Latest from Horse & Hound in Jack-whitaker

‘One of the sport’s greatest stories’: brand new combination spearhead Britain’s fab five heading to the showjumping World Championships

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:52:08 +0000

The British team for the showjumping World Championships in Aachen, Germany (18-23 August) has been revealed, led by Olympic gold medallists Scott Brash, Harry Charles and Ben Maher.

This terrific trio have formed the backbone of countless teams in recent years but the Paris 2024 heroes all bring different horses to this year’s championships.

Scott Brash has an enviable string to choose from and he's picked the stunningly beautiful and uber-talented Hello Mango over his gold medal-winning partner Hello Jefferson and dual European silver medallist Hello Folie, who will act as Scott’s direct reserves. Since Scott's championship debut in 2010 on Intertoy Z, the ice-cool Scotsman has developed into a phenomenal team stalwart but he will also be bidding for a first individual gold medal.

The former Olympic champion Ben Maher travels to Aachen with Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright’s 12-year-old stallion Point Break, but with Catelly and Enjeu Du Grisien as top quality back-up.

Harry Charles’ world championship selection with brand new ride, LT Holst Freda is one of the sport’s greatest stories. Just three months ago, the world championships seemed a distant pipe dream for 26-year-old Harry after he stepped away from top-level sport to rebuild his string of horses.

Twelve-year-old mare Freda was bought just three months ago after she contested this year’s World Cup Final with New Zealand rider Julie Davey, initially for Harry’s wife Eve to ride. But Harry fell in love with the mare and at just their third show together in June, the pair helped Great Britain win the Longines League of Nations (LLN) in Rotterdam with a double clear followed by a spectacular jump-off performance. It’s not often you’ll see such a new partnership competing for a world title but Harry and Freda are clearly the perfect match.

Adrian Whiteway will make his championship debut in Aachen (Image credit: Getty Images)

Aachen will be a championship debut for 35-year-old Adrian Whiteway and his clear round machine Chacco Volo, with the pair having delivered a string of faultless performances on Nations Cup teams in recent years, just succumbing to the odd time fault along the way although those are becoming increasingly rare nowadays. The pair’s exceptional double clear in the Rome Nations Cup in May marked them as serious contenders.

It’s not often riders end up with a horse of the same name, but commentators will be able to have a lot of fun with our final combination on Great Britain’s five-man squad, Jack and Jack. Jack Whitaker first teamed up with Jack JL – the third grey on the squad – last season, but they’ve quickly come to prominence, firstly as part of the winning LLN team in St Tropez last year, with plenty more eye-catching five-star rounds now under their belts.

It’s now up to chef d’equipe Di Lampard and assistant Stanny van Paesschen to reveal which of this quintet will form the final four at the showjumping World Championships in Aachen next month.

Waiting in the wings on Great Britain’s reserve list are Joe Stockdale (Ebanking), who was part of the bronze medal-winning team at the last world championships in 2022, plus Tim Gredley (Medoc De Toxandria) and Jessica Mendoza with Summerhouse.

British team for showjumping World Championships 2026

Scott Brash, 40, with 11-year-old mare Hello Mango (Untouchable 27 x Numero Uno)
Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham
Breeder: HPH Vaessen
Groom: David Honnet

Harry Charles, 26, with 12-year-old mare LT Holst Freda (Colman x Casall Ask)
Owners: rider and Eve Jobs
Breeder: E Mackintosh
Groom: Georgia Ellwood

Ben Maher, 43, with 12-year-old stallion Point Break (Action-Breaker x Baloubet Du Rouet)
Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright
Breeder: Nya Äppelvikens Ridskola
Groom: Gwen Bellamy

Jack Whitaker, 24, with Jack JL (Bessemeind’s Quasimodo Z x Astrello)
Owner: Candice Reilly
Breeder: JE Lammerts-Weide
Groom: Paul Collier

Adrian Whiteway, 25, with 13-year-old stallion Chacco Volo (Chacco-Blue x Cathago)
Owner: Deborah Cox
Breeder: Gestut Lewitz
Groom: Rhi Watson

Reserves in alphabetical order

Tim Gredley, 40, with 14-year-old gelding Medoc De Toxandria (Der Senaat III x Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle)
Owners: Rachel Gredley, William Gredley and Unex Competition Yard
Breeder: Werner Dierckx)

Jessica Mendoza, 30, with 11-year-old gelding Summerhouse (Induparts Guidam Sohn x VDL Indoctro)
Owners: Pernilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Kristi Mitchem, Melissa Skowlund and rider
Breeder: C Den Boer

Joe Stockdale, 26, with 12-year-old stallion Ebanking (Etoulon x Aranebel)
Owners: Barbara Hester and Laura Stockdale
Breeder: E Vriend

These definite entries for the British Equestrian jumping team are announced in collaboration with British Showjumping and World Class Programme principal partner Agria.

To stay up to date with the latest equestrian news in the run up to the 2026 World Championships in Aachen, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘I can’t be more grateful to have him’: young Whitaker lands fabulous grand prix

Becky Murray — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 20:31:22 +0000

Jack Whitaker stole the show when he topped the Bolesworth International (2-6 July) CSI4* Al Shira’aa grand prix with the superb 17-year-old stallion D&H Valmy De La Lande.

“I can’t put into words how happy I am for Valmy,” said 24-year-old Jack.

“He’s been in our stable since he was five years old. He’s been an absolute trooper for me and kept my career on the road for the last few years.

“I can’t be more grateful to have him. He just keeps surprising me and pulling it out of the bag every time I jump him.”

Rafael Suarez’s first-round track made use of colour, big bold oxers and delicate uprights to whittle 42 starters – including eight former winners – down to a 13-rider jump-off.

Jack was eighth to go against the clock, straight after his uncle John Whitaker and Equine America Unick Du Francport who had four faults when they tapped the top rail of a tall green upright – and with five still to go he left nothing on the table.

“I thought I had no chance. Even when I went into the lead I was completely shocked,” said Jack.

“I feel like I’m almost playing second fiddle sometimes. Last year I had the fastest time in the jump-off but had the second-last fence down; you always feel like you’re knocking on the door but never winning it. Thank God we could win it.”

Jack credited the Whitaker dynasty and his father Michael for his success.

“Obviously I’ve had an unbelievable start from my father, and an unbelievable leg up in the sport. If I wasn’t any good there would be a problem,” he joked.

“I’ve got to thank my family, I’m very lucky.”

Ireland’s David Simpson and Pjotr Van De Kruishoeve had to settle again for the runner-up spot, in a repeat of his result last year. As third to go in the jump-off David had a large task of keeping the next 10 combinations at bay, and a fast 42.55sec round was the time to beat, but it wasn’t to be.

“It’s a bit like ground hog day at the minute, every time I think I’m going to win something, a Whitaker appears!” said David, who was runner-up to Jack’s cousin William Whitaker in the Hickstead Derby a fortnight ago.

“I’ve owned Pjotr since he was a two-year-old. He’s a real soldier and a very, very quick horse. He and my team of horses are in amazing form; credit to the whole team at Breen Equestrian, the grooms and the guys at home. Without them, we’re not sitting here.”

Holly Smith concluded another brilliant week of Bolesworth results, landing a grand prix podium with Nike Van Het Singraven, who stopped the clock on 42.68sec for third.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘I was very nervous – you don’t get to ride that kind of horse every day’: the day Jack Whitaker rode dressage star Jagerbomb

Martha Terry — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 11:10:26 +0000

What happens when you pair a world-class showjumper with a top-flight dressage horse? Martha Terry finds out as Jack Whitaker picks up the reins on Jagerbomb

The Whitakers have ice in their veins. They’ll gallop at a 7ft wall, jump-off for their country in front of a 50,000-strong crowd and shimmy down the Hickstead bank. But when it came to the coveted offer of riding on Olympic dressage bronze medallist and reigning World Cup Final winner Jagerbomb – arguably the sweetest, kindest horse in the world – Jack Whitaker admits he was “nervous, very nervous”.

He was given the opportunity to “have a sit” on Jagerbomb as part of a demo at Sheffield Equine Clinic’s opening day. Jack was doing a showjumping session, Becky Moody a dressage display.

When Becky finishes showing off “Bomb’s” moves, she calls over to Jack: “Let’s do this!”

“I didn’t know I was going to be riding him until just before,” says Jack. “He’s such a famous dressage horse, he’s just won the World Cup Finals and suddenly I’m stood next to him and he’s so big! So impressive.

“I was very nervous,” Jack adds. “You don’t get to ride that kind of horse every day and it’s a completely different way of riding and feeling to what I’m used to – so I just didn’t want to mess him up. Luckily, Becky is so laid-back – I couldn’t believe it.”

Jack Whitaker riding Jagerbomb: “It’s a really cool feeling”

Jack is legged up into Becky’s Childéric dressage saddle, a very different sitting position to his usual CWD jump saddle. This proves the least of his concerns.

“The saddle actually felt a lot comfier – it’s a lot bigger,” he says. “Apart from when you set off and you’re doing sitting trot and then everything’s uncomfortable!”

Jack’s day-to-day training involves plenty of sitting trot, but Bomb’s movement presents an unfamiliar challenge.

“We’d do a lot of riding without stirrups as it’s just good training for everything,” he says. “But when I tried to sit to Bomb’s trot and then his extended trot, it was like riding a different animal – he gave a completely different feeling. Even though I’m used to doing sitting trot, I was feeling it after one lap round.”

Once Jack has trotted through a few changes of rein and checked out Bomb’s extended trot – with a big smile – Becky suggests he try passage, a movement that would not feature in a showjumper’s regular vocabulary. Within five minutes of being legged up, Jack is performing a pretty impressive passage.

“That thing where you go up and down on the spot?” Jack laughs. “That was the easiest! Bomb just did it. I kept half-halting with my leg on and he trotted on the spot and it felt seriously cool. That’s not something my horses can do.

“It feels like you’re floating, but hopping and floating. You don’t move, but everything happens underneath you – it’s a really cool feeling.”

Jack checks out passage. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Becky is impressed, too.

“Cracking passage, brilliant, way better than I was riding him,” she laughs. “I love watching other people ride Bomb. It does make me really proud of him – he’s such a diamond, such a legend and it’s good for people to see that.

“All my girls hack him out at home and if I want someone to feel a change or passage, it’s Bomb they get on because he’s very good for people to learn on.

“I try not to be too precious about my horses, which some people would say is mad, but it’s good for them. And sometimes I learn things about what I need to make better. It tells me how good my training is. If other people can get on and it’s easy, that tells me I’m doing a good job. If they can’t get that easy feeling, that tells me there’s still a missing link in that horse’s education and I need to keep working on it.”

Jack Whitaker: “It’s a different kind of power”

Passage nailed, Becky tells Jack to “play with the canter”.

“This is where you really see the crossover,” she says. “In dressage, we want the same adjustability in our horses as a showjumper does. Yes, you’re in a slightly different frame and balance, but when training any horse, it comes back to transitions, adjustability and rideability.

“It doesn’t matter whether Jack’s shortening or lengthening the pace to come into a jump, or I’m shortening for a pirouette, you still need your horse on the aid and listening. That’s cool.”

Bomb looks to be having a lovely time cantering freely down the long side and Becky shouts out, “shorten your reins! No chance of you ever being done for rollkur!”

Jack “plays with the canter” on Jagerbomb. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Says Jack: “The canter actually didn’t feel very different to what I’m used to. We ride very powerful animals, but it’s a different kind of power.

“The dressage horses have to be so strong in their core and body to move and hold themselves in the way they do, whereas our horses are probably lighter and more agile to be able to turn so quickly on the spot – less pure muscle and power.”

Jack’s next challenge is to tackle flying changes. This would be his bread-and-butter as a showjumper, but Bomb’s mighty movement complicates matters. It takes a few goes until they click into place.

“The hardest thing was the flying changes,” Jack says. “I felt like an idiot not to be able to do a flying change on a horse who’s a total professional, known for his changes! I didn’t think that would feel so different. If it’s not actually a different language, maybe it’s a different accent.”

For Becky, this is important insight.

“Jack’s incredibly experienced and monumentally skilled at what he does – but he found the changes one way much easier than the other, so that made me think, ‘OK, I need to work more on that alignment and straightness,’ even if I can get them both ways,” she says.

“There’s obviously something there that made it harder for him. It’s a learning curve for me as well.”

True horsemanship

The session is short albeit sweet, with Jack needing to wrap up before his showjumping demo, leaving us wondering how much more Bomb could teach him.

It highlights true horsemanship – both on Becky’s part in training her world-class champion to perform with a totally new rider, and Jack’s soft hands and natural seat translating instantly to whatever discipline he turns to.

Will more dressage be on the cards?

“Probably should do, after that performance!” he jokes. “Though at home we are mainly doing flatwork training at home; we don’t jump much at all. But although you’d call it dressage, it’s not that kind of dressage – it’s ‘showjumping dressage’.

“Bomb felt like riding a completely different animal to what I’m used to,” he adds. “You can feel the muscle he has. Even when he first set off in walk, I could feel every movement – right from that first step from behind, the power was incredible. It was an amazing feeling and I’m very thankful I got to have a go.”

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What a squad! Medal-winning veterans and rising stars feature on British showjumping World Championship shortlist

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:00:40 +0000

Medal-winning veterans and some new up-and-coming stars feature on the British showjumping shortlist for the Aachen World Championships (11 to 23 August).

One combination from the team that won silver at last year’s European Championships – Scott Brash and Hello Folie – is included in the list of 11 riders and 15 horses from which the final squad will be confirmed. The final squad of five combinations must be submitted to the FEI by 23 July, following a final meeting on or around 16 July.

The selection panel comprises chef d’equipe Di Lampard and non-voting chair of selectors Sarah Rowell and the aim is to select those most likely to achieve the objectives; of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and winning as many medals as possible.

The selection will of course take into account combination results, including in five-star Nations Cup and grands prix, this year and last.

Scott and Ben Maher, currently third and fourth in the Longines world rankings, look certain to feature in the world championships squad and both have three rides on the British showjumping shortlist. As well as Folie, with whom he also won individual silver last year, Scott has his Paris 2024 team gold medal-winning Hello Jefferson and the rising star Hello Mango, all three owned by Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham. Scott has been on flying form this year, winning five-star grands prix on all three horses.

Ben is named with his stalwarts Enjeu de Grisien and Point Break; he came fourth with the former in the Rolex Aachen grand prix this month and won the five-star grand prix in Rotterdam last week with the latter. He is also down with Catelly – owned as are the other two by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright – whom he has only been riding since May but with whom he was on the team that won the Longines League of Nations (LLN) in Rotterdam this month.

Harry Charles has with Scott and Ben been the backbone of recent British championship teams but has been rebuilding his string. He is named with another new ride; his own and wife Eve Jobs’ LT Holst Freda, whom he only started riding a month ago but with whom he jumped double clear in the Rotterdam LLN to help secure that British win, sealing the deal in a jump-off thriller.

Rising stars Adrian Whiteway and Chacco Volo have been impressing on Nations Cup teams and top-level shows since their CSI5* debut a year ago; they are also on the British showjumping shortlist for Aachen.

Joe Stockdale, who helped Britain to team bronze at the last World Championships is on the list, this time with Ebanking who has been competitive at five-star level this year. Jessica Mendoza, who shone as an individual at last year’s Europeans, is selected with Summerhouse, who was also on that winning team in Rotterdam. Matt Sampson is named with Un Secreto Z, the horse with whom he came fourth in his first five-star grand prix at Windsor last month, and won at the Hickstead Derby meeting – and whom Matt describes as the best in his string at the moment. Sienna Charles and home-bred Chawton were also on the winning team in Rotterdam, jumping clear to set up the jump-off.

Jack Whitaker, Jodie Hall McAteer and Tim Gredley are the riders who complete the British showjumping shortlist for Aachen – we will have to wait and see who makes the final cut.

Selection also takes into account results in other five-star and four-star competitions, as well as the standing of the competition, the quality of the field and reasons for any incomplete competition. Proof of ability to produce top performances on a given day and while under pressure are also important.

