strength to get the best from him. But I’ve worked on that a lot and it has helped.

“He loves a big grass arena, he’s a brilliant water jumper, he’s so quick against the clock and my proudest moment came when he jumped double clear in the Nations Cup in Gijon last year.

“We have been through a lot together and it hasn’t been easy, so I’m forever thankful to Norman for his support. Winston means a lot to me and I would love to see him shine – we are working hard for it.”

Owner Norman Oley

“I’ve never met anyone who has such an eye for a horse as Ellen. I’d had a few horses with her before — such as Luibanta and Arena UK Lando — so when she spotted Winston we bit the bullet and bought him. The best thing is he’s put her back where she belongs at the top of the sport, because she had been really short of horses. She’s produced him slowly and worked so hard. I get to own this amazing horse, but in a sense she does too.

“To win gold at the Olympics would of course be the dream, and perhaps that could happen next year, but we just enjoy travelling around to watch him when we can and there will hopefully be more to come when life gets back to normal.”

Groom Abi Hemming

“He’s every groom’s dream, especially for a stallion! But when I started looking after him last year he was a bit wild — he used to take the mick because people were frightened of him, but he just needs someone with knowledge of dealing with stallions. I do everything with him and now he follows me around and he’ll do anything to make you happy. He’s still cheeky and has a nibble now and then but he gets really sad if he’s been naughty. He is such a character.

“You’d think such a big horse would eat like a gannet, but he’s very fussy, so I have to keep an eye on him and change his feed around a bit. He also won’t take food off people he doesn’t know.

“He loves hacking every day and we take him to the spa and treadmill twice a week.

“My adrenaline soars when he’s in the ring, I get so nervous, and when I saw the Nations Cup course in Gijon I thought, ‘My poor baby has to jump that – it’s huge!’ In the past he’d been a bit funny in jump-offs and had given up on Ellen. So after the first round, I took him back to the stable, said, ‘Come on pal,’ gave him a full bath to cool him off and spent a good hour and half with him until he went back in the ring.

“He jumped another clear and Ellen couldn’t believe it – he’d fought for her the whole way round. I’d just freshened him up and spent time with him, which makes him love me and in return he tries harder for her.”

Ref Horse & Hound; 25 June 2020

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Ellen Whitaker has been selected to represent Great Britain on home soil for the first time in over a decade.

The Yorkshire rider received the call-up for the Nations Cup squad at Hickstead next week (26 July) after William Funnell withdrew his horse Billy Diamo.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” Ellen told H&H. “The horses have been getting better and better these past few months. We’ve been busy going to a few big shows and we seem to have found a good level of form.”

Ellen has just returned from competing at the CSI5* Longines Global Champions Tour of Chantilly with her two top horses, the 10-year-olds Jack Van’t Kattenheye and Arena UK Winston — the latter being her Nations Cup ride.

“I’m so proud of them both,” said Ellen, who last jumped in the Hickstead Nations Cup in 2007 with her great stallion Locarno.

The squad selected for next week’s crucial point-scoring leg of the series also includes Amy Inglis on Wishes, Ben Maher with either Concona or Tic Tac, James Wilson on Imagine De Muze and Amanda Derbyshire with the Ellen Whitaker-produced Luibanta BH or Roulette BH.

Holly Smith was forced to miss the event as she broke her collarbone in a fall 10 days ago.

William Funnell was originally selected for the team but made the decision to withdraw with the nine-year-old Billy Diamo.

“The horse came to form very early at Windsor,” said Great Britain’s performance manager Di Lampard of William’s third-place finish in the Rolex grand prix there.

“He’s really inexperienced for a nine-year-old and is still developing so we’re looking at the bigger picture with him. The horse has Tokyo written all over it.

“But Ellen has been building up her horses really well this year. I’ve been working really hard trying to get our riders into the bigger shows and Ellen earned a wild-card to Chantilly after Holly Smith broke her collarbone.

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“She proved there that she is competitive at five-star level.

“We have several very exciting partnerships at the moment, there’s a lot to look forward to.”

The Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of Great Britain CSIO5* takes place at Hickstead on Friday 26 July at 2.15pm.

Don’t miss our special preview of the Royal International Horse Show in this week’s H&H magazine (18 July), including what it takes to win the supreme championship and much more. Plus, read our interview with young showjumper Amy Inglis as she tells us about her step up from a successful junior career.

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Showjumper Ellen Whitaker is back on a senior British team after a seven-year absence, with a horse she describes as “one of the best I’ve ever had”.

Ellen and nine-year-old Arena UK Winston, owned by Norman Oley, have been named in the squad to contest the three-star Nations Cup in Lisbon, Portugal, from 31 May to 3 June.

The rider, who was on the bronze medal-winning team at the 2007 European Championships, last appeared on a Nations Cup team in 2011, since when she has had two children with her partner Antonio Marinas Soto.

“It’s really exciting,” she told H&H. “It’s especially good because we got this horse, Winston, as a four-year-old with the highest of hopes.

“It doesn’t always work out when you buy a young horse; you think they’re the best in the world and then they don’t quite make it so it’s lovely to have had him since he was four and take him to this level.”

Ellen explained that while she has been busy with her sons, Harry and Frankie, Winston has been “working his way up slowly”.

“But it all seems to be coming together,” she added. “He went to Mannheim [Germany, 5-8 May] which is a three-star show but seems to be renowned for being big and difficult and he was really good; I’m really excited about this year with him.”

Ellen compared the 18hh Irish sport horse to her former ride Locarno, with whom she enjoyed success at top level all over the world.

“He’s probably one of the best I’ve ever had,” she said.

“Locarno would be the best before him and I think Winston has everything he had; they’re very different but have very similar qualities. He’s a huge horse, which Locarno wasn’t, but with lots of scope and carefulness.

“But we bought Locarno as a five-year-old and I think when you’ve had them since they were so young, you know them so well, it really helps at the higher levels.”

The combination have also qualified for selection for the World Equestrian Games (WEG) this September.

“Di [Lampard, British Showjumping performance manager] was watching him on the Sunshine Tour this year and we were talking about when he’d be ready [for a Nations Cup] and he was very strong, and has kept going since so hopefully he is ready!” Ellen said.

“It’s all about mileage and experience now; they can be ready physically and in fitness but the only way they learn to do everything is to do it, so this will be really good for him.