The British showjumping shortlist Aachen 2026:

Scott Brash with 11-year-old mare Hello Folie

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Claire Gouin

Breeding: By Luidam, out of a mare by Diamant De Semilly

Scott Brash with 17-year-old gelding Hello Jefferson

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: Bernard Mols

Breeding: By Cooper van de Heffinck, out of a mare by Irco Mena

Scott Brash with 11-year-old mare Hello Mango

Owners: Lady Pauline Harris and Lady Pauline Kirkham

Breeder: HPH Vaessen

Breeding: By Untouchable 27, out of a mare by Numero Uno

Harry Charles with 12-year-old mare Holst Freda

Owners: Eve Jobs and rider

Breeder: E Mackintosh

Breeding: By Colman, out of a mare by Casall Ask

Sienna Charles with 12-year-old stallion Chawton

Owner: Peter Charles

Breeder: Peter Charles

Breeding: By Typhoon S, out of a mare by Caletto

Tim Gredley with 14-year-old gelding Medoc de Toxandria

Owners: Rachel Gredley, William Gredley and Unex Competition Yard Ltd

Breeder: Werner Dierckx

Breeding: By Der Senaat III, out of a mare by Kelvin De Sainte Hermelle

Jodie Hall McAteer with 10-year-old mare La Gupardie

Owner: Mandy Hall

Breeder: F van de Linden

Breeding: By Van Gogh, out of a mare by Carrera VDL

Ben Maher with 14-year-old gelding Catelly

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: H. Wulf-Hinrich

Breeding: By Catalido, out of a mare by Ephebe For Ever La Silla

Ben Maher with 12-year-old gelding Enjeu De Grisien

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: H. Elevage de Grisien SCEA

Breeding: By Toulon, out of a mare by Andiamo

Ben Maher with 12-year-old stallion Point Break

Owners: Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright

Breeder: Nya Äppelvikens Ridskola AB

Breeding: By Action-Breaker, out of a mare by Baloubet De Rouet

Jessica Mendoza with 11-year-old gelding Summerhouse

Owners: Pernilla Amman, Georgia Kipp, Kristi Mitchem and Melissa Skowlund and rider

Breeder: C Den Boer

Breeding: By Induparts Guidam Sohn, out of a mare by VDL Indoctro

Matt Sampson with 11-year-old stallion Un Secreto Z

Owner: Maplepark Farm

Breeder: Finca Horses BV

Breeding: By Ultra Boy, out of a mare by Arko III

Joe Stockdale with 12-year-old stallion Ebanking

Owners: Barbara Hester and Laura Stockdale

Breeder: E Vriend

Breeding: By Etoulon, out of a mare by Aranebel

Jack Whitaker with 12-year-old stallion Jack JL

Owner: Candice Reilly

Breeder: JE Lammerts-Weide

Breeding: By Bessemeind’s Quasimodo Z, out of a mare by Astrello

Adrian Whiteway with 13-year-old stallion Chacco Volo

Owner: Deborah Cox

Breeder: Gestut Lewitz

Breeding: By Chacco-Blue, out of a mare by Cathago

The grooms’ names are yet to be confirmed and selection decisions depend on horses and riders’ maintaining fitness and performance.

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A Who’s Who of Whitakers: how well do you know the famous family of showjumpers?

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 15 May 2026 10:28:36 +0000

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.

The Whitaker family tree (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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.

The Whitaker family celebrate Michael and Melissa’s wedding (Image credit: creditUnknown)

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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Great Britain fields youthful team as LLN showjumping resumes: ‘Come and cheer for the future stars of our lovely sport!’

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:07:33 +0000

The Longines League of Nations (LLN) 2026 begins on Friday (13 February) with the first leg taking place in Abu Dhabi in the UAE.

Ten qualified teams, plus host nation UAE, line up for the first of four qualifying events for the LLN Final in Barcelona in October, so which horses and riders are we going to see in action this week? The answer is an exciting mix of Olympic veterans and rising stars and we can’t wait for the LLN team action to resume.

Here are the shortlisted runners and riders for the first leg of the Longines League of Nations.

Longines League of Nations: rising stars to Olympic veterans among key contenders

With a prize fund of €700,000 on offer at each LLN qualifying event and a further €1,600,000 up for grabs in the Final in Barcelona, it’s no surprise to see an A-list field in action in Abu Dhabi this week. Here are the teams announced for Friday’s two-round Longines League of Nations. All four riders from each country will contest round one, with only the top eight teams progressing to round two, where just three of the four athletes will be picked to jump again, without the luxury of a drop score.

Great Britain

A “youthful quartet” is how Great Britain’s team is described, with Joe Stockdale (Ebanking), Jack Whitaker (Jack JL) and LLN debutant Sandy McLean (Calixte Heartbreaker Z) lining up alongside team stalwart Tim Gredley (Medoc de Toxandria). The nation arrives in Abu Dhabi as reigning champions, having won the Final in Barcelona last year.

“We’d certainly love to retain that Longines trophy this year, and will be giving it our all to top the podium in Barcelona come October,” says chef d’equipe Di Lampard. “I’d like to think we’ll start the year a bit stronger than in past years and have strong hopes for a podium finish in Abu Dhabi or Ocala to get some good points in the first half of the season.

“Arriving at Rotterdam with extra pressure to get points last year wasn’t ideal but we were fortunate and secured our spot for Barcelona before the St Tropez leg,” she continues. “I learned by watching my fellow chefs who had to wait until Saint Tropez to see if they qualified for the Final. As chef d’equipe, competing for your country means everything – it’s why I do it. To be able to select a team to represent King and country gives me huge pride and I’m honoured to do it.”

Trevor Breen and Highland President soar over the water jump in the Longines League of Nations LLN of Abu Dhabi in 2025, helping Ireland to victory. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ireland

Winners in Abu Dhabi last year , Ireland now has new jumping manager Jessica Kürten in the driving seat. The green jackets will be sported by Mikey Pender (HHS Los Angeles), 21-year-old debutante Niamh McEvoy (Olympic ‘GL’ ‘FVD’) and brothers Shane (BP Arctic Blue) and Trevor Breen (Highland President).

“The Longines League of Nations is a prestigious series as only the best 10 teams in the world can participate,” says Jessica. “I particularly like the fact that it goes on the rankings of the athletes, including one under-25 athlete. The format of the competition makes it very dynamic and exciting for fans who are watching – and quite nerve-racking for those involved! But I’m very much looking forward to Team Ireland’s campaign this year.

“Ireland is a country known for its affinity with horses. Many of our Irish athletes have spent time riding horses since they were very young, have a very natural way with the horse and how they ride them. This partnership and bond is always an advantage to them, especially when in competition environments where we must make big ‘asks’ of our partners.”

Belgium

The reigning European champions are represented by Rik Hemeryck, Jos Verlooy, Wilm Vermeir and Annelies Vorsselmans, with team manager Peter Weinberg at the helm.

“Ambition and consistency are built on the same foundation: trust and team spirit,” says Peter. “We encourage athletes to be ambitious, but always within a collective framework where the team result comes first.

“Clear expectations, mutual support and confidence in one another allow athletes to perform at their best while maintaining the reliability that is essential in team competitions. For Belgium’s Red Musketeers, success has always come from riding with the team, not just for individual results.”

Structure and reliability: core principles in LLN

USA

It’s all about girl power for Team USA in Abu Dhabi, with Natalie Dean, Callie Schott, Sarah Segal and Skylar Wireman having been picked by chef d’equipe Robert Ridland.

“The opportunity to view and access top international sport is hugely motivating to inspire the next generation of athletes, and we have seen that firsthand with the Longines League of Nations leg in Ocala,” he says. “For our younger athletes, my advice would be to take advantage of every opportunity to watch and learn from these types of events. Watch the warm-up, the horsemanship, the course walks, how athletes work with their teams – it all builds towards the bigger picture of being capable of putting the pieces together on these stages in the most important moments.”

Germany

The inaugural winners in 2024 are back in force with Marco Kutscher, Daniel Deusser, Sophie Hinners and Jörne Sprehe.

“Structure and reliability remain core principles of our approach,” says chef d’equipe Otto Becker. “At the same time, the sport continues to evolve. We respond by regularly reviewing and refining our processes, including season planning, performance analysis and communication within the team. The aim is to preserve proven strengths while integrating new ideas where they add value.”

Simon Delestre and Cayman Jolly Jumper in action during the LLN Final in Barcelona. (Image credit: Richard Juilliart)

France

More top names line up for France with Simon Delestre, Antoine Ermann, Olivier Perreau and Jeanne Sadran picked for the season opener in Abu Dhabi.

Chef d’equipe Édouard Coupérie says: “With the Olympic Games approaching, where teams are made up of three pairs, it is essential to be able to adapt to this format.

“LLN is a highly competitive circuit, where results throughout the year and in the Final are a goal for every country – France will need to perform better in the 2026 final!”

Netherlands

Chef d’equipe Wout-Jan van der Schans has selected Kim Emmen, Frank Schuttert, Leopold van Asten and Jur Vrieling to don the orange jackets in the first leg of the LLN.

“Fortunately we have many, many good athletes, and also quite a few relatively young horses coming up to complement the seasoned professionals,” says the country’s newly appointed high performance director Laurens van Lieren. “This, of course, is the long-term plan for ongoing national development and performance excellence. So we expect to have a good group of combinations to select from, which makes us very hopeful for this season.

“We are incredibly grateful to have our athletes consistently at this global podium, showcasing their skills and talents to an ever-growing global audience. We look forward to the development of our athletes and horses throughout this season, and we invite everybody to come and cheer for the (future) stars of our lovely sport!”

Switzerland

After a disappointing 2025, we see some new names lining up for round one with LLN debutant Jason Smith, Romain Duguet, Gaëtan Joliat and Barbara Schnieper.

“Looking ahead to 2026, the focus will be on further strengthening our leading athletes so we can be competitive both in the Longines League of Nations and at the Longines FEI Jumping World Championship in Aachen,” says Swiss chef Peter van der Waaij. “The biggest progress has been made in developing the next generation, and I am convinced we will benefit from this approach in the coming years.”

Italy

Returning for its second Longines League of Nations season, Italy is set to be represented in Abu Dhabi by team veteran Piergiorgio Bucci, Giacomo Casadei, Paulo Paini and Clara Pezzoli.

“Our goal is to maintain a strong level of competitiveness in order to continue participating in the Longines League of Nations, because this circuit provides an excellent opportunity to compete in five-star events, which are not always accessible for our athletes,” says Italian team selector, Stefano Cesaretto.

Brazil

The experienced duo of Luciana Diniz and Pedro Junqueira Muylaert are joined by first-timers João Victor Castro Aguiar Gomes de Lima and Luiz Felipe Neto de Azevedo.

“Balancing experienced athletes with emerging talent is a central pillar of Brazil’s long-term strategy,” explains chef d’equipe Pedro Paulo. “While senior riders provide stability and leadership, younger athletes are progressively integrated into the high-performance environment.

“The Brazilian team is known for valuing a relaxed yet focused atmosphere. One informal tradition is the selection of a song for each event, chosen by the riders to represent that particular competition. That song often becomes part of the team’s routine, played while preparing in the stables. It helps create unity, reinforce team spirit, and maintain a positive mindset throughout the event, offering a small glimpse into the team’s culture behind the scenes.”

UAE

Chef d’equipe William Funnell leads the host nation’s three riders in Abu Dhabi, hoping to build on their tremendous second place finish of last year. Representing the UAE are Abdullah Mohd Al Marri, Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi and Humaid Abdulla Khalifa Al Muhairi.

After Abu Dhabi, the LLN series moves to Ocala in USA, then Rotterdam in the Netherlands and finally St Tropez-Gassin in France before concluding in Barcelona, Spain.

You can follow all the Longines League of Nations action with Horse & Hound, with H&H showjumping editor Jennifer Donald bringing you all the news from Abu Dhabi this week.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘He won’t give me tips!’: Jack beats uncle John in Whitaker one-two at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Sarah Radford — Sat, 17 May 2025 10:26:04 +0000

There was nearly a Whitaker whitewash on the first day of Royal Windsor Horse Show, when Jack and uncle John landed an emphatic British one-two in the CSI5* Defender Stakes, while Donald picked up fifth.

The first jump off class of the programme was a real chance for riders to test their mettle in a top-tier international field, with 15 of the 33 starters posting clears, of whom 13 came forwards for the second phase.

It was difficult to predict a winner from such a bumper line-up but experience prevailed when John — the oldest rider in the class at 69 and also riding the oldest horse, 17-year-old Equine America Unick du Francport — laid down a superb bar from fifth to jump.

Times had been closely packed, with the quickest rounds, including the faulters, clocking between 40.71sec and 40.77sec.

But Jack Whitaker smashed the target on his experienced campaigner Valmy De La Lande, attacking the course in an untouchable 39.40sec to relegate his uncle to runner up.

John acknowledged that he was “very pleased” with the way “Frank” jumped but “not so pleased” with Jack.

“He has no respect for his old uncle!” he joked.

“I didn’t know if I’d be fast enough, there was so many in the jump off, but he jumped great. They had to go some to beat me, but Jack did it.”

Jack had ridden a superb round, leaving no margin to spare with the 16-year-old stallion, whose best result at Royal Windsor previously was a very close second in 2023.

“John didn’t give me any tips, he won’t give me tips!” Jack said.

‘Normally when he is like that, he is hard to beat’

“I just missed watching him but they said he was very good and very smooth and normally when he’s like that, he is hard to beat but at that height and that level Valmy is unbelievable, you can rely on him so much.

“I was pretty confident going into today,” he added. “I was on good form and I feel like I know which buttons to press with him now.

“When he’s like this I can just ride at jumps with him and nearly go as fast as I want to go.”

The hot-headed son of Mylord Carthargo seems to be improving with age and his recent run of form has included victories in the CSI2* and CSI3* grands prix in Arezzo.

“In his head he is so sharp, to the point when he was a younger horse, he was a bit of a pain in the arse and was harder to handle,” Jack said. “He’s always been so consistent and jumps a lot of clear rounds but it was hard to win on him before.

“Now he’s getting into his old age a bit he’s starting to calm down.”

Donald with his brilliant King George V-winning mare Millfield Collette, one of two other Whitakers, along with Robert, to make the second phase, took a less-risky turn to the final line to finish clear, 2.96sec behind the lead to finish as next-best Brit in fifth.

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Whitaker and Stockdale switch saddles ahead of Royal Windsor’s exhibition polo match

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:11:51 +0000

Top showjumpers set themselves a new goal last week as they tried their hands at polo.

In the run-up to Royal Windsor Horse Show (15-18 May), Joe Stockdale and Jack Whitaker picked up sticks to take part in a competitive chukka.

Guards Polo Club instructors Ebe Sievwright and Jack Hyde coached the showjumpers, both ambassadors for the show, which again this year will feature an international exhibition polo match between Guards and the Azerbaijan team.

“The duo participated in an exclusive arena polo session, experiencing first-hand the pace, precision, and teamwork that make the sport so electrifying,” a spokesperson for Royal Windsor said, adding that the exhibition match will be a “thrilling contest” for spectators.

“As the smaller dimensions of the arena format of polo demand fast play and sharp strategy, the match offers a spectacular showcase of the sport – set against the spectacular backdrop of Windsor Castle.”

Picture by Royal Windsor Horse Show/Peter Nixon (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Joe’s team won the chukka three goals to one, after which the riders quaffed a glass of the show’s official champagne, Pol Roger, at country hotel Coworth Park.

“Arena polo is so different to showjumping, but the speed and intensity of it is incredible – I did not expect to enjoy it this much!” said Joe.

Jack agreed that it is a fast and technical sport.

“Once you get going, you really feel the adrenaline,” he said. “We had a great time – it’s definitely something I’d love to try again.”

The polo exhibition match takes place on the Saturday of the show (17 May).

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

‘We could have done with a sixth round!’ Three clear 1.95m to share HOYS six-bar

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 16:32:38 +0000

Three super horses and riders triumphed in the Thistledown Investments six-bar at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) – one joking that he “could have done with a sixth round!”

Jack Whitaker (Equine America Q Paravatti N), Sebastian Hughes (Colorado Volo) and Guy Williams (Crispina Z) all cleared 1.95m (6’5”) in the fifth and final round to share the spoils.

Of 22 starters, only 11 jumped clear in the first round. Four went out at that stage, one in the third round and three in the fourth, including Izac Ketteridge and Killer Queen, for whom the final pole fell so late, they were past the in-gate, Izac with his arm aloft, before it hit the sand.

And the final three all made the huge verticals look easy.

“She was getting better as they got bigger,” Jack said of the 12-year-old mare owned by his father Michael and Ernst Hofschröer. “The best she felt was the last time; we could have done with a sixth round!”

The versatile mare has been jumping big grands prix, including at Windsor and on the global Champions Tour, but also came second in a six-bar in Abu Dhabi in February.

Colorado Volo, owned by Sebastian, Caroline McGann and Danni Auburn-Yildirin, has had a good year, including second place in the Hertfordshire County Show Area Trial and contesting their first Hickstead Derby, and Cock O’ the North at the Great Yorkshire.

“He’s such a versatile horse; this is our first international win here and it rounds off a wonderful year,” Sebastian said. “He’s a very sensitive horse – a lovable goof – and we have to manage him but he’s lovely. He settled after the first couple of rounds today and I could just ride him relaxed and jump for fun.”

Guy’s ride Crispina is also competed by her owner Tracy Holder, with whom she has had placings up to 1.35m this autumn, but Guy said six-bars are something she excels at.

Asked how his last round felt, he said: “Big!”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Horse of the Year Show, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘Like every kid, I just want to make my dad proud’: Jack Whitaker discusses family, UK shows and opportunities for young riders

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 15:30:16 +0000

At the age of 22, British showjumper Jack Whitaker has long impressed as a rising star of the sport and now regularly competes at five-star level with great success.

Jack is the son of Olympic showjumping medallist Michael Whitaker but, as he reveals on episode 150 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, in partnership with Scoot Boots, there are advantages and pressures of growing up in the famous Whitaker family.

“I was never forced into showjumping but I was always going to sit on a horse – it was just whether I was going to keep going with it or not and I’m happy I did,” says Jack, a former pony European gold medallist.

“But with everything my dad’s done for me, of course I want to make him proud. I want to give that back. I think every kid feels that way about their parents though – I’m just very lucky to have that kind of support behind me. But I want to do well for the whole team at home as well.”

Jack Whitaker: “Put yourself in those high pressure situations”

Jack’s advice for other young riders hoping to make the step up through the senior ranks is to “get as much experience as you can”.

“Do as many pony, junior and young rider Nations Cup type competitions as you can,” he says. “Put yourself in those high pressure situations – I know I put a lot of pressure on myself when I was jumping them, so the more experience you can get from those situations, the better it is for your future.

“It’s hard for me to say because I’m in a very privileged position and got to go to a lot of shows with my father and jump the two-star classes at five-star shows which gave me a massive step up over a lot of other young riders. But there do need to be more opportunities for young riders, a bit more of a system, for those who aren’t necessary able to go and spend time at the big stables for a few months, for example.”

Great showjumping shows on home soil

Jack Whitaker has enjoyed a recent spell at home, enjoying some of the best shows in Great Britain with top horses including Equine America Valmy De La Lande and Equine America Q Paravatti N, and some very exciting youngsters.

“We’re very lucky at home to have such good county shows, plus some really good two- and three-star shows, so it’s been really helpful for me producing some younger horses in recent weeks,” says Jack.

With an exciting summer ahead of him and big goals to dream about, Jack sums up: “Never underestimate this sport – nothing is impossible.”

To hear more about Jack Whitaker’s insight on his top horses, his big moments in the ring and what he looks for in a horse, listen here to episode 150 of The Horse & Hound Podcast – or search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your favourite podcast app.

The Horse & Hound Podcast 150: Showjumper Jack Whitaker

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 05:45:00 +0000

On our 150th episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, in partnership with Scoot Boots, we speak to seven-time youth showjumping medallist Jack Whitaker, who is now making a name for himself in the senior sport. He talks about the pressures and advantages of growing up in the legendary Whitaker family, and what he looks for in a top horse. We hope you will enjoy listening.

Episode 150 of our popular audio service The Horse & Hound Podcast, in partnership with Scoot Boots, is now live.

Each episode is available for H&H fans to listen to via your favourite podcast app, as well as here on the website. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode.

View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

On our 150th episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, we speak to seven-time youth showjumping medallist Jack Whitaker, who is now making a name for himself in the senior sport. He talks about the pressures and advantages of growing up in the legendary Whitaker family, and what he looks for in a top horse.

“You obviously have your favourite types of horses – ones that are blood and really nice and careful and scopey and easy to ride, with a great mind, but it’s very, very hard to find that in one horse” – Jack Whitaker on the ideal type of horse he looks for

We would love to hear your feedback on all our podcasts, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 150

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Whitaker takes a brave route, an exciting ‘sassy little’ British prospect and former groom lands five-star grand prix

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 14:00:47 +0000

In this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we celebrate some mighty performances, particularly from cousins William Whitaker and Jack Whitaker, in the opening week of Bolesworth’s new international tour.

But we also look further afield to some notable Nations Cup podium finishes, a five-star win for a former groom ranked 1,813th in the world, and a rider winning a jump-off against herself. Read on for this week’s international showjumping news round-up and results.

Showjumping news: the big guns are out for a Bolesworth thriller

William Whitaker and Chacco’s Lando took full advantage of the slivers of opportunity left for the taking by their rivals to secure a British victory in Bolesworth’s high-class LeMieux CSI2* grand prix during week one of the inaugural Bolesworth International Equestrian Summer Festival presented by Al Shira’aa.

Ireland’s Shane Breen “knew the big guns were coming behind me” – setting the standard by taking the brave man’s route with Cato Boy over Rafael Suarez’s jump-off course. But William was braver – as last to go, he had to be – slicing across the oxer at fence five and delivering an all-round masterclass in jump-off riding to power ahead by 0.6sec.

William Whitaker and Chaccos Lando win the CSI2* LeMieux grand prix. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I was in the best position to know what everybody else did before I went in. Shane set a really good target – I knew that I had to give everything to try to beat him and luckily it paid off,” said William, of Old Lodge Stud’s talented 11-year-old Chacco-Blue son, who is looked after by Mia Allison and Sophie Price. “He’s a great horse and I feel now each month I get to know him a little bit better and exactly how he needs to be managed so that he jumps his best.”

Britain’s Christopher Smith was the first to come close to runner-up Shane’s impressive time on owner/breeder Nicola Barry’s nine-year-old mare Messarado Blue, and their performance earned them a place on the podium. Don’t miss the full report in this week’s H&H magazine, in shops Thursday 10 June.

Bolesworth results

Rider wins five-star jump-off against herself

In Canada, the CSI5* Spruce Meadows Continental meeting presented by Rolex hosted some of the world’s top riders and Erynn Ballard (main image) took the spotlight when achieving the rare feat of a one-two in Friday’s The Mustangs 1.55m grand prix qualifier.

The Olympic hopeful took top spot with Libido Van’t Hofken in a time of 42.86sec, finishing a fraction slower on the former Ben Maher ride Gakhir in 84.53sec. Her closest challenge came from Great Britain’s Matt Sampson on Daniel.

“My first five-star win [at Thunderbird Show Park last month] was the greatest day of my career so far. But everybody that rides a pony, whether you’re a little girl, a little boy, or a teenager, you do this to go to the Olympics. So certainly it’s in the forefront of my mind and I’ve got the horses to do it, but I still have a lot of work to do,” said Erynn, who could be part of Canada’s first-ever all-female Olympic team in Paris. “I’m always hashtagging ‘girl power’ and I think that it would be a great thing for the younger generation of the sport. But at the end of the day, no matter what, we’re all teammates.”

Matt Sampson had turned the tables the previous day, beating the Canadian to victory in the CSI5* AON Cup with new ride One Whisper.

Spruce Meadows results

Showjumping news: “She’s a proper horse,” says Jack Whitaker

Next in this week’s international showjumping news round-up, we’re back to Bolesworth, where a “sassy little” mare got everyone talking when winning the CSIYH1* Al Shira’aa seven-year-old final. It’s part of this sport’s magic to see a prospective future talent score that first significant win. When that success comes in the hands of one of Britain’s top rising stars, that magic is brushed with an extra sparkle. This year’s final was a real jewellery shop window, headed by the super mare Chique Rv Z in the hands of Britain’s Jack Whitaker, with Ireland’s Shane Breen and Konrad Obolensky a close second.

“We think she’s a proper one,” said Jack, who bought the Cicero Z daughter as a four-year-old with Jake Saywell. “She’s like a rubber ball – a real compact, sassy little mare. I don’t think she knows that she’s small! With her, I have to stick to my own plan, as I can’t just copy the strides that everyone else is doing. But I know that she’s quick and I know she can turn tight.”

Bolesworth results

Cian OConnor and Fancy De Kergane help Ireland with a double clear in the Nations Cup of Roeser, Luxembourg. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Nations Cup thrillers: “I am proud of the team”

At the CSIO3* Longines EEF Nations Cup in Luxembourg, winners Belgium topped the podium on a zero score after a jump-off with Ireland. Great Britain finished in third.

Ireland was represented by brothers Max Wachman (Kilkenny) and Tom Wachman with Cathalina S, Michael Duffy on Clitschko 17 and Cian O’Connor producing a double clear with Fancy De Kergane before felling one pole more than Belgium representative Jeroen Appelen on Monte Blue PS against the clock.

“I suppose you could say that’s one that got away,” said Horse Sport Ireland high performance showjumping director Michael Blake. “The lads jumped great for the most part but one or two little mistakes have ultimately cost us. It is still an excellent result and, of course, congratulations to the Belgium team. When Tom and Cian, our final two riders, jumped their clears under pressure to apply pressure on the Belgians, they didn’t wilt to take us to the jump-off, where they got the job done.

“I am proud of the team. A Nations Cup runner-up finish is never to be sniffed at and it highlights the consistency we have in our programme.”

Third-placed Great Britain also secured a place in the semi-final in Deauville later this month.

“I’m delighted, it’s the first time Britain has qualified for the EEF semi-final in Deauville,” said Great Britain’s chef d’equipe Di Lampard, who led Mark Edwards (Flying Tinker II), Adrian Whiteway (Chacco Volo), Olli Fletcher (Hello William) and Robert Murphy on Kannem JA Z to the podium. “All four riders contributed with clear rounds and this squad is going to the four-star Nations Cup in Sopot, Poland, next week.

“I like the format for the EEF, where all the teams get to compete in the second round – unless they are eliminated in round one – and get to put the wrongs right. It’s in the right spirit and they gain valuable experience, whereas the standalone three-star teams only take the top eight [through to round two]. I’m looking forward to the Deauville semi-final and hopefully, the final in Warsaw.”

Great Britain and Ireland also finished fifth and sixth respectively in the Longines EEF series qualifier in Drammen, Norway, where another jump-off decided victory for Poland over hosts Norway, with Sweden third after torrential rain hit the venue during round two. It was the first time for eight years that Poland has won a Nations Cup. Each of the British quartet jumped a clear – Simon Crippen (Handsome), Leo Lamb on Gmail, Faye Sutton with Spider and Phillip Miller riding Don Royale, who went on to finish third in Sunday’s grand prix.

Showjumping news: Cannes success for Brash and Howley

We continue this week’s showjumping news round-up with the opening day of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Cannes, where Ireland’s Richard Howley and Petitfour VD Wareslage won a 1.45m speed class, toppling long-time leaders Ben Maher and Ginger-Blue.

“Heading in to beat Ben Maher always adds to the pressure,” Richard said. “Obviously he is a world-class rider, so it’s an honour to take the win over him today.”

Great Britain’s Scott Brash and Hello Valentino topped the GCL first qualifier by more than two seconds while Saturday night’s grand prix was won by Janne Friederike Meyer-Zimmermann on the appropriately named Messi Van’t Ruytershof in the city’s football stadium Stade Des Hesperides.

“I had a short second of a moment where I thought ‘now you just drop the rein and go’… and he made it, I am so thankful for this horse – what a horse,” she said.

LGCT Cannes results

A winning week for Amanda Derbyshire

US-based British showjumper Amanda Derbyshire sealed a spectacular week at the Tryon International with victory in the $120,000 CSI3* 1.50m grand prix on Cornwall BH. She topped a four-way jump-off to decide the honours, having also sealed victory with Otto BH in the two-phase.

Tryon International results.

A first ever grand prix success for former groom, ranked 1,813th in the world

A 29-year-old rider from Czechia made history with victory in Spruce Meadows’ five-star grand prix. Vaclav Stanek, who just two years ago was working as a groom at the venue, rode Quintin to an unexpected victory over Matt Sampson and Daniel.

“I didn’t even expect to get a clear round, let alone win my first five-star event,” said the 1,813th ranked Czech showjumper who is a former Rolex Young Riders Academy pupil. “I have watched Spruce Meadows since I was a little kid hoping one day I could ride here, but I would never even dream about winning here. I finally got my cooler in the best way possible.”

Spruce Meadows grand prix results

Kent Farrington of USA wins in La Baule riding Greya. (Image credit: Manue Macker)

“I’m determined every day”: Kent Farrington triumphs in La Baule

Finally in this week’s showjumping news round-up, we celebrate US rider Kent Farrington’s brilliant win in the Rolex grand prix Ville de La Baule riding Greya after an exhilarating 11-way jump-off. The duo delivered the quickest of four double clears, beating fellow American Karl Cook (Caracole De La Roque), and Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet (Bond Jamesbond De Hay) took third.

“I’m determined every day,” said Kent. “Our sport has its ups and downs, because horses are animals with their own rhythm and needs. That’s what makes our sport so beautiful. You go from hero to zero very quickly, and that’s the game. I try to stay focused and not think about what might have happened or what might happen. I hadn’t really looked at Karl’s course, and this allowed me to follow my plan and secure the victory.”

Germany won the show’s CSIO5* Nations Cup and while Great Britain wasn’t involved in the team competition, individual representative at the show Lily Attwood and Karibou Horta won Saturday’s accumulator.

CSIO5* La Baule results

More tea? Showjumpers take on scones and sandwiches in Royal Windsor bake-off

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 17:44:44 +0000

Showjumpers Jack Whitaker and Joe Stockdale weighed up the relative merits of flour and baking powder as they had a bash at creating an English afternoon tea.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show ambassadors took on the bake-off challenge with the event’s appointed caterers, Mosimann’s, at the Mosimann’s Club in Belgravia, London.

The pair, guided by Mark Mosimann, sported chef’s whites as they attempted to create scones and sandwiches. Mark said the pair were “definitely better than me on a horse!”

After some debate over certain ingredients, the pair produced a tea platter, which was taste-tested by Mark. He ruled that James’s sandwiches had the edge, but Joe’s scones pulled it back to a draw.

Francesca Hull, of Made in Chelsea, hosted the challenge.

She said: “I have been attending Royal Windsor Horse Show since I was a child, and so to be involved with the bake-off challenge was such a fun experience.

“It was great to watch Jack and Joe try out their baking skills in the wonderful Mosimann’s kitchen, under the watchful eye of Mark. I am very much looking forward to attending the show in May and tasting the wonderful afternoon tea while watching all of the incredible action.”

Joe said Windsor is a special event, to which he has been going for years.

“It’s top-class jumping – the best riders in the world are competing there and there’s a big Rolex Grand Prix on the Sunday, so it’s great competition. It’s also a show where my friends and family come to watch, which is always amazing too.

“It’s been great to experience another element of the show today and I hope I’ll be able to try some of the delicious Mosimann’s food when I get there!”

Enjoy the best of Royal Windsor with Horse & Hound

To ensure you keep up to date with all the breaking news and the best of the action throughout Royal Windsor Horse Show, with no limits on how much you can read, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website from £1 a week in the UK. Sign up now. And don’t miss our bumper Royal Windsor Horse Show magazine report in the issue of Horse & Hound dated 9 May.

Rider gives up on dry January after winning back-to-back World Cups and William Funnell’s side wins Nations Cup

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 14:13:31 +0000

Success breeds success, according to the popular sporting hypothesis, and we see it in bucketloads in this week’s international showjumping news round-up.

From Daniel Coyle’s back-to-back World Cup wins with brilliant mare Legacy, to the input of two of Great Britain’s greatest showjumpers Nick Skelton and William Funnell in other riders’ success, there’s been plenty to celebrate in the world of showjumping. Read on for a round-up of this week’s international showjumping news and results.

Showjumping news: back-to-back World Cup success for Coyle and Legacy

Fresh from their World Cup success in Leipzig last weekend, Irish showjumper Daniel Coyle and Ariel Grange’s super 14-year-old mare Legacy triumphed again with another extraordinary performance in a World Cup thriller in Amsterdam. The duo sliced nearly 3sec off the leading time set by Dutch rider Willem Greve on Highway TN NOP to take top spot.

“I’ve been doing dry January, I do it every year, but Ariel Grange said ‘Go and have a few beers’,” Daniel said. “So I had three after last Sunday’s win and I think we might have a few more tonight!”

Daniel explained that commitment and determination have been the key to his success.

“My brother Jordan won everything on ponies and I didn’t win so much, or so it seemed!” he said. “In any sport I suppose you just get stuck in and get on with it or you get left behind and give up. Thankfully it went the right way for me in the end.

“It goes back to riding those ponies at home in Ireland where it’s very competitive. I rode with my brothers and everybody else, even the likes of Richard Howley, who now also has won a few World Cups. I was always chasing those guys. It’s good to see now I can have some revenge and I guess I also had some great horses in my career in the smaller divisions that have taught me how to do jump-offs. If being competitive in a jump-off is all I can give back to Legacy then I’m happy enough with that.”

Daniel Coyle leads the World Cup prizegiving for the second week. (Image credit: FEI)

Daniel has formed a unique partnership with Dolly, as Legacy is known at home, who has now earned a few weeks off in Florida before five-star League Of Nations duty.