“I had always had a vision for him but I think horses let you know what they are and aren’t ready for. And although I didn’t actually think I would try to go to WEG – as I think that can sometimes make you push them a bit more than they’re ready for – he seems to have come on so much.

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“So you never know, and WEG’s looking a lot closer now than it was!”

The other members of the squad are Amy Inglis on Claire Inglis’s Wishes, Jake Saywell on Rachel Gascoine’s Havinia van de Roshoeve, Georgia Tame on Team Z7’s Cash Up and Robert Whitaker on the Oestreng family’s Cash Sent.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

This week’s edition (17 May) features a full report from Royal Windsor Horse Show, including all the showing, showjumping and dressage action. We go behind the scenes with the Household Cavalry as they prepare for the royal wedding, plus check out our interview with Irish eventer Padraig McCarthy.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Update: Ellen Whitaker’s missing dog has been found and is now back with the Marinas Whitaker family.

Ellen thanked the public for their support in tracing Betty.

“Thank you so much everybody for your help,” she said. “We can’t thank you all enough! We are sure it’s because of Facebook that they let her go.”

Ellen Whitaker and her family were “devastated” after their beloved pug went missing at a two-star show in Spain.

The British showjumper believed her pet was stolen at the event in Seville on Sunday (8 April).

A reward was offered for the safe return of the fawn-coloured bitch.

Betty is a close companion to Ellen, her Spanish showjumper partner Antonio Marinas Soto and their sons Harry and Frankie.

“We are devastated that it looks like someone has stolen our little pug,” said Barnsley-based Ellen.

“She loves her family and it’s extremely out of character for her to go anywhere without us. Our children are devastated.

“Any information or help would be very much appreciated.”

Betty was last seen at 8.30am on Sunday before she disappeared and was wearing a brown and red collar.

An influential rider

Ellen is the daughter of Steven Whitaker, John and Michael’s brother. She competed at her first affiliated show at the age of five and by the time she was eight she had qualified for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

She became one of the youngest riders to represent Great Britain when she competed at the European Championships in Germany in 2007 aged 21, jumping triple clear to secure team bronze for Britain.

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Ellen has won numerous prestigious events including the 2007 and 2010 Hickstead speed derby and the 2009 HOYS puissance.

In May 2014, she had her first baby, Harry Marinas Whitaker. She and Antonio added Frankie Thomas Marinas-Whitaker to their family in March 2016.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

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Don't miss these edge-of-your seat, hair-raising moments from across the disciplines that caught us (and those pictured) by surprise this year...

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15 riders reach the point of no return

We’ve all been there — one minute you’re enjoying the ride of your life and the next you experience that

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Showjumper Ellen Whitaker has given birth to her first child — a boy called Harry.

Harry Marinas Whitaker is the first child for the 28-year-old and her partner, Spanish showjumper Antonio Marinas Soto.

Ellen had an emergency c-section on Saturday (17 May) as the baby was two weeks overdue. He was born at 6.57pm and weighed 8lb 1oz.

Ellen’s cousin William is also expecting his 2nd child with partner Elisabeth. They already have a daughter, Isabella, who is 2. The baby is due in August.

Will this new generation of Whitakers be successful showjumpers too?

Ellen Whitaker’s family tree

Ellen is the daughter of Steven Whitaker, who is brother to top showjumpers Michael and John. They also have a brother called Ian, who did not follow the family tradition to become a showjumper, although his son William — Ellen’s cousin — has enjoyed considerable success. Steven is married to Carol and in addition to Ellen, they have three sons: Joe, Thomas and Donald. Ellen’s successful showjumping cousins also include John’s son Robert.

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The showjumping circuit is set to have another member of it’s most famous family among its ranks as Ellen Whitaker has announced she is pregnant with her first child.

“My boyfriend Toni and I are expecting our first baby on 4 May and we are so happy,” Ellen said in a statement.

“We can’t wait to be parents and although it means I’ll be taking a short break I expect to be back in the saddle again later this summer.”

Ellen is the daughter of Steven Whitaker, John and Michael’s brother.  Ellen competed at her first affiliated show at the age 5 and by the time she was 8 she had qualified for Horse of the Year Show.

Ellen has had many successes since, including winning the Hickstead Speed Derby in 2007 and 2010 and finishing second to her uncle John in the 2004 Hickstead Derby.

The new arrival will join the Whitaker equestrian dynasty in which there are already 13 nieces and nephews who are all involved with horses.

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An 11-year-girl from Cheshire, suffering from cancer, was granted her wish last month when she met showjumper Ellen Whitaker at the Horse of the Year Show.

Make-A-Wish Foundation UK – a charity that grants wishes to children fighting life-threatening illnesses – arranged the meeting for keen rider Lauren Bernado.

Ellen said: “I was really pleased to meet Lauren. She seemed like a very special little girl and she is certainly horse-mad, which is good!”

Lauren was able to enjoy the Pony Club mounted games and the musical ride of the Household Cavalry before meeting Ellen in the warm-up ring and asking her about her showjumping career.

Lauren’s mother Cara said: “This is something that we could never have arranged for her. The way her eyes lit up when she met Ellen was just lovely.”

In January 2010 Lauren was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma (a cancerous tumour of the muscles) and had to undergo chemotherapy for six months.

There are currently 20,000 children and young people in the UK fighting a life-threatening illness.

In a year 1,200 children will turn to Make-A-Wish to have their dreams realised but the charity needs to raise £5.5m to achieve this.

To refer a child for a wish or to make a donation, visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk

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Showjumper Ellen Whitaker has been banned from driving for 18months for being caught at more than twice the legal alcohol limit.

Police confirmed to H&H she was stopped at around 2am on Monday 19 September in a Range Rover.

The 25-year-old rider had been at a charity ball in Cheshire and was returning home when she was pulled over on the Warrington Road in Knutsford.

Ellen, who is engaged to Hollywood actor and star of The Tudors Henry Cavill, was arrested and found to be more than double the legal limit. Her reading was 77mg of alcohol, the limit is 35mg.

Ellen appeared before Macclesfield Magistrates on 12 October and pleaded guilty of drink driving. She has been banned for 18 months, fined £150 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £15 victim surcharge.

A spokeswoman said Ellen was “very sorry” and she would “never condone drink-driving.”

“She had been at a charity ball and hadn’t had a chance to eat before. She had no idea she was over the legal limit when she got into the car,” she said.

“Having driven less than a mile, Ellen realised she might be over the legal limit and turned round to return to her friend’s house. It was on the way back that the police stopped her.”

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All year, Guy Williams has been bullish about his chances of winning the Horse & Hound Foxhunter with Djakarta, and on Thursday evening at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) he proved as good as his word.

In an absolute thriller of a jump-off, the Kent rider took an early advantage with Andrew Doswell’s ultra-speedy eight-year-old daughter of Thunder Van De Zuuthoeve.

“I half expected it — I knew if I rode well she’d win it,” said Guy. “She’s won nearly every class we’ve entered this year.”

Robert Maguire made a brave attempt from last draw with Beckham IV, a seven-year-old gelding by Indoctro, but was 2sec adrift for second. Daniel Moseley gave Billy Mexico a great ride for third place. This six-year-old stallion son of Cevin Z is definitely going places.

International classes

In the three international classes, Nick Skelton scored a winning double with Big Star in the Jump 4 Joy Trophy and Unique in the Grandstand Welcome Stakes.

“It was a nice course to get started on and Unique has come back fresh from a good break,” said Nick of Beverley Widdowson’s 10-year-old gelding.

This was Big Star’s first foray indoors this season and Nick set off on a schooling round, but soon changed his mind on the eight-year-old gelding he describes as a “machine”.

“He’s a fast horse anyway, but we got on a roll so I let him keep going,” he said.

Ellen Whitaker gave the home side another turn in the spotlight when she and Arena UK Lando III headed the Xerox Special Event Services Cup two-phase.

Despite some mighty bucks, the nine-year-old gelding sped round with Ellen, leaving Sam Hutton having to settle for the runner-up spot for the second time in one day — this time on Astral 57. Sam also finished second in the Grandstand Welcome Stakes riding For a Smile.

Stay in touch with all the action from HOYS on Horseandhound.co.uk throughout the show and enjoy over 20 pages of reports in next Thursday’s magazine

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Top showjumper Ellen Whitaker is celebrating after getting engaged to her actor boyfriend Henry Cavill last night.

Henry, who has been cast as the new Superman in next year’s Superman: Man of Steel, popped the question in a Hollywood hotel after seeking the permission of Ellen’s dad, Stephen.

A delighted — and shocked — Ellen said: “I couldn’t believe it when he asked me to marry him. I thought we were there to celebrate his birthday. It was such a surprise and I am so happy.”

The couple first met at Olympia in 2009. A date for the wedding is yet to be set.

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Ellen Whitaker has two new jumping horses from Sweden.

Arena UK Orlando (stable name Lenny) was bought for Ellen by the owner of the Arena UK showground in Lincolnshire, Norman Oley.

Ellen says the nine-year-old chestnut is “very brave, with a big heart”.

Mr Oley’s daughter Lauren Humphries told H&H: “We hope for big things from Lenny. We’re not sure what Ellen will do with him this season but he’s very talented.”

The second horse is a 10-year-old mare called Xemenia (stable name Minnie), whom Ellen thinks has a very bright future ahead of her.

Ellen said: “I am really excited to have these horses. They are both very very easy horses and I am enjoying getting to know them.

“Lenny is really like Kanselier in his early years and I am hoping his career will be as long as successful as Kanselier’s was.

“Minnie is an amazing horse. I first saw her when she was very young and then when I rode her recently I loved her. I have very high hopes for her future.”

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Kanselier, Ellen Whitaker’s speed horse, could be retired immediately after this year’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

The 18-year-old horse will jump his last ever HOYS class on Sunday (10 October).

Kanselier is one of Ellen’s best-known horses, having hit the spotlight when the pair qualified for Olympia when Ellen was just 16 years old.

His last ever HOYS class — and possibly his last ever championship show — will be the Speed Horse of the Year category on Sunday.

Kanselier has suffered damaged ligaments in one of his legs. Vets will then decide whether he should be retired immediately or compete at Olympia in December.

Yesterday (Thursday 7 October) Ellen triumphed in all three international showjumping classes — including the Xerox Special Events Services Cup on Kanselier.

Kanselier has twice won Speed Horse of the Year at HOYS, including last year, as well as numerous other speed classes and grands prix around the world.

Ellen said: “Kanselier has always been such a gentleman and I am really, really sad to see him retire. He has had a fantastic career and has been incredibly loyal to me. We really know and understand each other well and I’m going to miss him loads.”

Ellen’s father Steven Whitaker added: “Kanselier is one of the most prolific horses you will ever come across. There has never been a speed horse that has lasted as long as Kanselier has.”

“He is 18 but he looks and behaves like a nine-year-old. You could carry on with him for another year but we don’t want anything to happen to him, so we would rather retire him now than have something happen to him in the ring.”

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Ellen Whitaker and Henri De Herne reclaimed the Bunn Leisure Speed Derby title they last won in 2007 with a smooth, problem free round and one of only six combinations not to hit a fence.

“I thought I would be beaten because I was so early to go,” said Ellen, who was third of the 27 starters. “I was convinced [Irish riders] Shane Breen or Damien Griffin [the eventual runner up] would catch me.”

Soaring temperatures made the already tough course even harder, but overnight watering of the Hickstead turf has resulted in excellent going, which has received widespread praise from competitors.

“It was hard work out there in that heat,” said Ellen.

Herni De Herne, who has competed in this class on six previous occasions and is owned by Ellen’s father Steven, jumped the entire course with ease, not even pausing before his descent off the Derby bank.

“He knows his way round the course now,” said Ellen. “That can be both good and bad though. Two years ago he ran straight off the other side of the bank [rather than the side he was supposed to go down].”

Another 13 riders faulted, adding 4sec for each fence down to their finishing times, before Damien Griffin and his mother Margaret’s Lysseygan Clover Diamond completed without error. He was slightly behind Ellen’s time, blaming a few corrections he had to make on the course.

“I got a bad shot to the fourth fence, so then had to take a stride out to the wall,” he said. “Then my horse got a bit strong galloping to the gate, so I had to really take a hold of him.”

He finished 1sec slower with the 15-year-old gelding, with whom he has won 22 puissances, eight of which were bareback.

“This is the only international show I come to out of Ireland,” said Damien, 26. “And a couple of years ago I was second to Ellen in a 1.50m class here.”