“For years, we weren’t really on the same page,” he explained. “She’d jump one fence very high and the next fence I’d ask her to jump – like a plank or something delicate – she’d knock it down and I’d be very confused as to why. But I feel now we are very much on the same page; we have a real understanding.

“We have a huge year ahead with the World Cup Final and the Olympics – and for sure we’ll be looking at both with her – but we have to have a conversation about it all. The main thing is to get her to the Olympic Games like she is right now and try to win a medal! She’s in the prime of her life, she’s got better, she’s got older, and maybe so have I.”

Two qualifying rounds remain in the Western European League series, after which the top 18 riders in the standings will earn a ticket to the World Cup Final in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in April.

Also enjoying a successful time in Amsterdam, British rider Matt Sampson landed a winning double of five-star speed classes with his London International winner MGH Candy Girl.

Jumping Amsterdam results

At the other end of the scale…

While Daniel Coyle is racking up multiple World Cup successes, amateur Mexican rider Jose Alberto Martinez Vazquez produced a career first World Cup qualifier riding Quinley in Puebla, Mexico.

“Quinley means everything to me. I’ve never had a horse like him before,” he said of the Holsteiner gelding he’s produced for 11 years from a four-year-old and with whom he represented Mexico at the 2022 World Championships. “Going to the last fence, you’re always thinking, ‘Is this enough?’ I had a bit of a miscommunication, but Quinley still went over it. I’m thankful.”

CSI4*-W Puebla results

William Funnell leads UAE to first Nations Cup success, Great Britain third

Weeks after taking the helm as the new UAE chef d’equipe, William Funnell led the squad to a debut Nations Cup success at the CSIO4* Sharjah. Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi on Enjoy De La Mure, Abdullah Mohd Al Marri (BBS McGregor, formerly with Jack Ryan), Ali Hamad Al Kirbi with Jarlin De Torres and Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi (Chacolu) didn’t hit a fence throughout two rounds, accumulating just two discarded time-faults to win on a zero score from Germany with five penalties on the card.

Great Britain finished third on 24 faults, represented by Joe Stockdale (Ebanking), Donald Whitaker on Millfield Colette, Skye Higgin riding Djordania Du Tillard and Jack Whitaker on Equine America Q Paravatti N, with Ireland finishing fifth.

British chef d’equipe Di Lampard said: “To finish on the podium was incredibly pleasing. We had two good results with young horses Ebanking and Djordania, which is encouraging for these partnerships for the future. We need to improve marginally as a team as we look forward to the first Longines League of Nations competition in Abu Dhabi. There was a slight lack of consistency, but we are looking at all the positives of yesterday.”

CSIO4* Sharjah results

Australian showjumper Rowan Willis finds winning form with his home-bred Wellington Grey Goose. Photo by Winslow Photography. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

More showjumping news: home-bred Grey Goose provides just the tonic

In more international showjumping news, Australian showjumper Rowan Willis flew to top spot of the CSI2* $100,000 Lugano Diamonds 1.45m grand prix on the Split Rock Jumping Tour at the TerraNova Equestrian Center in USA riding his home-bred mare Wellington Grey Goose (Corlensky x Grandira).

“Wellington Grey Goose is a real tryer and she’s fast,” said Rowan. ““I’ve done Split Rock shows ever since I came to America, and Derek Braun always puts on great shows. It’s really good for the competitors, has good prize money, and they have a fantastic facility here in Sarasota.”

CSI2* Split Rock Jumping Tour results

Tiffany Foster and Battlecry jump to victory at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo @Sportfot. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

$215,000 grand prix goes to Foster

Canadian showjumper Tiffany Foster won the Winter Equestrian Festival NetJets CSI4* grand prix riding Battlecry, a 10-year-old by Vigo D’Arsouilles x Latano, whom she owns with Artisan Farms and Kent Farrington.

“I’m really happy to finally check this one off,” said Tiffany, who was also awarded as the week’s leading international rider while Battlecry’s groom Kaytlyn Brown earned a $500 prize. “My horse has a bit of a right drift – just like every horse, he goes one way or the other – so, I thought the jump-off was actually going to suit him.”

Luciana Lossio took second for Brazil on Lady Louise Jmen, while the Nick Skelton-trained French rider Nina Mallevaey took third on Cartier SR.

“Nick told me I could have gone faster to the last, but I’m so happy with my horse,” said Nina. “He’s really trying to do everything for me. I’m going to try to have many more podiums like this.”

Great Britain’s Ben Maher took fourth on Faltic HB and Irish showjumper Cian O’Connor slotted into fifth on Maurice for owner Pat Crean.

WEF results

A historic backdrop and why a tack change backfired for the world number one

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 17:13:40 +0000

We had a bumper weekend of international showjumping news and results from around the world this week. As Irish showjumper Shane Sweetnam said after helping his country win team silver at the European Showjumping Championships this month when reflecting on Ireland’s success at the recent European youth championships, “The future looks good for us. World domination isn’t too far away!”

This was underlined at this week’s Nations Cup Youth Final in Belgium where Ireland added yet another gold to their growing medal haul and Great Britain added to their collection, too.

Talking of world domination, world champions King Edward and the world number one Henrik von Eckermann were back doing what they do best, this time claiming victory in a sweltering Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix of Rome.

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

Showjumping news: Team gold for Ireland’s pony riders

At the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Youth Final at Sentower Park, Opglabbeek, Belgium, Ireland’s pony team won team gold, with Belgium taking silver and Great Britain bronze. Kian Dore (Sparkling Lackaghmore Joey), Emily Moloney with Lady Crown, Paddy Reape on Fernando and James Derwin (Rincoola Babog) won on a score of four, thanks to a hat-trick of final clears when the team was down to all three scores needing to count.

“There’s no secret, success breeds success,” said Irish chef d’equipe Gary Marshall, adding of the committed investment to training in ponies: “We have a team system at home.”

The British quartet of Izabella Rogers (Neil 55), Georgia Cooper-Hall on Saxton Freedam, Katie Bradburne riding Ardough Boy and Madison Seedhouse (Vaughann De Vuzit) claimed bronze with a team score of 12.

“We were a little unlucky in both rounds with silly four faults adding up but I was pleased with them, Katie was very good on her first trip away,” said chef d’equipe Clare Whitaker.

Ireland’s silver medallists at the FEI Youth Nations Cup Finals. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ireland’s juniors also won silver (pictured above), where the Netherlands brought home gold after a tense jump-off. This time Eoin Brennan (Eskola M), Stephen Gibbons (Cassius Z), James Brennan (MHS I’m The One) and Coen Williams (Conthanja) flew the Irish flag. They were joined on the podium by bronze medal-winning USA.

The young rider gold went to Sweden, topping Denmark and Belgium on the podium, while the Netherlands brought home gold for the juniors; the Dutch claimed another victory in the children’s competition, with Belgium in silver and Italy in bronze.

Showjumping news: King Edward and Henrik von Eckermann swoop to victory at the LGCT Rome. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Why a tack change backfired for the world number one

In Italy, Swedish world number one Henrik von Eckermann and the world-conquering King Edward triumphed in spectacular style in the €440,000 Longines Global Champions Tour grand prix of Rome for the second year running. Against the backdrop of the historic ruins of the Circus Maximus, this incredible duo took top spot ahead of David Will riding My Prins Van Dorperheide, with two riders sharing the third step on the podium – Peder Fredricson (Catch Me Not S) and Andreas Schou (I Know), who both stopped the jump-off clock in 42.27sec.

Many will remember King Edward’s uncharacteristically lacklustre performances at the LGCT of London and Henrik believes a tack change may have backfired.

“I had two shows that were not that great with King Edward,” explained Henrik. “I lost a bit of the feeling and there were a couple of things, like I changed to a hackamore, and I just had the feeling that something is not really like it should be. I was almost getting a bit crazy because you know how it should feel, but you don’t really ‘get it’.”

Henrik expressed his delight at getting ‘that’ feeling back in Rome.

“Of course, winning is amazing, but that feeling you get when you are back and the horse is with you 100%, that team is back… that is everything,” he said.

As both Henrik and runner-up David had already claimed their golden tickets to the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs, the slot was bestowed on both Peder and Andreas, which Peder, who has recently returned from a neck injury, said he “certainly didn’t see that one coming”.

“I was very happy about that!” he said.

Henrik von Eckermann dances his way to the top of the podium at the LGCT Rome at the Circus Maximus. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Tabitha Kyle makes showjumping news with a double of grands prix

Also at the FEI Nations Cup Youth Final in Belgium, 16-year-old Tabitha Kyle won a total of six classes, including the pony grand prix riding Atomic Du Bary, where she also finished third on Gangnam Style II, separated by Ireland’s Senan Reape on Catness 8. She also claimed top spot in the junior grand prix on another owned by TJ Hall, the 15-year-old mare Desterly.

“I couldn’t ask for more, I’m very happy,” said Tabitha, who was joined on the winner’s sheet by team-mate Jennifer Billington and the six-year-old Sualire Z racing to victory in the 1.30m grand prix, Noora von Bulow, who won an under-25 double with Interstar B and Lucky Lisa, where Phoebe Farman and Diara Sue slotted into second place, and multi-winning Izabella Rogers in the pony classes where Ruby Payne also secured a two-phase on Calimero.

Showjumping news: ‘I had a good feeling all weekend’

German showjumper Christian Kukuk and Checker 47 (main image, top) triumphed in the 1.50m speed class at the LGCT Rome, just ahead of in-form Peder Fredricson riding Hansson WL.

“I had a good feeling all weekend but have been a little bit unlucky,” said Christian. “In this class I knew that the oxer of Lugano Diamonds had plenty of risk as the rail fell for a few riders, but I took the risk and it really paid off.”

European champion rolls on to grand prix glory

Just two weeks after claiming the European championship crown, gold medallist Steve Guerdat won the CSI3* grand prix at Samorin, Slovakia, riding Double Jeu D’Honvault as the fastest of four double clears.

Whitakers go close in Saint Tropez

Our showjumping news round-up wouldn’t be complete without a mention for the Whitaker family. The CSI3* 1.55m grand prix at Hubside Jumping, Saint Tropez, was won by Dutch rider Johnny Pals on Zarkava Hero Z with Great Britain’s Jack Whitaker chasing him home for the runner-up spot on the family’s great campaigner Equine America Valmy De La Lande. Jack’s cousin Donald Whitaker finished third in the two-star equivalent riding Ulania 3.

Gredley back in form

Also in showjumping news this week, Great Britain’s Tim Gredley jumped the really promising 10-year-old Imperial HBF to a third-place finish in the CSI2* grand prix at Bonheiden, Belgium, also finishing in the money in the young horse classes with Tres Bien Z.

‘I’ve learnt patience the hard way’: Horse & Hound’s exclusive catch-up with Jack Whitaker

Luz Wollocombe — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 12:24:34 +0000

In our second episode of an exclusive new online series, Horse & Hound catches up with talented showjumper Jack Whitaker, son of Michael Whitaker, to find out more about his exciting string of horses, what he focusses on when training, and why the Whitaker family keep producing winning riders…

They say you never stop learning in horse sport – what’s the last thing you learnt?

That’s certainly right – each horse does something new every time you’re riding them. For me, patience is always a big one and it’s something that’s easy to forget about, especially when you have talented young horses. With some horses, you can push on and move up, be better, jump bigger, win more – but sometimes they are not quite ready for that so learning not to rush is a big one.

I learnt that the hard way when Lente III, who is one of the best horses in the yard right now, was brand new in the stable as a seven-year-old. I had jumped a lot with her at home and she loved the shows too, so I headed to Stockholm which is a Global Champions show – there’s a lot going on there; spooky jumps and probably just bigger jumps than she needed. I had thought, “fancy young horse in the stable, take her there, looking flash and good,” but she had a spook the first day and that set her back a couple of weeks. I had to take a step back and start building her back up from there.

Which of your up and coming horses are you most excited about?

Equine America Elucar VE is starting to really step up now, and is getting more consistent around the bigger grands prix. I’m impressed by how much he’s progressed. I’m looking forward to cracking on with him and jumping a few more grands prix now he’s getting more reliable over the bigger jumps.

The Whitaker family seems unable to stop churning out new talent – what’s the secret?

There’s no secret – I think it’s just a shared wealth of experience. A real building up job and it’s all about learning how to connect with the horses, which is something the older generation try and pass down as much as they can. I don’t feel any pressure from the family though, the only pressure I feel is the pressure I put myself under – which is good.

Which horse is the biggest character in the yard right now?

Lente III is a typical mare – she’s always stamping her feet, especially when there’s any water on her legs. She’s a right old one, but we’re happy to have her.

Does Jack Whitaker have a go-to training exercise or mantra?

We normally try to keep things quite simple at home – my dad is a big stickler for that. Lengthening and shortening the canter is a big deal for us. When you want them to go forward, they have to go forward, and when you want them to come back, they have to come back. We don’t jump loads – most of the time the school is fairly bare and we are just working them on the flat.

What’s new at the yard right now?

We’ve got some fairly new stables. The last ones my Dad put up and the walls were starting to cave in. It was definitely a move of necessity rather than want.

What is Jack Whitaker’s favourite bit of kit/clothing at the moment and why?

I’m newly sponsored by Equiline and their jacket is great. It’s a bit more tailored than some and looks more like a dinner jacket than a riding jacket, but it’s still very flexible.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?

I always look forward to the hot weather – I’m a big fair-weather rider, I don’t like riding in the cold.

And finally, what does a typical day-off look like for Jack Whitaker?

Days off come very few and far between. If I’m planning on doing something that’s nothing to do with horses, I have to get the horses done first, which means I have to wake up even earlier than usual. Normally, a day out would be going to the races or something like that. But kicking your feet up at home is definitely frowned upon. We’ve got the farm and my Mum’s a workaholic – if I was going to sit down, well, that’s just impossible. I do get out and play football every Monday evening in the local six-a-side leisure league though, which is great.

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‘It’s 10 years since I won in this ring’: Jack Whitaker claims first senior Hickstead victory

Sarah Radford — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 13:35:20 +0000

Jack Whitaker secured not only the first British individual five-star win of the week but also his first senior win in Hickstead’s main arena when he headed a gripping 1.50m Royal International salver with Equine America Valmy De La Lande.

“I think the last time I won in here was children on horses about 10 years ago,” said 21-year-old Jack, who has had strong five-star form on home soil this year, also finishing a very close second with the gelding at Royal Windsor.

“My plan was to win it. In the big class on the first day we had the first fence down, which revved me up more for this.

“He was good to me in there,” he added. “I had a few rogue shots in the jump-off but he was really on the ball. He’s holding my career together with all the winning he does and I wouldn’t be here without him.”

Although the previous three five-star classes had fallen to foreign conquest, British morale had no doubt been boosted by a home victory in the previous day’s Nations Cup. The Brits were on resurgent form, with 11 making it through to the jump-off, joined by two riders for Sweden and two for Italy.

Brits hold the advantage

Matt Sampson set the tone with a competitive opening bid on the grey stallion Daniel, before Joe Stockdale, who has been knocking on the door all week with a couple of top-three placings, axed 0.24sec on Barbara Hester’s Ebanking.

His advantage was short-lived as next-in Jack blitzed the target by 1.77sec on the experienced 14-year-old grey, who was previously jumped to five-star by Jack’s father Michael, until he took over the reins in 2020.

It was Will Edwards and his chestnut mare SHW Candies B — a close second in the previous day’s Royal International trophy and with a brilliant track record in this arena — who posed the biggest threat in penultimate draw.

They looked slightly slower round the first half of the course but really opened up after the double — which had been a bogey in the first round — taking a stride out on the final line but were still unable to catch Jack’s stellar target, finishing 0.60sec behind.

“I thought if there was anywhere I might get beat, it was to the double. When I walked the course I thought ‘I’ve got to get that one right’. It was the poles [which were harder to see, with vertical stripes], it was against the [hospitality] bar, up hill and the oxer coming out was big enough,” Jack said. “I’d slowed him down to jump it in the jump-off to give him some time to jump in.

“I knew there were a few fast ones behind me including my good mate Will Edwards who has a very fast horse. I was winding him up in the collecting ring a bit, but he didn’t manage to catch me.”

Two showjumpers as you’ve never seen them before, on a day with the Household Cavalry

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 15:32:52 +0000

In the run up to Royal Windsor Horse Show next month (11-14 May), organisers invited young British showjumpers Joe Stockdale and Jack Whitaker to go behind the scenes with the Household Cavalry at their Hyde Park Barracks in central London.

The duo were taken on a tour of the barracks, including the forge and the saddlery room, gaining an exclusive glimpse into the working life of these horses and the regiment.

As you can see in the video below, Joe and Jack had a lot of fun during their day.

“I feel like I’ve learned a lot,” says Joe, who has had plenty of success at Royal Windsor, including the under-25 grand prix and the puissance.

The five-star showjumpers were also invited to watch the Household Cavalry rehearse their musical ride, which they will be performing at this year’s Royal Windsor Horse Show.

“It’s great to see what goes on behind the shows and it’s a massive operation here,” states Jack. “Seeing all the staff – it’s similar with the big team we have at home.”

Joe adds: “I always enjoy watching them perform at Royal Windsor. So to be able to come behind the scenes with the Household Cavalry and see them here is really interesting for us.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The pair were then challenged to dress in the Household Cavalry uniform, which took some getting used to.

“They don’t do kids’ sizes,” quips Joe as Jack struggles to button up a large coat.

Jack and Joe are Royal Windsor Horse Show ambassadors and the pair will both be in action again in this year’s CSI5* showjumping classes.

“To win the grand prix, you need the complete package of horse and rider,” explains Joe. “You need to be on your game.”

“With a bit of luck,” offers Jack. “Royal Windsor is so special, obviously being in Britain as a British rider it’s nice to canter into the arena and get a big cheer, especially if you win. It’s always great to be there, especially when the royal family are there.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Joe emphasises the prestige that comes with competing at Royal Windsor.

“It’s a real honour to jump against the best in the world,” says Joe, who hopes to bring his championship horse Equine America Cacharel to this year’s event, while Jack will be in action on Equine America Valmy De La Lande.

“It’s one of the biggest grands prix,” he says. “To win would mean the world.”

Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place 11-14 May and H&H will be bringing you all the action from the four-day event both online and in the magazine.

A ‘special’ gelding resumes his winning ways, ‘an adrenaline kick like no other’ and Jack Whitaker scorches to a five-star double

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 15:46:32 +0000

The return of the Longines FEI World Cup jumping series in Europe signals that winter is drawing in, and Jack Whitaker secured a tremendous winning double in the five-star classes at the season opener in Norway. Conversely, it’s still shorts-and-T-shirt weather for those extending the outdoor season on the various jumping tours in Portugal and Spain, where Cian O’Connor and Kilkenny secured a notable grand prix victory.

Here is H&H’s weekly round-up of international action over the past week, plus showjumping results.

Kilkenny shows star quality – and there’s an exciting new ride for O’Connor

The Andalucia October Tour in Spain kicked off with an eye-catching grand prix victory for Irish showjumper Cian O’Connor riding Susan Magnier’s 10-year-old Kilkenny. The pair skipped round the 1.50m track, taking out a stride to the double and executing a superb turnback to the penultimate fence in the jump-off before soaring home clear, more than half a second quicker than nearest rivals Laura Kraut with Baloutinue for USA in an exciting 10-way jump-off.

“Kilkenny is a special horse,” said Cian. “He was clear in the 1.45m here the other day and he was fantastic in the grand prix. He’s not a horse I go terribly competitively on a lot, I keep him for the bigger days.”

Cian said he was “delighted” for Susan Magnier, owner of the Irish-bred son of Cardento 933.

“We put a lot of effort in to have him fit for Dublin, which was very special jumping double clear to help the team secure the win [in the Nations Cup],” Cian told H&H. “Over the past couple of weeks I’ve been busy travelling, selling horses, looking for horses, all sides of the business, so we decided to start him up here again for the winter campaign and he felt great. The difference between good horses and the really special ones is you don’t need to practise, and you don’t need to teach Kilkenny anything – he hasn’t gone against the clock for over a year yet he can just go in and take out a stride and do a turnback like that. It’s funny when you realise just how different he is to most other animals, he has a very special brain.”

“These classes are always competitive, there are no easy wins nowadays, but it’s a beautiful grass arena, the organisers do a very good job here and the fences were very impressive and big enough,” added Cian, pictured below. “It was a good start.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Cian also debuted another new ride for Susan Magnier, the nine-year-old stallion Rock Of Cashel – previously known as Icoon VDL when ridden by Hessel Hoekstra until recently. Cian hopes this classy prospect could be his European Championship ride in 2023.

“He’s a lovely horse, it’s early days and we’ve only done small classes here, but we’re aiming to step him up to the grand prix next week,” said Cian, who was impressed by the son of VDL Bubalu’s recent performances with his previous rider; they finished third in the grand prix of Falsterbo and jumped clear in Rotterdam.

“He’s only nine years old and has all these good results behind him so I thought he was worth looking at. His previous rider Hessel has done a great job and his former owner is in touch, which is nice because if you don’t have all the keys with a new horse, you have to start from scratch, whereas if they help you with the horse, you get the manual with them.”

Suzuki grand prix showjumping results

Nippy mare helps Whitaker to a five-star double

Jack Whitaker and the super mare Scenletha found the winning formula not once, but twice, at the Kingsland Oslo Horse Show in Norway, scorching to victory in Friday’s CSI5* 1.50m speed class and following up in Sunday’s jump-off contest.

“She’s in unbelievable form and it felt like the more we jumped the better she got, she feels tip-top,” said Jack, who beat strong performances from second-placed Daniel Deusser with Kiana Van Het Herdershof and third-placed Lily Attwood (Karibou Horta) in the 45-starter class.

JACK WHITAKER AND Scenletha (Image credit: © KOHS / Roland Thunholm)

In Sunday’s World Cup qualifier, Jack and Equine America Valmy De La Lande finished with four faults.

“We had the second-last fence down, which was just a normal vertical off a corner, so a really soft fence to have down, especially when Valmy is normally an unbelievable vertical jumper,” said Jack. “I was really happy with the way he jumped, so it was disappointing to have that one down – if he jumped it another 100 times I’m sure he wouldn’t have knocked it. But both he and Scenletha are pretty good indoors, so hopefully we’ll have another chance when we go to Helsinki this week.”

Oslo Horse Show results

‘An adrenaline kick like I never experienced in my whole life!’

Following up on his 2019 success, 25-year-old Swiss rider Bryan Balsiger landed the opening leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Western European League in Oslo, Norway, this time riding the exciting mare Dubai Du Bois Pinchet (pictured below).

His victory came after a highly competitive 11-way jump-off, holding off the challenge of second-placed Victoria Gulliksen on Equine America Papa Roach, with jump-off pathfinder Ireland’s Eoin McMahon third riding Ludger Beerbaum’s Chakra.

“Since the beginning of the year, Dubai has been the number one horse in my stable and we’ve been having good results together,” said Bryan. “I knew we could do more and I was waiting for a big win, so I’m over the moon with her! She has a lot of temperament but I know her well and she gives me everything – and more.

Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2022/20223Western European League - Oslo (NOR).Bryan Balsiger, SUI and Dubai du Bois Pinchet won the FEI World Cup inOslo,here over the Longines fens.Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ 2022/2023 Western European League - Oslo (NOR) (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“When we plan go to a World Cup qualifier, I always have my horses ready because it is a big opportunity to ride for your country at this level and I just want to do my best,” he said. “I needed luck today, but after three years you know how difficult it is to win at World Cup shows. It doesn’t happen every weekend and it’s a brilliant achievement that can only happen with the help of my great horse and all of my team, my sponsor and trainer and my groom – I am so grateful to them all for believing in me and my horses.”

This year’s demanding track in the compact Telenor Arena was set by Swedish course-designer Peter Lundstrom and asked plenty of questions as horses came indoors after a summer competing outside.

Runner-up Victoria Gulliksen, 30, said: “It was a crazy feeling, an adrenaline kick like I never experienced in my whole life! Without that horse I would never have jumped clear. I was missing totally to the last fence but he jumped it.”

The Norwegian rider added: “He does everything for me because he loves me and I love him, and he just knew he had to jump clear today and he was really working for it. I couldn’t be more happy to have a clear round for the first time in the World Cup on home soil!”

The World Cup rolls into Helsinki, Finland, next Sunday.

Longines FEI Jumping World Cup of Oslo presented by Kingsland results

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

A winning double for Matt Sampson

The British showjumper Matt Sampson has returned to Europe and this week contested the CSI3* Andalucia October Tour, where he immediately resumed his winning ways, landing a brace of classes on consecutive days, with Fabrice TN (pictured above) and Curraghgraigue Obos Flight among a string of good placings. His win with the latter came in a competitive 1.45m two-phase where he beat Holly Smith with Poden Farms’ Don Vito into second position, with an in-form Niamh McEvoy third on Templepatrick Welcome Limmerick. Among the other British winners in Spain were Kayleigh Watts (Whisper Of Joy), Ellie Hall McAteer (Billy Penny), her sister Jodie (Kimosa Van Het Kritrahof) and Will Edwards (Magic Chanti).

Andalucia October Tour showjumping results

Riders on form

At the CSI4* Fall Tour at Hubside Jumping Grimaud, St Tropez. France, recent Horse Of The Year Show (HOYS) puissance winner Commandant Geoff Curran landed a 1.50m two-phase riding the 10-year-old Tempo Manor, and his fellow Irishman Darragh Kenny secured a 1.45m victory against the clock on Cicomein VDL. This week’s grand prix winner was world number three Julien Epaillard of France with the nine-year-old Donatello D’Auge.

Hubside Jumping Grimaud results

Grand prix goes to Aston

British showjumper Chloe Aston landed the CSI3* grand prix at the Villamoura Champions Tour in Portugal. She and the 11-year-old mare Flavie Van De Helle soared home quickest in a nine-way jump-off to land the €12,825 top prize. James Smith took a notable win with the Castrado seven-year-old Wicked’s Vancouver, also jumping to victory on Laura Renwick’s Arkuga in Thursday’s 1.40m two-phase while Philip Spivey landed Friday’s 1.40m speed class on the nine-year-old Billy Pearl. Laura Renwick described James’s success as a “fabulous start to our Vilamoura Champions Tour”.

Villamoura Champions Tour results

‘He’s quite famous in England!’: junior team medal-winning horse wins CSI2* at London LGCT

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 14:03:27 +0000

German rider Nicola Pohl and the 12-year-old gelding Arlo De Blondel took advantage of their late draw to rocket to top spot in the CSI2* Hastens 1.40m two-phase on Friday (19 August), the opening day of the London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT).

The pair came home nearly 3sec quicker than long-time leaders Nicole Lockhead-Anderson (Miss Aragona PS) with another British rider, Alicia Page, finishing third with Diacento.

The winning rider also finished fourth on her other ride, the 10-year-old Catz De Sulpice. However it was the French-bred Arlo De Blondel – a former ride of Jack Whitaker and Michael Whitaker, and Richard Howley most recently – with whom the 26-year-old found the winning formula in an action-packed 54-starter two-phase.

“I’m so happy, it’s an amazing location,” said Nicola, who last competed at the London LGCT four years ago. “Arlo gave everything – he loves the speed!

“I knew in the warm-up he felt good, and in the first phase too, then in the second phase I pushed him a bit quicker but he’s naturally very fast,” she added. “I don’t have to do much – he does his job every time.”

Arlo De Blondel jumped at the top level with Great Britain’s Michael Whitaker, and Michael’s son Jack won team silver at the 2018 junior European Championships with Arlo. Nicola only began competing him at the start of this year.

“He’s amazing. He’s fun to ride. A lot of people know him here in London – he seems quite famous in England! I think he’s happy to be home,” said Nicola, who is trained by leading German rider David Will and hopes to ride on more Nations Cup teams later this year.

“I saw Arlo at the end of last year in Portugal – he was with Richard Howley, but as he had a broken collarbone, Catherine Passmore was showing him there. I always watched him and I always liked him and I kept saying to Donald [Whitaker, Nicola’s boyfriend] how much I liked him, then I got to try him and I loved him.

“We won our first three-star grand prix together in Sharjah [in February]. He’s been produced so nicely by Richard, Jack and Michael and everyone!”

Nicola is based about one hour away from Frankfurt in Germany with her boyfriend, British rider Donald Whitaker, whose cousin George Whitaker won the previous CSI2* class at the London LGCT. Donald is also in action at the venue this weekend, the young Brit competing in the five-star classes.

Top British rider has four horses listed in 2022 showjumping World Championship entries

Becky Murray — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 14:45:11 +0000

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.

Jack Whitaker to miss Royal Windsor as he recovers from ‘freak accident’

Becky Murray — Thu, 12 May 2022 11:09:13 +0000

Jack Whitaker is facing a spell on the sidelines as he recovers from an injured spleen sustained in a “freak accident”.

The 20-year-old was kicked by a horse at the Northcote International on Friday morning (6 May) where he had been due to compete over the weekend with five horses.

Jack told H&H he was walking down a stable aisle when a horse being led by a groom kicked out and struck him on the back.

“No bones were broken but it lacerated my spleen and I had internal bleeding, which was a worry for a few days. It was quite a big laceration, but it didn’t pop or that would have been very serious. I’ve been lucky but unlucky,” he said.

“I only got out of the hospital on Tuesday. I was bored out of my brains so I watched a lot of Netflix!”.

Jack, who was fourth in the World Cup final in Leipzig last month and recently returned from the Miami leg of the Global Champions Tour, had been due to compete in the CSI5* at Royal Windsor Horse Show this week.

“Obviously the doctors stopped the bleeding, but they need to make sure it stays like that and if I do anything too exuberant, the spleen could properly rupture. If that happens I’d have to get rushed to hospital very fast and have the spleen taken out.

“It’s gutting missing Royal Windsor and it’s going to be really hard being out of action, but I want to heal and recover as fast as possible. I’m going to take it easy for two weeks then I’ll have another scan.”

Jack hopes to be back in time for the St Gallen Nations Cup (3-6 June), where he has been selected to represent Great Britain alongside his uncle John Whitaker, Harry Charles, James Wilson and Joe Stockdale.

And while he cannot ride at the moment, he has someone keeping his horses ticking over while he recovers.

“We have a work rider at home – he’s called Michael Whitaker, so I think we’re alright,” laughed Jack.

Jack Whitaker takes the reins on top stallion from his cousin Ellen: ‘I’m excited about him’

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 08:01:37 +0000

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].”

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

Polly Bryan — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 18:38:01 +0000

“If you had told me before I got here that I would finish fifth, I wouldn’t have believed you,” said Britain’s Jack Whitaker, shortly after achieving exactly that at the FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany.

“But once you get here, of course you get more competitive and I wanted to finish higher. I thought I might have been on for a podium place – a single time fault kept me from being third and it is very, very frustrating,” he admitted.

For his fellow Brit, Harry Charles, the conclusion of the final was perhaps even more frustrating. Harry arrived with the title in his sights, but had to settle for fourth, always described as the hardest place to be, and a Jumping World Cup Final is no exception.

But while both riders head home with a maddening sense of what might have been, what actually did occur was a fantastic display of top-class jumping from two of Britain’s brightest young talents. Both Harry, 22, and Jack, 20, jumped immaculate clears around Frank Rothenberger’s beefy first course in the final leg of the competition, riding Romeo 88 and Equine America Valmy De La Lande respectively.

“My first round today was pretty perfect I have to say. Everything went really nicely and I was even able to take a stride out to the last fence as I knew the time was quite tight,” said Harry, who employed the unusual strategy of campaigning two horses across the World Cup Final, riding the 12-year-old Chacco-Blue mare Stardust in the opening speed leg, and the the more experienced 13-year-old Romeo 88 for the remainder. It was an approach that clearly paid off, too – of the three riders in the field who switched horses, two finished in the final four: Harry and eventual winner Martin Fuchs.

Jack, too, jumped a super clear in the first round, incurring just one time fault along the way, saying that Valmy De Lande was “unbelievable”.

Jack Whitaker and Equine America Valmy De La Lande in action at the World Cup Final (Image credit: creditUnknown)

With Harry lying third and Jack in sixth going into the final round, there was all to play for, and Jack put himself firmly in contention for a podium spot with a fault-free round. The grey stallion, whom Jack’s father Michael rode until three years ago, became the only horse in the competition not to hit a single fence across four jumping rounds.

“I’m ecstatic; the horse could not have jumped better,” he enthused. “That last round felt amazing; I was close to the time and I didn’t want another time fault so maybe towards the end it got a little raggy. My best round of the week was probably the first, actually; it was immaculate.”

Sadly Harry couldn’t quite recreate the magic from earlier in the afternoon, just tipping the middle part of the tricky, and huge combination.

“It happened at the fence before really – I didn’t quite have the stride I wanted, and we jumped it very up and down. I didn’t have him quite the way I wanted and he just landed on the back rail. I was gutted, but I knew I had to keep moving on as time would come into play and that’s where I just managed to pip Jack,” explained Harry, admitting it was tough knowing that if it hadn’t been for that pole down, he would have been jumping off with Martin Fuchs for the title.

“I came here with high expectations, with two incredible horses. Romeo in particular is up there with the best in the world I think,” he said. “I knew that I had a good shot if everything went right but I was just short of a bit of luck on the day. But I’m so proud of my horses; I just wish I could have given them the result they deserved.