Earlier in the day, Ellen’s uncle Michael Whitaker took his second class of the meeting with GIG Amai, the Falcon Feeds Derby trophy. However, this time he had to share with Belgium’s Guido Hornesch (Concorde) who had taken the lead earlier in the jump-off.

Don’t miss H&H’s live interactive written commentary service from tomorrow’s Hickstead DFS Derby on Horseandhound.co.uk, starting at 2.15pm

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Ellen Whitaker has said she won’t jump for the British team again this year after falling out with performance manager Rob Hoekstra in the run-up to La Baule.

British riders finished a creditable joint third place with Germany on their return to the Meydan FEI Nations Cup super league in La Baule on Friday, 14 May (report in H&H magazine, 27 May). But Ellen was absent from the team at La Baule, having been replaced by David McPherson.

She told H&H: “I only have Ocolado at the moment and Rob wanted to interfere with the way I do everything.”

Problems started when Mr Hoekstra asked Ellen to take the horse to Lummen (29 April-2 May).

Ellen said: “I didn’t want to go as I thought it was too close to La Baule, but Rob would not listen.

“Then he didn’t want me to jump Ocolado at Newark and Notts County Show before La Baule.

“In the end, I decided the best thing would be for me to pull out of the team. I’m not trying to be awkward but I can’t work with somebody who won’t listen.”

She said she had not ruled out jumping for Britain again, just not this season with Ocolado.

Her father and manager Steven Whitaker added: “It’s not a matter of Ellen not wanting to jump for her country, but we won’t jump again until Rob Hoekstra is finished.

“We have to mix jumping for Team GB with making money. He has left us with no alternative.”

But British Equestrian Federation World Class performance director Will Connell said: “The riders wanted stronger management and leadership and that’s what Rob is delivering. The results in La Baule were good.”

Ellen is welcome to rejoin the British team, he added.

Mr Hoekstra did not wish to comment, saying: “I do not think team issues are best resolved through the press.”

But he said Ellen had agreed to jump at Lummen and La Baule and attend coaching at Fontainebleau in between, but instead she jumped at Newark and then pulled out of La Baule.

He said he rated Ellen very highly, but expected riders to be totally focused on the team.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (20 May, 2010)

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After four days of tough competition, Ellen Whitaker claimed her first British Open title, preventing her cousin Robert from winning for a fourth time.

The competition consists of three legs and a final. Faults and placings from the first three days are converted into points for the final round, where faults are added to decide the winner.

Robert held the lead by four points from Ellen, who rode her third leg winner Equimax Ocolado in the final. She remained clear, but Robert, competing USA Today also remained faultless, despite a lively round from the nine-year-old stallion.

“I have to ride him forward and try not to pull otherwise [his bucking] is a lot worse than it was tonight,” said Robert.

Only the top eight on points make the jump-off, which, like the first round, was also run in reverse order of merit.

After third-placed Dutchman Eric Van Der Vleuten’s clear on VDL GroepUtascha SFN, the pressure was mounting on Ellen to jump clear again and hold onto her second position.

She just skimmed the last fence, but it stayed and she kept her four-point score.

“I knew I had to be clear and not hang about,” said Ellen. “Because in the case of equalities time in that round is the deciding factor, I had to gamble that Robert could have a fence.”

Robert opted to go for a steadier round and was still clear as he headed down to the final vertical, but USA Today put in an enormous buck three strides away from the 1.67m fence disrupting his striding. He tapped the top rail with his back legs and his slower time meant that Ellen claimed victory.

“It’s a horrid feeling hoping that a member of your family has a fence down,” said Ellen. “I knew USA Today can buck when he’s under pressure, so I had to take the gamble of going a bit quicker and it all worked out.”

Don’t miss H&H’s full report on all the action from the British Open Show Jumping Championships, on sale Thursday 15 April

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Egypt’s Abdel Said headed one of the fastest jump-offs you are likely to see in top level show jumping at the Olympia Horse Show on Friday.

The 20-year-old, who is riding at Olympia on an FEI wildcard, created just as much, if not more, cheering and support as any British rider as he went all out with Avenir to win the Christmas Cracker.

Michael Whitaker had taken the lead midway through the 13-horse jump-off with GIG Portofino 63, but was soon overtaken by his niece Ellen Whitaker (Equimax Ocolado). The crowd whooped and screamed as the uber-popular Ellen clawed back fractions of a second.

Abdel followed and as soon as spectators realised he was going to try and beat his rival, they gave him an astonishing amount of vocal support.

After a little check before the last fence, he pushed Star Horses’ nine-year-old gelding over the last just 0.3sec quicker.

“I just can’t believe how amazing the crowd are here,” said Abdel. “They’ll cheer just as much here if you have three fences down, as spectators would after a clear is jumped anywhere else in the world.”

Listen to interview with Abdel Said

Edwina Alexander, riding her 2008 World Cup qualifier winner Cevo Itot Du Chateau, tried to better Abdel’s time as the last to go, but she fell short by 0.08sec to finish eventual second.

Swiss European team gold medallist Pius Schwizer had opened the show by claiming victory in the accumulator with Unique X CH. The world number four is determined to secure his qualification for the World Cup final on Sunday.

“Because it’s at home in Geneva, I’m very motivated,” he said. “You always feel more determined when you are on home ground.”

Ellen Whitaker claimed her third win of the show with Cortaflex Kanselier in the Accenture stakes. The pair have won every class they have competed in at the show, and Ellen says she will give the 17-year-old a day off over the weekend.

She retained her puissance title with Ladina B later in the evening, albeit this year sharing with four others after none made it over the 7ft 1in wall. But one of her co winners, Ireland’s Cian O’Connor, pointed out: “It doesn’t matter if it’s one winner or five, a win is still a win.”

Stay in touch with all the action from Olympia on Horseandhound.co.uk and don’t miss H&H’s full report on the show, on sale Thursday 24 December

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The Whitaker family started the Olympia Horse Show in perfect form, winning every class on the first day show jumping day. Ellen, Michael and Robert each claimed at least one class, riding with total determination from the outset.

Ellen Whitaker started the famous family’s run of victories by taking the opening welcome stakes with her prolific winner Cortaflex Kanselier. The 17-year-old gelding, whom Ellen has partnered for eight years, may not jump as regularly as he used to, but when he does he usually ends up with a red rosette.