“And I guess it’s not bad, for us two young lads,” he added. “Jack and I have been friends since we were four or five years old, and now here we are, fourth and fifth in a World Cup Final.”

Martin Fuchs wins his first Jumping World Cup title with ‘the horse of my heart’

Polly Bryan — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 17:02:30 +0000

Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs came out on top of a thrilling final round at the FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany, while two Brits claimed spots within the top five.

This is Martin’s first World Cup title, having finished in an agonisingly close second at the last final, in 2019. He and the superb 15-year-old Verdi TN stallion Chaplin have been on winning form all week, topping the opening leg of the Jumping World Cup Final on Friday. Martin then swapped horses to the somewhat less reliable The Sinner for Friday’s second round, where a pole down dropped him slightly down the order. He came into the final leg, reinstated aboard Chaplin, lying joint third on the leaderboard with Britain’s Harry Charles.

A flawless first clear from the pair set up an exciting second round, and when Harry tipped the middle part of the enormous treble, Martin knew that a clear inside the time would mean a guaranteed podium position. His trusty little stallion duly delivered, and when The Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders, lying one point ahead, also rolled a pole, only the USA’s McLain Ward lay between Martin and victory.

It just wasn’t McLain’s day. He revealed that his Tokyo Olympics horse contagious had slightly lost his footing in the combination, and the pair ended up with two down. The title was Martin’s.

“This horse is just fantastic. He is really the horse of my heart. Every time he enters the ring he is the biggest fighter and when you’re riding it, there’s nothing else like it,” said Martin.

“The plan was perfect,” he added, of the strategy to ride two horses in the competition. “Honestly, after having a rail down on Friday I wasn’t so sure it was right. Afterwards, I walked back to the warm-up and was pretty upset, but Steve [Guerdat] came up to me and said, ‘Congrats’. He told me I could still win on Sunday, and I was still third, which was good. I knew that two clear rounds today and we’d stay on the podium.

“To end up winning this prestigious competition is a dream come true. Earlier I looked at all the names on the World Cup and they are the best of the best. To be able to add my name is fantastic,” he added.

Harrie Smolders hung on to his second-place with Monaco, here competing at his first championships – “it won’t be his last,” said Harrie – while Sweden’s Jens Fredricson moved up from fifth after today’s first round to fill the third spot on the podium at his first World Cup Final appearance since 2013.

It proved a brilliant week for the Brits but with a heartbreaking conclusion, as Harry Charles and Jack Whitaker finished in fourth and fifth respectively – arguably the hardest places to be. A spot on the podium, even perhaps atop it, was within touching distance for Harry in particular, but an unfortunate fence down aboard Romeo 88 left him in fourth. Jack finished fifth after a stunning clear on Equine America Valmy De La Lande – the horse’s fourth clear of the week — added nothing to his score.

“Fourth is where no one wants to be,” said Harry, who was one of three riders, including Martin Fuchs, to use two horses across the three rounds of competition. “I came here with high expectations and I knew I had a shot if everything went to plan, but we were just short of a bit of luck on the day. But I’m so proud of my horses – I just wish I could have given them the result they deserved.”

John Whitaker finished in 12th with Equine America Unick Du Francport, finishing on a high with a clear in the last round.

Brits within touching distance of World Cup podium – with one round still to go

Polly Bryan — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 14:19:26 +0000

British riders are on top form at the FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany, and with just one round left to jump in today’s final leg, both Harry Charles and Jack Whitaker are among the top six riders on the leaderboard.

Jack jumped a stellar clear round Frank Rothenberger’s sizable course on the grey Equine America Valmy De La Lande, who looked to have springs in his heels and is yet to touch a fence all week at the Jumping World Cup Final. Jack incurred just one time fault, leaving him sixth on nine penalties going into the second round of this class.

“The horse has been unbelievable and I cannot fault him at all,” said Jack. “It was a bit of a tough course with some big oxers in there; he is a bit of a careful jumper so you’ve got to get it right at those oxers. I had to give him enough space so I just had a time fault.”

With several of the next few riders having poles down, Harry Charles took over the lead when he jumped a super clear inside the time on Romeo 88, his Tokyo Olympics horse. This was then matched by Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, leaving the two neck and neck on the leaderboard in third with five penalties.

Harrie Smolders of The Netherlands, second coming into today, kept his World Cup dream alive when remaining fault-free on Monaco, but Friday’s winner, the USA’s McLain Ward, opened the competition up with a pole down on Contagious, meaning he and Harrie are now tied at the top of the table with four penalties apiece.

With just one time fault splitting Harry from the top two, and with Jack just a fence and a time fault behind, both are in with a realistic chance of making the podium, later this afternoon.

John Whitaker had just one pole down on Equine America Unick Du Francport, leaving him 13th at the moment.

The top 20 riders will now jump a second, more difficult round, with the fences raised.

When will the Brits jump in the final round of the World Cup Final – and who could win?

Polly Bryan — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 11:32:26 +0000

The FEI Jumping World Cup Final will reach its conclusion today in Leipzig, Germany, and there are two British riders in serious contention for a podium place. So what time will they be in action?

The final, deciding class gets underway at 2.45pm (1.45pm BST), and is a two round competition at 1.60m. A field of 30 riders will start, with the 20 best-placed combinations after round one, plus any tied, will ride the second round.

The first British rider into the arena in John Whitaker on Equine America Unick Du Francport, 18th to go. Allowing for two minutes per rider, this would put John jumping at around 3.19pm (2.19pm BST). John comes into the final round on 10 points, leaving him slightly adrift of a truly realistic shot at the title.

John’s nephew Jack Whitaker is currently sitting on eight points and will be the 21st rider to jump; he and Equine America Valmy De La Lande have not touched a pole all week during the Jumping World Cup Final – can they maintain their clear streak when they ride at approximately 3.25pm (2.25pm BST)?

Britain’s Harry Charles was the runner-up in Friday’s second leg, and comes into this final class tied for third on five points with Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs, who has switched back to his winning horse from day one, Chaplin. Harry and Romeo 88 will jump 27th, at approximately 3.38pm (2.38pm BST).

The USA’s McLain Ward currently sits atop the standings with Contagious, and therefore will be the final rider into the ring. He only has one fence in hand over the Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders and Monaco, however, with Harry and Martin a single point behind in third. There is all to play for this afternoon at the Leipziger Messe – and the Brits are in with a shout.

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CHARLES Harry (GBR) riding Romeo 88 during the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final on April 8, 2022 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Pierre Costabadie/Icon Sport via Getty Images) (Image credit: Icon Sport via Getty Images)

‘Romeo’s a tough lad and he gets stuck in’: World Cup title within reach for Harry Charles – with Whitakers in the running too

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‘I never thought he’d be a championship horse’: overnight leader McLain Ward on his Jumping World Cup Final ride

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McLain Ward wins round two at World Cup Final – but the Brits are right on his heels

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‘Romeo’s a tough lad and he gets stuck in’: World Cup title within reach for Harry Charles – with Whitakers in the running too

Polly Bryan — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 16:56:28 +0000

Britain’s Harry Charles produced a superb performance today (8 April) at the FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Leipzig, Germany, to set himself up with a shot at winning the title on Sunday.

Harry jumped a brilliant double clear with his Tokyo Olympics partner Romeo 88 to finish second in the class, and elevate himself to third in the overall standings going into the final round. He currently sits on five points, the same as Martin Fuchs, winner of Friday’s opener, with the USA’s McLain Ward leading the pack on Contagious.

Harry has opted to pilot two horses across this final, bringing out the 12-year-old Chacco-Blue mare Stardust on day one for the speed round, before deploying Romeo to jump the next two classes.

“They are two very different horses; Stardust is a very blood, quick mare whereas Romeo is a big, powerful, scopey jumper. It suited me to have Stardust for the speed leg as I could use her natural pace, and even with a jump down we were not far off the main pack on Thursday. Today was a big enough course, which needed scope and power, and Romeo handled it fairly easily. Going into Sunday, he is more suited to this than Stardust would be, but they’re both fantastic horses.

“Romeo has been down in Spain and we’ve been doing some two-star classes so this was our first really big class we’ve come back into, but he has so much experience,” added Harry. “He coped with it well; the atmosphere is very busy today but he doesn’t care about things like that. He’s a tough lad and he’ll get stuck in.”

Harry is one of just three riders in this final opting to switch horses between rounds: the UAE’s Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi rode Alentejo in round one, before swapping to Chacolu, with whom he finished 19th in round two. Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs opted to swap out his day one winner, Chaplin, for the Sinner on day two – a decision that didn’t quite go to plan as a fence down dropped him to joint third in the overall standings with Harry. It is expected that Martin will swap back to Chaplin for Sunday’s final.

“Only one rider has ever won it with two horses,” pointed out Harry, referring to Marcus Ehning’s 2010 victory riding Noltes Küchenhgirl and Plot Blue. Could Harry become the second?

Jumping World Cup Final: three Brits in contention

There is all to play for for Britain’s Jack Whitaker, too, who finished a brilliant third in round two, shooting up the standings from 18th after round one to lie joint ninth with Sweden Jens Fredricson on eight penalties. Jack and the big-jumping grey Equine America Valmy De La Lande have not touched a pole throughout the competition so far, but Jack explained that the gelding is so sharp, it can be a challenge to push him for speed.

“Yesterday I was a bit slower than I wanted to be; I couldn’t really try to fight for first place because I had to do my own round with him and I did nearly as much as I could, but I would have liked to have been a little bit faster. But I’m really happy to be in with half a chance and hopefully we can capitalise on that.

Jack Whitaker and Equine America Valmy De La Lande at the Jumping World Cup Final 2022 (Image credit: Icon Sport via Getty Images)

“The horse is a fighter,” added Jack of the 13-year-old grey gelding who was ridden by his father, Michael, until three years ago. “Sometimes he’s fighting you, sometimes he’s fighting for you. He’s really sharp and he sees or hears everything. He’s like a big kid who’s never grown up, so I just have to keep it all as relaxed as possible.

Jack’s uncle, John Whitaker, goes into the final round in 11th place on Equine America Unick du Francport, having just tipped a fence in the jump-off to end up sixth in round two.

The final round of the Jumping World Cup Final takes place on Sunday (10 April) at 4.45pm (1.45pm BST).

‘I never thought he’d be a championship horse’: overnight leader McLain Ward on his Jumping World Cup Final ride

Polly Bryan — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 16:25:05 +0000

The USA’s McLain Ward will head into the final round of the FEI Jumping World Cup Final in pole position with Contagious, after an impressive victory in today’s second round.

This is McLain’s 19th World Cup Final; he won the title in 2017, but he is trying not to let the pressure affect his gameplan for the rest of the competition.

“I’ve been in pole position before. I have sat here in the lead going into the World Cup Final and then blew it, but I’ve also sat here in this position and then won,” he said. “I try to use all those experiences to help me get my head right. You have to have a bit of good fortune to win one of these championships and understanding this helps you keep your head in the right place. I’m proud of my horse no matter what happens, and we’ll do our best on Sunday.”

McLain has brought his 2021 Olympic ride to Leipzig, the 13-year-old Contagio gelding Contagious, with whom he won team silver in Tokyo last summer. The chestnut has been hugely successful over the past year and McLain admits that he has exceeded expectations.

“In the beginning when we first had him he was very careful and I thought he’d be a nice level grand prix horse; I never actually thought he’d be a championship horse,” said McLain. “But he kept building scope and developing, and he has ended up jumping at the Olympics. He has been a different horse since then, too, he has come back stronger. His father was the same I think; him being so super careful outshone his natural ability at the start.”

McLain adds that the talented gelding, who is remarkably quick across the ground, is “a bit of a character”.

“He is a bit spooky, and a bit jumpy. But he is also an incredible trier.”

Jumping World Cup Final: who else is in contention?

Just behind McLain going into Sunday’s final round is the Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders, who finished in ninth position on day one with the 13-year-old Cassini II son Monaco, and took fourth place today, with just one pole down in the jump-off. Harry Charles sits just a single point behind on the leaderboard in joint third with Thursday’s round one winner Martin Fuchs.

“The most important thing to me coming into Sunday is that I’m not more than a fence behind the podium,” said Harry, who is certainly up on his goal in third, just five penalties behind the leader.

Gerrit Nieberg is the best of the German contingent coming into the final round, in fifth, while Britain’s Jack Whitaker has shot up the rankings following his third-place finish today with Equine America Valmy De La Lande, now siting joint ninth with Sweden’s Jens Fredricson. Jack’s uncle John Whitaker is just behind in 11th, 10 penalties from the top spot.

The final round of the Jumping World Cup Final takes place on Sunday (10 April) at 4.45pm (1.45pm BST).

McLain Ward wins round two at World Cup Final – but the Brits are right on his heels

Polly Bryan — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 15:08:11 +0000

The USA’s McLain Ward has won the second round competition at the FEI Jumping World Cup Final, with young British riders Harry Charles and Jack Whitaker joining him on the podium in second and third place respectively.

All three British riders jumped clear inside the time to be among the seven through to the jump-off. It proved a testing jump-off course, with defending World Cup champion Steve Guerdat having two down as first to go on Victorio Des Frotards.

Next in was John Whitaker, competing at his first Jumping World Cup Final in over 20 years riding Equine America Unick Du Francport. The 14-year-old Zandor son, whom John described as still “not having a lot of top level experience”, jumped well but hit the penultimate fence, a green upright that proved the mostly costly on the course.

Jack Whitaker’s ride, the sharp grey 13-year-old Equine America Valmy De La Lande, hasn’t yet rolled a pole here in Leipzig, and Jack said that he was “ecstatic” with his first round this afternoon: “He’s jumping his socks off. I have to keep moving him forward without making him too sharp, opening his stride without making him too fast.”

The pair took it steady round the jump-off course and it paid off as they delivered the first clear round. This was swiftly matched by Harry Charles, who was best of Brits from round one on Stardust, but has switched to ride his Tokyo Olympics partner Romeo 88 in the second leg of the final. Harry put in a beautiful clear at a good pace to take the lead and put the pressure on the final two riders.

“It wasn’t exactly the day I wanted yesterday,” said Harry, referring his pole down in round one with Stardust. “I’m happy to have made up for that today. Romeo was feeling very fresh and quite strong to be honest – he had a bit of a skip and a play between a few fences, but the feeling for me is so easy. It’s so nice to have him back and riding him at this level.”

With the Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders also bringing down the penultimate upright on Monaco, it was only McLain Ward, who finished fifth in yesterday’s opening round, who could get ahead of the Brits. He pulled out the stops with his Olympic silver medallist Contagious to beat Harry’s time by just over 3secs, taking today’s win and also securing himself the lead spot going into Sunday’ final round.

“I was able to see enough of the jump-off to see it wasn’t a fast course and Harrie’s fence down opened the door for me,” said McLain. “Contagious is a quick horse naturally, so we took the first few fences quite fast, we were a bit slower in middle, but then just stayed smooth to the last fence. He is a brilliant horse and an incredible trier.”

All of Friday’s top three finishers ended up down the order today with four faults apiece. Friday’s winner, Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs finished down the order in 16th after opting to ride The Sinner in the second round. He is expected to bring forward his day one winner Chaplin to compete in the last leg. Ireland’s Conor Swail was 17th on Count Me In with Austria’s Max Kühner 18th on Elektric Blue P.

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‘He is capable of winning something like this’: John Whitaker opens his bid for first World Cup title in +30 years

Polly Bryan — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 16:19:04 +0000

The 2022 World Cup Jumping Final is under way in Leipzig, Germany, and among the trio of British riders competing is John Whitaker, riding in his first World Cup Final in more than two decades, and 31 years after he last took the title.

John, who last competed in a World Cup Final in 2000, won back-to-back titles in 1990 and 1991 on the incomparable Milton, and arrived in Leipzig this year hoping to achieve a third title, this tine riding Equine America Unick Du Francport.

Things didn’t quite go to plan on the opening day of competition for John, who had one fence down to finish 19th, but with two more rounds yet to go, all is not lost.

“It went to plan apart from knocking a fence down,” said John. “I planned to try to get in the first five today – not to try to win it as he’s not the quickest horse, although he’s jumping well. We weren’t quite quick enough to afford to have a fence down; I felt it was a bit unlucky. The way I went and the speed I went was all to plan, so it was just a shame I had the one down.

“It would have been quite an easy course if it wasn’t against the clock. The standard is so high these days they tend to make it look easy, but it’s not actually that easy!”

John said that although, of course, it is difficult for any horse to compare to the legendary Milton, he thinks Equine America Unick Du Francport, a 14-year-old gelding by Zandor, is “capable of winning something like this”.

“He’s been really good for me the last couple of years, and has got me back up to the top flight again. He can jump any course; he’s got all the scope and he’s got a good mind. Although he’s 14 he is still learning the job at championship level, though, with all the atmosphere and the attention at something like this.”

John was pipped by just 0.01secs by his nephew, Jack Whitaker, competing at his first World Cup Final. Aboard the smart grey son of Mylord Carthago, Equine America Valmy De La Lande, Jack produced a smooth clear round that was just a little too steady to elevate him into the top positions.

“It was probably as much as I could do, but it was too slow,” said Jack. “I was very happy with the way that he jumped – he is jumping amazingly, but he’s not the fastest horse in the world. He is a bit sharp in his head and if you try to push him a little too hard he can lose his head a bit, so that was about as much as I could do.”

The third British rider, Harry Charles, finished best of the Brits in 13th position riding Stardust, although he revealed that he plans to swap horses for tomorrow’s second round, as will today’s winner, Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs and Chaplin.

Thrilling start to World Cup Jumping Final with strong British and Irish performances

Polly Bryan — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 15:18:42 +0000

The World Cup Jumping Final got underway this afternoon in Leipzig, Germany (7 April), and it was Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs who established himself in pole position heading into round two of the competition.

Second last to go Martin and the 15-year-old Verdi TN x Concorde stallion Chaplin pulled off a brilliant clear round in 65.11secs to steam in to the lead, more than a second ahead of Austria’s Max Kühner and Elektric Blue P.

“I had a good draw going second last. My horse is super fast and careful; I had a plan and I rode the course following this plan, and it all worked out. I did take risks to be fast but I didn’t take the last risk to go as fast as possible,” said Martin.

“It was definitely a tricky course, although not the biggest. There were some difficulties at the end with the combination coming out of the corner, the high plank and then five or six strides to the last oxer,” he explained.

Martin revealed that he will switch to his other ride, The Sinner, for round two of the competition, before bringing Chaplin back out for the final round on Sunday.

“Chaplin is a superstar and The Sinner is also a very good horse. He has been good in the past few weeks, and I have a lot of confidence in him. I have a great string of horses and I am lucky I can change horses,” he said.

Ireland’s Conor Swail finished best of the British and Irish contingent, in third riding Count Me In.

“Neither he nor I have done a World Cup before, but I’m coming in knowing that my horse is very capable and I am also an older veteran as they say,” laughed Conor. “I was super happy with how he jumped in there; he was really good and solid for me. Sometimes on the first day he can be a little nervous and it takes him a few days to get going but he has started off fantastically.

“It’s always nice when the plan goes as it should.”

World Cup Jumping Final day one: how the Brits fared

The British riders put in solid performances to all finish inside the top 20. Harry Charles leads the British charge at the moment, sitting in 13th with the 12-year-old Chacco-Blue mare Stardust. The pair had an unfortunate rail down coming into the double, but kept their pace and rhythm up to finished strongly.

“She is still quite green to the level, so she coped with it really well. I could have set her up a bit better; I ran a little bit too deep [to the double] which is my fault. But all is not lost – we’re not in bad shape, although I’d hoped to be better,” he told H&H.

Harry will switch to ride his Tokyo Olympics horse Romeo 88 for the second round of the final tomorrow.

“The plan was always to switch to Romeo. He has actually been out of the top level for a while; he’s had a long break, but he is very experienced, so I imagine he’ll come in tomorrow and be pretty good,” said Harry.

Jack Whitaker finished in 18th with a steady clear riding Equine America Valmy De La Lande. He beat his uncle, John Whitaker, by just 0.01secs, with John finishing 19th on Equine America Unick Du Francport after one fence down in his bid to capture a third World Cup title.

Ireland’s second rider, Denis Lynch, ended up 21st with Cristello.

The World Cup Showjumping Final continues tomorrow (8 April) with round two getting underway at 2pm (1pm BST).

When will British riders be in action on day one of the World Cup Finals? UPDATED

Polly Bryan — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 12:08:34 +0000

The FEI World Cup Finals kicks off in Leipzig, Germany, today (7 April) with British riders in action in the first round of both the showjumping and dressage finals.

Round one of the World Cup Jumping Final begins at 2.35pm (1.35pm BST), with three Brits in action. Jack Whitaker will be the first British rider into the arena at the Leipziger Messe, riding his father Michael’s 13-year-old grey gelding Equine America Valmy De La Lande. He will be the 17th rider to go, and the last before the break, with his uncle John Whitaker the 19th to ride. John is gunning for a record-equalling third World Cup title, having last won it back to back in 1990 and 1991 on the great Milton. In 2022, he rides his own and Clare Whitaker’s 14-year-old gelding Equine America Unick Du Francport.

The final British rider into the arena will be Harry Charles, who will be the 32nd rider to jump, aboard Stardust, the 12-year-old Chacco-Blue mare owned by Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein and Pembroke Holdings. Riders are able to swap horses across the three-round showjumping final, and Harry also has his Tokyo Olympics ride Romeo 88 waiting in the wings in Leipzig.

Two Irish showjumpers will also be in action: Conor Swail is 29th to jump riding Count Me In, with Denis Lynch 31st to go riding Cristello.

Other favourites for the World Cup jumping title include 2019 champion, Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, who will follow Harry Charles into the arena as the 33rd rider, on the 13-year-old chestnut gelding Victorio Des Frotards. He is followed by his compatriot Martin Fuchs, the penultimate rider, on board Chaplin. Other ones to watch include Germany’s Marcus Ehning, seventh to go, on Calanda, the USA’s McLain Ward, 11th to jump, on Contagious, and the Netherlands’ Harrie Smolders, 14th to ride, on Monaco.

Find the World Cup showjumping round one running order here [PDF download]

World Cup Dressage times: when does Lottie Fry ride?

The World Cup Dressage Final also begins today, with the short grand prix serving as a qualifier for the grand prix freestyle on Saturday night, from which the winner will be decided. Lottie Fry is Britain’s sole dressage representative out in Leipzig, and will be the seventh to go in the class, riding her own and Van Olst Horses’ 14-year-old Zucchero gelding Dark Legend at 7.48pm (6.48pm BST).

The defending champion, Germany’s Isabell Werth, takes to the arena at 8.41pm (7.41pm BST) with the 17-year-old Don Schufro mare Weihegold OLD, winner of the past three World Cup Finals. The World Cup Final will be the last competitive outing for this stellar mare, who will be retired after the show.

Germany’s golden girl of 2021, the Olympic and European champion Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, will be last into the ring for the short grand prix, riding the 15-year-old Easy Game mare TSF Dalera BB at 9.21pm (8.21pm BST).

John Whitaker bids for a record-equalling third World Cup victory (his first since Milton in 1991!)

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:36:32 +0000

In Leipzig, Germany, this week (7-10 April), 36 of the world’s best showjumpers will be battling it out for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final and, after a two-year hiatus owing to the pandemic, the excitement levels are sky-high.

Among this year’s contenders, who have qualified from six different global leagues and who represent 19 different nations, are a trio of British riders – John Whitaker, his nephew Jack Whitaker, and Harry Charles.

The legendary John, 66, will be bidding for a record-equalling third World Cup victory; his previous two wins came in 1990 and 1991 with the great Milton, and this year he is riding his newly prefixed top horse Equine America Unick Du Francport.

Rising stars Jack, 20, and Harry, 22, will be making their debuts. Jack — son of John’s younger brother Michael Whitaker — takes the reins on Equine America Valmy De La Lande, and Harry is bringing his Tokyo Olympics ride Romeo 88 and his victor of the World Cup qualifier at the London International Horse Show, Stardust.

“The reason I’m taking the two horses is because they are both super-consistent,” says Harry. “Stardust has an extremely high clear-round rate at 1.60m and Romeo has so much experience behind him.”

Among the other returning champions at this year’s final are the current title-holder Steve Guerdat, who Harry Charles says has “a bit of a magical relationship with the World Cup Final”. The Swiss rider lifted the trophy in 2015, 2016 and 2019 and he will be joined this year by countryman Martin Fuchs.

German star Marcus Ehning is another three-time winner, lifting the title in 2003, 2006 and 2010, and he brings his in-form partner Stargold for this year’s competition. McLain Ward is also back in a bid to regain the title he won in 2017, one of nine riders from USA this year.

Flying the flag for Ireland are Conor Swail, currently ranked number seven in the world, and Denis Lynch, who headed the standings in the Western European League.

Among the other big names are Harrie Smolders of the Netherlands, David Will and Christian Ahlmann for Germany and Belgium’s Jos Verlooy. But some new names are also in the mix representing the likes of Lithuania, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.

This year’s courses are being designed by Germany’s Frank Rothenberger and the competition begins on Thursday (6 April) with the speed competition followed by a jump-off class on Friday. The final takes place on Sunday, when the 2022 World Cup champion will be crowned.

H&H will be bringing you all the action online with a full report in next week’s issue of the magazine, in the shops on Thursday 14 April.

In the genes: Whitaker wins on son of mare his father jumped to victory 15 years ago

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 12:44:02 +0000

It’s no surprise to see the younger generation of Whitakers following in the footsteps of their senior relatives but at Onley Grounds Equestrian Complex last week (5 January) the family’s horses were keeping it in the genes, too.

The winner of the winter grand prix was 20-year-old Jack Whitaker, son of the great Michael Whitaker. Jack’s victorious partner for this 1.50m class was the nine-year-old Negredo De Muze, a son of Michael’s former top grand prix mare Portofino, who took Michael to success all over the world. Among their most notable victories were the Big Ben Challenge in Toronto, World Cup qualifiers, Nations Cup — including winning the Aga Khan Trophy in Dublin in 2005 — as well as claiming team bronze at the European Championships in 2007.

Describing the similarities between the equine mother and son, who is by Elvis Ter Putte, Jack said there was a lot to like. He took the reins on Negredo 18 months ago from his father, who had produced him through young horse classes.

“He [Negredo] looks like Portfofino with a similar way of going,” he revealed, although he is “not the fastest” and patience has been key.

“The jump’s always been there but he’s a bit funny in his mouth. We keep it simple; concentration isn’t his strong point, but he’s improving,” added Jack.

The home-bred stallion carries the famous De Muze suffix from the stud where he was born, with Joris De Brabander and Michael Whitaker listed as his joint-breeders.

“It proved difficult to get embryos from Portofino so she went to specialised, experienced hands – Negredo was actually born in Belgium,” explained Jack.

The pair won Onley’s grand prix after a 13-way jump-off and Jack followed his father’s advice which was: “It’s gone 9pm, give it your best shot and don’t fanny about!”

“The double was on a dog-leg. I took the wider option for six strides, but you had to be positive to jump out,” said Jack.

Taking second in the class behind Jack was Louise Saywell riding Kingsborough Kasper, just ahead of Joe Fernyhough with Lejoor.

You can read the full report from Onley winter classic in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound, in the shops from Thursday 13 January.

There’s a new Whitaker on the block… Jack, 20, wins at London International: ‘This is a very big deal for me’

Pippa Roome — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 23:00:48 +0000

Jack Whitaker joined the ranks of famous Whitaker family members who have won in the London Horse Show showjumping when he took the Longines Christmas cracker tonight.

The 20-year-old rider said a win at the show is “a very big deal for me”, bearing in mind his family’s history with Olympia – as the show is known, although it has moved to ExCel from its usual home this year.

“It’s difficult to put into words – I don’t think I’ve ever missed Olympia since I’ve been born,” he said. “I’ve always been coming here with my Dad [Michael], watching my Dad win loads of classes and loads of my family so it’s just great to have that one under my belt.”

This is Jack’s first year contesting the five-star classes at the show, although he has formerly competed in the pony division and last year in the young rider class.

Video courtesy of London International Horse Show

Ten of the 20 starters jumped clear in the first round, so the early jump-off riders calculated a fast clear would be needed to win. But speed came at the expense of poles down and it took until fifth-drawn Jack, riding his father Michael’s Valmy De La Lande, to get a clear.

His 41.48sec left an opportunity open for a faster challenger, but three of the five who followed faulted, with the double at fence six proving particularly influential.

Finland’s Noora Forsten took second on Con Caya with a clear in 43.5sec, while another young Brit, Harry Charles, was the fastest four-faulter to land third on Valkiry De Zance – a good result for him after a London Horse Show showjumping win on Friday.

“I just saw them knocking jumps down so I thought if I get a clear round, I might get lucky,” said Jack. “I didn’t think I was going to win. I thought I was going to finish third or fourth, maybe second. I just got lucky.”

The 12-year-old grey Valmy De La Lande, by Mylord Carthago*HN, has been in the Whitaker family since he was six – “my dad found him and did all the hard work,” said Jack – and was fourth in the World Cup qualifier at Olympia with Michael in 2018.

He displayed some high spirits in the class, kicking out in both his rounds, which Jack said is typical of him.

“He’s a proper good horse, he’s just a bit of a lunatic,” said the rider. “He is a complete machine, but he’s just very difficult to handle sometimes. A jump-off like that where it’s all twisty and turny is not great for him, he gets very sharp, so I couldn’t go full blast anyway today. So it just worked out perfectly in the end.”

Top names help inspire disadvantaged young people through riding academy

Becky Murray — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 12:03:59 +0000

An initiative aimed at introducing disadvantaged children to the wide range of career opportunities in the equestrian industry has been relaunched.

The London International Horse Show Riding Academy, first initiated in 2019 by London International (formerly Olympia) organisers with Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, returned with an event on 3 November attended by showjumper Jack Whitaker, Paralympic dressage rider Natasha Baker, and equestrian officials.

A spokesman for the academy said 12 teenagers from Ebony attended and gained “invaluable experience”.

“Attendees had the opportunity to meet top riders and equestrian officials, learn and engage, and receive advice and guidance on possible career paths,” said the spokesman “For many, the highlight of the day was a riding lesson from Jack. Students were also given the opportunity to spend time with Natasha and learn about her journey and successes, as well as viewing her many medals.

“Participants also benefited from an informative talk from Winnie Murphy [British Equestrian head of communications] who spoke about the various career opportunities within equestrianism, beyond riding, and the pathways available to kick-start their chosen vocations.”

The spokesman added that the London International recognises the importance of supporting and reaching out to less privileged local communities to inspire and advise children on how to further their passion for equestrianism. The event had mental health as a “central theme”, from keeping in the best frame of mind for competition to the role horses can play in improving a person’s mental health.

Jack said it was “amazing” to see the opportunities Ebony Horse Club provides to young people.

“It’s brilliant the London International Horse Show has brought everyone together and used their platform to support the local community in this way. The show always goes above and beyond and I have really enjoyed it and learnt a lot myself too,” he said.

London International show director Simon Brooks-Ward said the academy is “so important” to the organising team.

“With this initiative we hope to widen accessibility and participation to the equestrian industry to those individuals and communities who have more barriers to the sport,” he said.

“The academy provides a platform in which children can learn about how to create a career within the industry and we hope the children were inspired from the day.”

Jack Whitaker: ‘This is where I’ve wanted to be my whole life’ H&H Plus

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 26 May 2021 14:00:39 +0000

Jack Whitaker has announced his arrival in showjumping’s big league with his first five-star victory. The ambitious teenager chats to Jennifer Donald about Olympic goals, dealing with hard times and sharing horses with his dad

BUOYED by a life-defining first five-star success, Jack Whitaker is brimming with excitement about what the future holds. This ambitious and supremely talented 19-year-old has long shaped in a similar mould to his Olympic silver medal-winning father, Michael, while confidently paving his own path on the jumping circuit. But as if his world-famous surname wasn’t a signal in itself, Jack’s recent victory at the first of this year’s majors, the Dutch Masters, has put Jack firmly on the map as a rider to watch.

“Jumping in my first Rolex grand prix there felt like a big deal but it’s where I’ve wanted to be my whole life, so it was like I was meant to be there,” he ponders with a laid-back approach that also sees him undaunted by competing against some of the highest ranked riders in the world.

“Winning a five-star class was definitely on my bucket list, but I was hoping it was more about when it was going to happen rather than if it was going to happen. I went there to win, not just to participate, so to win the Audi prize was fantastic.

“I love going to those kinds of shows because, even without the crowd there, you immediately feel the atmosphere and there’s definitely a bit more tension.”

Jack is still based at the Whitaker family home in Nottinghamshire, with his father Michael, mother Melissa, and sisters Katie and Molly. However, like many British showjumpers in the wake of Brexit, Jack is having to curtail the number of journeys across the English border and instead uses the stables of Roelof Bril in the Netherlands as a temporary base between shows, which is where we caught up with the two-time pony European gold medallist before a two-week stint on the Italian circuit.