“He loves shows like this where he can chill out in his stable between classes,” said Ellen. “He’s not the sort of horse who likes to jump at a show having come straight off the lorry. That’s probably why he tends to do better at international shows than national shows.”

Later in the day, Ellen rode Cortaflex Kanselier again in the Pony Club mini-major relay, partnering Leonie Aitkenhead and her Connemara Martlets Masters Madam. With Ellen shouting instructions to her 11-year-old teammate, their change over was timed perfectly and for the second time in the day the 23-year-old stood at the top of the line-up.

Michael Whitaker, took the day’s jump-off class, The Christmas Pudding Stakes, with the Gillespie Investment Groups Portofino 63. This was only the now 15-year-old mare’s second competitive outing in six months.

“She’s going really well and has been kept very fit with work at home,” said Michael. “However, she’s now happier jumping classes at 1.50m – 1.55m now. I think she’s getting a bit tired of trying over bigger courses.”

Michael, who has been “on a mission” since his return from a four-month ban admitted he still has strong feelings over the way his case and punishment was handled.

“I’m not saying the show jumpers who tested positive at the Olympics did or didn’t do anything on purpose, but I made an honest mistake and was treated far more harshly than them,” he said. “I’ve never had four months away from competition in my life.”

Robert Whitaker closed the show by snatching victory from Ben Maher (Wonderboy III) with Lacroix 9 as the last rider of the day. He had been based in Belgium since the summer, but returned home last Monday.

“I had a good run over there,” he said. “It was easy to get to shows and I’m definitely thinking of going back there.”

Listen to Robert Whitaker’s interview

Stay in touch with all the news from Olympia on Horseandhound.co.uk, and don’t miss next week’s H&H for in-depth reports, analysis and photos from the famous show

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Show jumping sensation Ellen Whitaker is launching a new website next month.

“At 23, she is in youngest Whitaker with her own website, and we think it is one of the first websites in the show jumping world that is so interactive,” Gayle Green, head of Ellen’s PR team, told H&H.

“Ellen wanted it to be very interactive to enable her to communicate with her fans, and help broaden the appeal of show jumping,” she added.

The site will include all the latest news and photos of Ellen and her family, as well as up-to-date results from big competitions and information on her top horses and sponsors.

For £20 a year, fans can access a members’ only section on the website, entering ‘Ellen’s Horsebox’ to view exclusive photos, interviews and training tips, and participate in a forum discussion group.

“I am really excited about the website,” said Ellen. “I really wanted to do something for my fans to thank them for all the support they give me and to give something back to them.

“Through the website people will be able to find out where I am and what I am doing, and hopefully ‘Ellen’s Horsebox’ will be a great place for people who love show jumping to share new ideas.”

Ellen’s website can be viewed at www.ellenwhitaker.com from 1 December.

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Ellen Whitaker was launched firmly back in the spotlight on the final day of HOYS. After taking the Vinopolis speed horse of the year with the 17-year-old Kanselier in the afternoon, Ellen landed the prestigious leading show jumper of the year grand prix on Equimax Ocolado.

A potentially risky strategy of taking a wide turn to the second fence in the jump-off proved lucrative as she recorded the only double clear.

“I decided to take the gamble,” said Ellen, who was winning this coveted title for the first time.

Runner-up was Ben Maher (Wonder Boy III) while Nick Skelton slotted into third on Carlo 273.

The junior title went to 15-year-old Laura Robinson on her father Neal’s Paddy Power – a 10-year-old Connemara gelding.

“I didn’t think I’d done enough,” said Laura. “But ‘Archie’ was jumping brilliantly.”

Thursday’s Horse & Hound Foxhunter winner Sultan V was back in action in the grade C championship where another foot-perfect performance landed him a second title for Bruce Menzies.

“He was a bit sharp today,” said Bruce of Old Lodge’s British-bred seven-year-old. “I didn’t feel so confident going in but he’s ticking all the right boxes at the moment.”

So after five days of top-class action it is all over from the NEC, Birmingham, for another year. But don’t miss H&H’s 17-page special report, on sale this Thursday.

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Ellen Whitaker and William Whitaker split the Accenture puissance prize at Olympia after they both cleared 7ft 2in over the wall in front of a packed house.

The defending champion William, riding Insul Tech Leonardo, and his cousin, Ellen, with Ladina B, were the only two riders to make it to the fifth and final round of the class. Both cleared the wall with ease.

“I couldn’t have split the prize with anyone better,” said William, who recorded his third puissance win with this horse. “I just tried to keep Leonardo calm, because he does get wound up by the crowds and atmosphere.”

Listen to William and Ellen’s interview

Ellen’s result in the puissance was her second major win of the show. Her first win of the day came in the Accenture stakes with Kanselier. She also won the mini-major relay on Thursday with Holly Jones (Swansea Jack II). Her round in the speed class signalled a change of fortunes.

“It’s just been the most awful year,” she said. “I’ve not had much luck, but I had a good day yesterday and now this.”

Kanselier has been a great winner for Ellen and even at 17-years-old he’s still at the top of his game.

Lance Whitehouse, on his first visit to Olympia, won the Accenture young show jumper of the year title from first draw with Grahame Sparkes’s My Boy. This is Lance’s final year in young rider classes, as he is now 21, and winning at Olympia was special for the Leicetsershire-based rider.

“This is one of the best shows in the world,” he said. “Cantering around that arena with your prize is really something.”

Listen to Lance Whitehouse’s interview

Ireland’s Cian O’Connor had an “emotional” win in the Christmas Cracker with Aileen Bryan’s Rancorrado.

“I watched my idols here as a teenager,” he said. “This is my second time here and my first win at this show. It means a lot after having dreamt of competing at Olympia.”

Stay in touch with all the action from Olympia on Horseandhound.co.uk throughout the show and don’t miss H&H’s show jumping reports in 25 December issue (on sale 23 December) and 1 January issue (on sale 2 January).

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The ladies and gents champions went head to head in the final easibed national 1.40m grand prix of the BSJA/Scope Festival 2008 on Saturday.

Ellen Whitaker (Ocolado) and Geoff Luckett (Little Lefanie) produced typically determined rounds in their attempt to claim the £5,000 winners purse. Once Geoff had taken the lead with his gents champion Brickfield Boy (4th), the gauntlet was well and truly thrown down.

Billy Twomey was first to relegate the pair with Je T’aime Flamenco, and then Ellen put the class beyond reach with Dawn Makin’s Ocolado. And although Geoff Luckett pulled out all the stops with his last drawn ride R Little Lefanie, they had to settle for 2nd spot.

A specialist at bringing young horses through the grades, Laura Renwick claimed her third title of the week, when Vernon G triumphed in the Vitamite National 6-year-old championship.

This championship has previously been held at the Horse of the Year Show, but this year the final was three rounds on grass in Stafford’s grand ring. Laura led from the half way stage in the 11-strong jump off. She also clinched 3rd and 12th places riding Oz De Breve and Obelix Z.

Pippa Allen took the top two places in the NGM Dunglenn 148cm championship riding Spot the Lady and Caprice III. Pippa and Spot the Lady have had an incredible season, and they were having their first outing since the pony European championships, where they helped to secure team gold for Britain.

Other final day champions were:

National grade C – Victoria Cooper & Mieke II.

National grade B – Richard Barton & Let’s Dance.

QDOS Development & Fiedhouse Furniture Adventurer – Emma Slater & Cosmic Neo.

Peter Flanagan National Junior British Novice – Harriet Barsham & Orland XI.

Golden Bear & Shaw Farm Stud Tiny Tots – Jessica Hewitt & Laithehill Tarragon.

Bilton Ward Developments Midget & Mighty Masters Relay – Ella Howell (Cappagh Cindy) & Keith Shore (Nintendo II).

Don’t miss H&H’s full report from the Scope Festival, including photographs of the best of the action in next week’s magazine

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Ellen Whitaker picked up the Riverside Ladies championship in the Bingley Hall at Stafford during the Easibed BSJA/Scope Festival on Wednesday.

Eleven contested the jump off with Ellen and Ocalado cruising inside to the triple bar to finish ahead of Sharon Quigley (Sumas Sound of Music) and Bumble Tomas (Harrington II).

In the Midlands Equestrian Centre National championship defending champion Geoff Luckett took an early lead in the 10-strong jump off for the gents title. Brickfield Boy jumped across the angles to withstand the challenges of Billy Twomey (Tinka’s Serenade), and Geoff Billington (Rosinus).

Despite competing Indy 28 for the first time indoors, Mathew Sampson pulled off some amazing turns to claim the Peacock Construction National Under 18 championship. The pair were having their first outing since helping Great Britain clinch the 2008 European team gold medal team, and finish fourth individually in Prague.

Pippa Goddard clinched her second championship of the Festival, when Pauline Plowman’s Delfino headed the Squibb & Davies junior Foxhunter masters. Just 2 managed double clears in the jump off, where early drawn Delfino saved every inch. Four HOYS tickets went to Sarah Elder (Cinderella Girl), Amelia Green (Something About Candy), Spencer Roe (Mayflower II) and Chad Fellows (Tex Two).

After setting a fast pace in the 16-strong jump off for the Smiths Equestrian National 128cm primary championship, Katie House and My Little Pumpkin maintained their lead over Millie Allen (Flinor Songbird).

Yasmin Tanfield and Wakeleys Foxhunter produced the only double clear to clinch victory in the National 138cm primary championship. Nine contested the final round, where Yasmin held her nerve after 5 of the early finalists faulted.

Two other championships were settled, Jonathan Dixon and Zegreanne triumphed in the Northern Marine Underwriters National 1.30m Classic, and, although a double clear eluded Tom Woolacott in the Hand Equestrian Centre junior Starspotters championship, his fast four fault final round with Chivas, was good enough to secure victory. “After the first rail fell, we moved up a gear” said the Somerset rider.

Stay in touch with the latest news from Scope Festival on Horseandhound.co.uk

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Britain’s top 10 show jumpers have been invited to this year’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS, 8-12 October).

Five members of the Whitaker family — Robert, John, Michael, William and Ellen — have been invited by organisers to attend the Horse of the Year Show.

Following outstanding results on the international show jumping circuit this year, Robert currently heads the British Show Jumping Association (BSJA) rankings list ahead of his father, John Whitaker, and uncle Michael Whitaker.

British Olympic riders Nick Skelton, Tim Stockdale and Ben Maher are also on the list of invitees, as well as William Funnell and Laura Renwick.

Four more riders will be added to this list following qualifiers at Rowallen Activity Centre, Ayrshire (5 – 7 September) and Unex Towerlands (25 – 28 September). Two riders will qualify from each venue.

The HOYS international classes start on Thursday, 9 October and finish with the leading show jumper of the year grand prix, which takes place during Sunday’s gala night performance.

Show Information and online booking: www.hoys.co.uk

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Britain’s current number one show jumper, John Whitaker, produced a breathtaking round to win the BSJA Winter A and B Premier Grand Prix at South View EC (18-20 January) with Mandy Hall’s Casino. Second was his niece, Ellen riding Cortaflex Kanselier.

From the 49 who started over Peter Gillespie’s track, 14 contested the jump-off, where the standard was set by Ryan Prater riding Vahagn De Lozana. Double clears then proved elusive until the final three rounds.

Ellen Whitaker combined speed and accuracy with Cortaflex Kanselier to break the beam in 43.15sec, but her lead proved short lived, as John Whitaker and Casino stopped the clock on 42.66sec. Despite a spirited challenge, last drawn Tim Gredley (Timo IV) had to settle for third.

Over three days of top-class jumping, young riders certainly proved a force to be reckoned with, particularly in the BSJA Winter Grade C, where Tim Page and Emily Davies scooped the three tickets to Hickstead between them.

Read this report in full, plus reports from other top show jumping competitions around Britain, in today’s Horse & Hound (31 January, ’08)

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Ellen Whitaker gained a memorable championship double on day five of the Easibed Scope/BSJA Festival at Stafford County showground. A member of the recent bronze medal team who secured Britain’s place at the next Olympics, Ellen clinched both the Milton five-year-old and National Under 21 titles.

Second placed Anne Bedford almost set an unbeatable standard with Lillibet in the Milton five-year-old championship, but last-drawn Ellen reduced the leading time by 1sec riding Bilton Ward Developments German-bred mare Holly 112. “By the third round, the track was pretty strong, but she’s a very consistent mare” said Ellen.

Also gaining championship wins in the age classes were Daniel Moseley riding Fiona Down’s National six-year-old victor, the Dutch-bred Utopia Red, and Billy Twomey riding his own Belgian warmblood stallion Je T’Aime Flamenco, who claimed the National Mattie Brown seven-year-old title.

Ellen Whitaker produced another economical round to claim her second victory of the evening in the National Under 21 championship. Using their late draw to best advantage in the 12-strong jump off, Ellen and Cortaflex Kanselier overhauled the leaders Tim Page (Quentin Tarrantino) and Nicole Pavitt (Maestro De Rend Peine) with a daring turn inside to the water tray. “He was spot on everywhere,” said Ellen.

Small ponies had their moments of glory in the opening Smith of Whiteinch National Championships. Jessica Mendoza and Spencer Roe producing heart stopping rounds to become 128cm and 138cm champions riding Get Ready Freddie and Creative Dancer II.

Also claiming brilliant wins in Bingley Hall were Rebecca Walker riding Mysteron, who headed the National 1.15m championship, and Ken Ashe who clinched the Equissage National Discovery championship riding Urlanmore Cavalier.

www.scopebsjafestival.co.uk

Read Horse & Hound’s full report from Scope in 6 September magazine

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Britain’s show jumping team has at last ended a nine-year medal drought with a superb performance in the second part of the team competition at the European Championships in Mannheim, Germany.

Thanks to clears from Ellen Whitaker (pictured) and her uncle John, the team anchorman, Britain overtook Switzerland, who were forced to count two five-fault rounds, and rose a place to bronze position, thus emphatically qualifying for the Olympics next year.

“It’s fantastic,” said chef d’equipe Derek Ricketts. “They all did a superb job and totally deserve it. We wanted the Olympic qualification, but to top it up with a medal is something else.”

And it was all change at the top too. The home side’s lead became vulnerable, first with the retirement of Marcus Ehning on the persistantly recalcitrant Noltes Küchengirl who slammed on the brakes again and was retired. Then Christian Ahlman’s Coster hit the oxer at 8.

When the third Dutchman went clear, it was all over for Germany, and the invincible Netherlands team added European gold to their world team title won last year. Sweden and Norway also qualify for Hong Kong, but Italy, Spain and Belgium will miss out.

Britain has three riders through to Sunday’s individual contest. Ellen Whitaker, who just added one time fault, lies eighth and is only separated from a medal by one fence; her uncle John, who yet again proved the coolest anchorman with a well-judged clear on Peppermill, is 13th and David McPherson, who was celebrating his 47th birthday, is 16th with one fence down on Pilgrim ll.

Read a full report from the European Show Jumping Championships in next week’s Horse & Hound (23 August). And don’t forget to visit www.horseandhound.co.uk on Sunday evening to find out how Britain’s riders got on in the individual competition.

Team results:

1, Netherlands 7.37pen

2, Germany 9.18

3, Great Britain 15.43

4, Switzerland 18.13

5, Sweden 19.65

6, Norway, 16.26

7, Italy 16.53

8, Spain 25.69

9, Ukraine 25.96

10 Belgium 26.45

Individual standings:

1, Christina Liebherr (LB No Mercy, SUI) 0

2, Ludger Beerbaum (Goldfever, GER) 1.11

3, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (Shutterfly, GER) 1.54

4, Vincent Voorn (Audi’s Alpapillon-Armanie, NED) 2.01

5, Jeroen Dubbeldam (BMC Up And Down, NED) 2.24

6, Jos Lansink (Al-Kaheel Cavalor Cumano, BEL) 2.42

7, Morten Djupvik (Bessemeinds Casino, NOR) 3.55

8, Ellen Whitaker (Locarno, GBR) 4.49

9, Stefan Eder (Cartier PSG, AUT) 5.12

10, Jessica Kurten (Castle Forbes Libertina, IRL) 5.60

Full results on www.em2007.de

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The British show jumping team’s last-ditch quest to qualify for the 2008 Olympics – and win a first championship medal since 1998 – has started promisingly.

The quartet is lying fourth and best of the 14 unqualified nations after the first, speed, leg of the European Show Jumping Championships which started today in Mannheim, Germany.

Michael Whitaker (pictured) is best-placed individually, in 14th place on Suncal Portofino, only marring an otherwise excellent, fast round with an irritating knockdown at an innocuous oxer at fence 8.

“It’s really annoying,” said Michael. “You’d have thought that fence was almost impossible to have down! It was an unusual and hectic course — the four choices of route were mind-boggling — but all our horses seem to be jumping high and carefully, and it’s not a bad start.”

Ellen Whitaker, 21, making her senior team debut on Locarno, jumped one of the 20 clear rounds and is 21st; fellow rookie David McPherson is 17th on Pilgrim with one fence down and John Whitaker, making his 10th European Championship team appearance, is the discard in 32nd with Peppermill.

Meanwhile, the Germans are ominously well en route to a third consecutive European team gold, heading Switzerland and the Netherlands who won silver and bronze behind them at San Patrignano in 2005.

Ludger Beerbaum is in second place individually on the veteran 16-year-old stallion Goldfever, who won the individual silver medal in 2003.

But the Germans had to regroup after Marcus Ehning’s shock elimination on Noltes Küchengirl, who took a dislike to the bogey fence, an unusual double of blue “waves” with knockdown tips.

Switzerland’s Christina Liebherr, the defending individual silver medallist, leads the individual rankings on No Mercy.

Christina said: “I took a risk [with the tight turn] at fence 6, but if you don’t take risks, you don’t win. I really wanted to be in front at this stage.”

Newcomers Stefan Eder from Austria and Paola Amilibia Puig from Spain have made their mark. Eder, 25, is third on Cartier PSG ahead of Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (Shutterfly, GER) and a visibly under-pressure Jessica Kurten (Castle Forbes Libertina, IRL), who would have been fastest on 66.37sec but for a knockdown. Paola is sixth on Cabri D’Elle, formerly a British team horse in 2002 with Scott Smith.

Only Germany, Ukraine, the Netherlands and Switzerland are qualified for Hong Kong, with three more places up for grabs in the two-day Nations Cup, which starts tomorrow (Thursday).

Team standings

1, Germany 5.18pen

2, Switzerland 7.13

3, Netherlands 7.37

4, Great Britain 9.43

5, Spain, 9.69

6, Belgium 11.45

7, Ireland 11.68

8, Ukraine 12.96

Individual rankings

1, Christina Liebherr (No Mercy, SUI) 0

2, Ludger Beerbaum (Goldfever, GER) 1.11

3, Stefan Eder (Cartier PSG, AUT) 1.12

4, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum (Shutterfly, GER) 1.54

5, Jessica Kurten (Castle Forbes Libertina, IRL) 1.6

6, Paola Amilibia Puig (Cabri d’Elle, ESP) 1.67

7, Vincent Voorn (Audi’s Alpapillon-Armanie, NED) 2.01

8, Jeroen Dubbeldam (BMC Up And Down, NED) 2.24

9, Jos Lansink (Al-Kaheel Cavalor Cumano, BEL) 2.42

10, Christian Ahlmann (Coster, GER) 2.53

Full results on: www.em2007.de

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The four show jumpers who will be carrying British hopes in the 2007 European Championships in Mannheim, Germany have been named.

David McPherson (pictured) riding Pilgrim II will be the British team’s pathfinder. David and Pilgrim II have represented their country in the Samsung Super League with FEI Series in La Baule, Aachen and in Rotterdam where they jumped a double clear round.

David will be followed by the first of the Whitaker family trio, Ellen Whitaker, 21, with Locarno 62. Ellen and Locarno were selected for the 2005 European Championships and appeared on the winning British Super League team in Rotterdam earlier this year.

Ellen will be followed by her uncle John Whitaker, who is making his 10th European Championship appearance and will hopefully add to his eight team and four individual European medals. John will ride Peppermill, who he partnered to a double clear in the Samsung Super League with FEI Series in Rome and to victory in the Loro Piana Grand Prix.

Britain’s anchorman will be Michael Whitaker riding Suncal Portofino 63. Michael, like his brother John, has made numerous European Championship Team appearances since 1985, and has seven team medals, including three team gold and three individual European medals to his name.

The European Championships are Britain’s final opportunity to qualify for the show jumping competition at the 2008 Olympic Games.

The opening ceremony of the European championships takes place this evening. The first competition of the championships, a speed class, kicks off tomorrow at 8:30GMT. The team medals will be decided over competitions on Thursday and Friday, with the individual final on Sunday.

www.em2007.de

Stay in touch with all the latest news from Mannheim with daily updates on the British team’s fortunes on HorseandHound.co.uk

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After being placed every time she has jumped in the class, Ellen Whitaker at last won Hickstead’s Bunn Leisure Speed Derby.

The 21-year-old golden girl of British show jumping rode a fantastic round on the little French-bred Henri De Herne to reduce the leading time by Alex Duffy and Iris Du Bateau by more than 6sec.

The main challenge looked as though it would come from Ellen’s younger brother Joe, who set off like a rocket on Tinity. But when the bay said no at the bottom of the Derby Bank, the £4,500 prize was his sister’s.

This was Ellen’s first show with Henri for some time.

“My brother Thomas has been jumping him in 1.30m classes and getting on very well with him. I shall probably take him to Aachen for the speed Derby, then he’ll go back to Thomas,” said Ellen, who thinks it unlikely that she will attempt tomorrow’s Derby on top ride Locarno.

“With Aachen coming up next week, I don’t think it’s worth the risk,” she explained.

www.hickstead.co.uk

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Equine model company Breyer is to make a model of AK Locarno, the bay Holsteiner stallion ridden on British teams by show jumper Ellen Whitaker.

Breyer is currently working with the horse’s joint-owners, Steven Whitaker and Dawn Maken, and plans to release the model in January next year.

Ellen Whitaker said: “We’re very excited about Locarno becoming a Breyer model. We have already started the process and are really looking forward to seeing the initial designs by the sculptor.”

Breyer has been making authentic models of horses since 1950. Each model is hand-painted and crafted by up to 20 different artisans.

Locarno, who was bought at Germany’s PSI auction, was the most expensive five-year-old ever to come to the UK.

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The Whitaker family dominated the British Show Jumping Awards Ball last Saturday (January 27) with Michael, Ellen, Joe and William Whitaker all taking home at least one of the coveted bronze trophies.

But perhaps the most important presentation of the evening was the BSJA Lifetime Award, given to Enid Whitaker. Her sons John and Michael have successfully represented Britain at international level for several generations, and the Whitaker phenomenon has been passed down to the next generation – seven of Enid’s 13 grandchildren are already competing at national or international level.

“We all loved horses and you have to find your children an interest in life – so we chose horses and it kind of snowballed from there,” Enid explained.

Sadly Michael Whitaker was unable to attend the Ball but he was presented crowned Leading Rider of the Year and Rider’s Rider of the Year in his absence. Last year Michael represented his country on seven Super League Nations Cup teams and won the grand prix at the Samsung Super League Final in Barcelona.

The awards for Leading Under 21 and Leading Under 18 riders were presented to the next generation of the Whitaker dynasty, brother and sister, Ellen and Joe Whitaker. Ellen and Joe’s cousin William Whitaker picked up the award for Best Up & Coming Rider, voted for by the top 100 riders.

But the Whitakers did not steel the show entirely. Only Fools on Horses Head Trainer Tim Stockdale was crowned Members Personality of the Year following an online vote on the BSJA website.

John, Pat and Lisa Hales’ stallion Arko III won the Leading Horse award while the Leading Nations Cup Horse award went to the ten year old stallion, Peppermill by Burgraaf, owned by Rebecca Stones and ridden by John Whitaker.

Daniel Neilson, 16, and his pony Micklow Madness won the award for Outstanding Pony / Rider Performance and Helen Tredwell was presented with the Sir Harry Llewellyn Trophy for being the rider with the most International and Area Trial points.

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Ellen Whitaker, 20, and Rockwood Pony Club member Jessica Crosby, 12, took first place in the Mini Major Relay at Olympia this afternoon. The pair, who know each other from home, completed the course in an unbeatable time of 49.18sec. Ben Maher and James Robertson (Fife Hunt) took second place with Italy’s Jonella Ligresti and Oliver Davies (Llangibby Hunt) in third.

“I was screaming ‘kick, kick,kick’ from the middle of the ring,” Whitaker said afterwards. The win marked an emotional end to Crosby’s partnership with 12.2hh Coco Can. She will now begin riding a bigger pony.

Meanwhile Whitaker has no less than four rides at Olympia. Her Mini Major Relay partner was a new mount, Tinity, who she has only ridden once before.

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