“It’s certainly easier than going home, so we’ll just roll with it for a bit,” he says.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

RATHER like a student exchange programme, Roelof Bril’s son Robin is currently based at the Whitaker stables riding lots of the younger horses, and Jack’s top string currently boasts four high-calibre equines in seasoned campaigner Valmy De La Lande, a big winner for Michael, the up-and-coming nine-year-old Haya Loma N and his five-star winning mare Scenletha, owned by ESM Equestrian, while his Liverpool grand prix runner-up Elucar VE is just returning from injury.

“Hopefully I can have the same success as my dad with Valmy, while Scenletha is a fantastic mare who I’ve been riding for a while,” says Jack. “I was lucky that ESM Equestrian with John Evans bought into her because we still do a lot of business selling horses – it’s how we keep the show going – and there’s always a lot of interest in one like her. In the end she’ll probably get sold, but I was very grateful when he bought in because it meant I could keep the ride on her a bit longer.

“My dad rode Haya Loma last year so she is a new one to me and she’s just started jumping 1.45m ranking classes, but she’s looking like she’ll be one of the best.

“That’s just how it works between my dad and me – whoever needs a horse gets a horse! So when I managed to get into a few bigger shows at a time when my dad wasn’t doing as much, he was nice enough to let me borrow Valmy for a few bigger shows and I’m sure when he starts to do a bit more, he’ll want him back!

“But it’s all very easy; it’s a great system at home and it’s a great place to be – whoever’s there rides them and hopefully some of them will turn out to be good.”

Valmy De La Lande (Image credit: creditUnknown)

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the sport, says Jack, is developing the young horses and he and his father have an enviable breeding programme which is producing some real superstars.

“It’s very satisfying to feel one improving underneath you,” says Jack. “I massively enjoy bringing on the young ones we’ve produced ourselves, so I hope we continue to have the success we’ve had with our breeding lines.”

A phenomenal career on youth squads has also laid excellent foundations for Jack.

“I don’t think moving up the levels ever comes quick – you’re lucky if it does,” he explains. “The move from ponies to juniors to young riders then two-star – which would be fairly similar to young riders – was easy enough, but going up to three-star competitions is another ball game altogether and the grands prix are much harder. Then it’s another big step up to four-star and a massive leap to five-star. But it all comes with experience, too, so I’m just trying to get to as many of these shows as possible.

“My dad will still come and give me a hand at the bigger ones. But when I was younger, he was always away at shows so I went to shows a bit by myself – it was great training, but there were some hard times, too.

“His best piece of advice is to stay relaxed, don’t worry about it too much and be confident in your ability.”

Haya Loma N (Image credit: creditUnknown)

One of the finest testimonies to Jack’s natural aptitude in the saddle came last year when he was one of just seven European athletes selected for the Young Riders Academy, which offers a programme of training and education in all aspects of the sport.

“Your federation puts you forward then they do a two-day selection trial, so it was fantastic to be picked,” enthuses Jack. “They help you get into a few bigger shows – which is how I was able to compete at ‘s-Hertogenbosch – then there’s lots of training offered so I’m going to Jos Lansink for six months at some point. Then they also do a lot of the social media side of things, too, which is really helpful – I need to get better actually.”

WHILE this year’s sporting calendar is constantly shifting during uncertain times, Jack hopes to build on his recent big league success and his senior Nations Cup team debut last year has certainly whetted his appetite to represent his country.

“I’m going to try to do as much as I can – hopefully more Nations Cups, then try to get into more, bigger shows while hopefully keeping some good form,” he says. “Nothing beats that winning feeling, it’s surreal – the competitive side of the sport is fantastic and jumping at the highest level is the reason I want to keep going to those shows.

“But the day before I won that five-star class, I got it completely wrong; I only had one fence down, but it was a bit my mistake. When that happens, all you want to do is get straight back in the ring and try again. You’re constantly looking for success. I find dealing with disappointment very hard. I’m a fairly positive, relaxed kind of person, but when I messed up in that class, it really knocked me – I was so annoyed with myself. It’s always the little things, too, so you can drive yourself round in circles thinking about it.

“I’ve learnt to get over these things a bit quicker now, but it never gets easier.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

When it comes to recharging the batteries, Jack will take himself off to the nearest golf course or driving range and he loves playing six-a-side football with some of his fellow riders back home.

“It’s that competitive side in me again!” he says. “Golf courses are everywhere and it’s quiet – you don’t have to talk about anything and it’s easy to get away from it all for a bit.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

But showing the same focus that has kept his father at the top of his game for four decades, it doesn’t take long for Jack to hone in on his next targets.

“Nations Cups, European Championships and the Olympics are all part of the plan,” he says. “Jumping in my first senior Nations Cup last year was a really fantastic moment and hopefully just the start of a long career jumping for Great Britain.

“Hopefully we can keep the ball rolling. It’s a team effort, so I owe a lot to everyone behind the scenes for making it all possible. I never want it to stop.”

You can also read this report in the 27 May issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

New name picks up showjumping’s Grand Slam baton H&H Plus

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 07:43:05 +0000

Max Kühner becomes the latest contender to bid for the Rolex Grand Slam, while 19-year-old Jack Whitaker lands his first five-star victory at Indoor Brabant Horse Show, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands

FIVE-star jumping made a spectacular return to Europe and although spectators were noticeably absent – the makeshift painted grandstands were a novel touch nevertheless – there were three days of top-flight sport to savour at Indoor Brabant Horse Show in the Netherlands.

The new hero of the sport is Max Kühner, who triumphed in Sunday’s Rolex Grand Prix making him the first new live contender for the Rolex Grand Slam of Showjumping since Martin Fuchs lifted the baton in Geneva back in 2019.

The Austrian rider, ranked 23 in the world, triumphed after an eight-way jump-off. Germany’s Christian Kukuk took an early lead with the 11-year-old gelding Checker 47 and it wasn’t until the penultimate partnership – Max and the 10-year-old Elektric Blue P scorched round – that his time was beaten, by over a second. Last to go was 32-year-old Brazilian rider Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (VDL Edgar M), who came to the final obstacle slightly behind the clock to take the runner-up spot.

“The Rolex Grand Slam has always been a big aim for me so I’m very happy that it worked out today,” said Max, who collected a first prize of €231,000 (£200,227).

Max has represented his country at championship level and bought the German-bred 10-year-old by Eldorado VD Zeshoek, out of a For Pleasure mare, as a two-year-old.

“I saw him do one free jump on a video and I said I liked him,” remembered Max. “The auction was already running so we bought him.

“He’s always done everything very well, he was always a very good horse, and he never disappointed me. He has unbelievable possibilities, as jumping is quite easy for him. He has a good character and likes to do the sport.”

At home, Max says the gelding “gets bored quite easily” so the team have designed a special programme for him and the plentiful hillwork has done wonders at improving his condition.

“We hack him and drive him to where he can climb a little bit in the mountains,” said Max.

As the new contender for the Rolex Grand Slam, Max already has the next legs at Spruce Meadows and Aachen in September on his schedule, but there will be some juggling required with the European Championships also set to run the same month.

“We will aim to take Chardonnay 79 to Calgary, as he finished third in the last Spruce Meadows Grand Prix in 2019, where he jumped very nicely, and maybe we’ll take Elektric Blue to Aachen.”

Whitaker lands his first five-star prize

WHILE 19-year-old Jack Whitaker completed with a creditable eight faults on Valmy De La Lande in his first attempt at a Rolex Grand Prix, he landed Saturday’s feature class, the 41-starter 1.55m Audi Prize, on the 11-year-old mare Scenletha.

A confident and dazzling performance over Louis Konickx’s testing jump-off track claimed Jack his first five-star success as he topped the leaderboard ahead of US rider Kent Farrington (Creedance) and Scott Brash riding Hello Vincent.

“The feeling is fantastic – it’s what everyone comes here to do,” said Jack. “But among some of these world-class riders, it’s a bit surreal to win!

“Scenletha is unbelievable, she’s such a nice horse. She’s so consistent and she’s got a lovely character, but she’s also feisty. Tonight she fought for me a bit, and I can’t thank her enough. She’ll get plenty of Polos and pats later.”

Jack credited the Young Riders Academy for helping to put him in this position.

“I just hope that they can continue supporting and helping young riders like me,” he said.

Daniel Deusser overcomes

GERMANY’S world number two Daniel Deusser landed victory on day one after a nail-biting international showdown with the 12-year-old Casallvano.

“Having walked the course, I was quite surprised that there were so many clear rounds,” explained Daniel. “I have to say, all the lines and the turns worked out really well. Casallvano is actually a really scopey horse. He’s a little bit shy when he comes into the ring, but that’s also a positive part of being very careful on the jumps.

“Although he’s a very fast horse, I had in the last one or two weeks a couple of turns that didn’t work out like I expected. But I finally came to that point today where everything works out, which makes me very proud.

“Considering the circumstances, it’s difficult that we can do our job at the moment. The organisation here and the sponsors did a great job to make that happen and let us ride again.”

Among the other five-star winners was Ireland’s Denis Lynch, who took top honours in Saturday’s 1.45m jump-off class with his super-consistent 14-year-old stallion Cristello. He just pipped Laura Kraut to the post on Constable II, one of several good placings over the weekend for the US rider.

This report is also available to read in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound, on sale Thursday 29 April

Teenage Whitaker wins first five-star class: ‘it’s a bit surreal’

Lucy Elder — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 16:43:52 +0000

British teenager Jack Whitaker scored the first CSI5* win of his ascending career at the 2021 Dutch Masters this weekend.

Jack and the 11-year-old mare Scenletha topped the 1.55m Audi Prize on the second day of Indoor Brabant at s’Hertogenbosch (24 April) ahead of a world-class 41-strong line-up.

The 19-year-old said the win felt “fantastic” but “surreal” and that Scenletha could expect “plenty of Polos and pats”.

A total of 11 combinations made it through to the jump-off, with second to go Scott Brash and 11-year-old stallion Hello Vincent, owned by Lady Harris and Lady Kirkham, the first to jump double clear, setting the time to beat at 36.16 seconds.

Brazil’s Marlon Modolo Zanotelli (Grand Slam VDL) and Germany’s Christian Kukuk (Constantin 110) both left all the fences standing, but could not beat Scott.

But Jack and the Scenletha shaved 0.37 seconds off Scott’s time to take the lead. US rider Kent Farrington was last to go aboard Creedance, stopping the clock fractionally faster than Scott, but not fast enough to topple Jack from first place.

“It’s what everyone comes here to do, and it’s what I came here to do; but among some of these world-class riders it’s a bit surreal when you win, so I’m a bit stuck for words, to be honest – it’s fantastic!” Jack said.

“It’s my first five-star win, and it hasn’t sunk in. But as I say, it’s what you come here to do, and I knew it was just a case of when it was going to eventually happen, and it finally has.

“I’d just like to say thank you very much to the Young Riders Academy for putting me in this position, and for everything they’ve done so far. I just hope that they can continue supporting and helping young riders like me.”

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The Young Riders Academy is a programme for up-and-coming talented European showjumpers, helping to prepare them for professional careers in the sport through education and a placement at a top yard.

Jack has formed a strong partnership with the Scendrix x Contendra mare, owned by Michael Whitaker and Carl Hanley Sport Horses, over the last three years. They claimed first place in the under-24 grand prix in their first season together at Liverpool 2018 and have had numerous wins and top placings across the international circuit.

The final results were Kent in second with a time of 36.12 seconds, Scott third (31.16 seconds), with Marlon (37.37 seconds) and Christian (46.50) in fourth and fifth respectively. World number one Steve Guerdat was the fastest four-faulter in the jump-off to take sixth aboard Uranie de Belcour in 36.57 seconds.

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.

‘I’m just trying to keep my horses safe – and not panic’: Jack Whitaker reports from the Sunshine Tour

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 15:33:21 +0000

British showjumper Jack Whitaker is one of the many riders facing an uncertain journey home after the Sunshine Tour in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, was cancelled.

Organisers announced on Thursday (4 March) that a horse who had previously been competing on the tour had started showing neurological signs similar to those associated with equine herpes virus (EHV-1) and that classes would be brought to a halt on Sunday, three weeks before the tour was due to finish.

“A lot of people are panicking; we’ve been told to stay put but people are trying to get out anyway,” Jack told H&H.

“I was a bit worried yesterday [Thursday] because we heard that a horse had tested positive, but there haven’t actually been any positive tests here – one of the biggest problems is all the rumours flying around.”

The horse in question had been in isolation since 26 February and, despite its clinical signs, has tested negative for the virus.

“Obviously I’m trying to keep my horses away from the other horses and I’m doing everything to keep them as safe as possible, but I’m not panicking,” explained Jack. “I will stay till Sunday then try to leave when I can. But it’s all a bit up in the air.

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“As long as you have the right health papers, you can leave whenever you like, it’s just getting the right health papers but that’s the difficult bit. They originally said it would take two weeks to get them, but today I was told we could get them more quickly, just not yet.”

Even with the right health papers, there is the worry that it might not be possible to sort out any stopover stables, which is why several British riders have made the decision to hold their horses in Spain where they at least have immediate veterinary access, rather than risking any of their horses becoming sick on the journey home.

“We need to work together to minimise the spread of this virus and we greatly appreciate the cooperation and understanding demonstrated by all the riders, owners, sponsors and other team members involved,” said the show organisers.

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.

Arena UK report: Showjumper wins on horse she’s had for just a week and much more H&H Plus

Suzanne Jones — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 15:00:43 +0000

Louise Saywell wins with a horse she’s only had for a week, while Jack Whitaker impresses with a smart home-bred

Arena UK, Lincs, 15–19 July

Louise Saywell hit form with brand new ride Edgarrento in the A, B and C handicap to conclude this five-day meeting in style.

“I’ve only had him a week and I’m playing around with bridles to see which is the best suited,” said Louise, on the Zento x Numero Uno 11-year-old who jumped to 1.60m with Leon Thijssen. They made the 1.45m track look easy.

“He’s easy to handle, a little bouncy to ride but straightforward,” she said. “He had four faults in the first couple of classes but we used a mini elevator bit today and he won.”

Kerry Brennan notched up a hat-trick with the effusive Wellington M with two 1.30m wins topped by a 1.40m. “He put on weight during lockdown so we’ve jumped 1.30m classes to get his fitness up,” said Kerry, who was frustrated to drive to Oliva Nova in March, jump two classes – winning one – only to come home after the show was cancelled.

“He thought he’d retired in lockdown – this is his second show and he’s so excited, he bounces off the lorry like a four-year-old.”

Winner of the initial 1.30m, Kerry moved the Quidam De Revel x Cash 17-year-old up to 1.40m and battled for supremacy with Mark Edwards and his home-bred Montreuxs Tale.

Mark topped the first 1.40m and claimed the second 24 hours later 0.09sec ahead of Kerry and “Welly”. On day three, Kerry commanded a quarter of a second advantage and triumphantly concluded the show with another 1.30m victory.

Edwards on form

Mark was pleased with the Tinkers Tale x Corleone 10-year-old Montreuxs Tale at their first outing since February. They jumped the first three days, scoring two wins and a second.

“The courses were stiffer than I expected but he was excited to be back. He’s not spooky and gets on with the job, but he was fresh – although as soon as he was in the ring, he was focused,” said Mark.

“I just hacked him at home with a couple of jumps at the end of lockdown. He felt well in himself and it is so nice to be out somewhere different.”

Holly Smith made short work of Saturday’s 1.40m to outpace 26 rivals with Claddagh Iroko. The Iroko x Cruising 13-year-old jumped at St Tropez, France, two weeks earlier and this win kept him ticking over.

“I’m hoping to return to St Tropez and I’m waiting to hear if I get in – big shows have waiting lists,” said Holly. “This course was up-to-height and competitive but not a race. He’s been a little trooper for me and his rideability is so good, it won the class. He’s a good support to Hearts Destiny and Denver, and [owner] Jason Nunn is a pleasure to work with, leaving the decisions to me.”

Jess Botham registered four wins on former Olympic eventer and Badminton winner Jane Starkey’s home-bred. Isabelle Mirah, a nine-year-old mare by the Connemara stallion Carnaby Mirah, who competed to intermediate level with Sarah Way, topped the first two Foxhunter classes.

“She’s a winner, an absolute demon against the clock, only 15.3hh but so competitive. She gets her game face on and off we go, she loves it,” said Jess. “Jane lives in the same village and was looking for a rider when Sarah became pregnant – now she’s a showjumping convert.”

Jess meets them at shows, and schools them once a week. “Jane rides one and leads another to our yard,” she said.

Jess doubled up with two newcomers wins on Manzanita, a six-year-old mare by Cevin Z and half-sister to Isabelle. “She did a few five-year-old classes but has really come on this year – she’s careful, competitive and has recently moved up to Foxhunter,” said Jess.

“Fun of the day”

Annabel Shields claimed a 1.30m win and a second place with out-and-out favourite Wet Wet Wet (Mr Blue x Royal Feu) who belied his 17 years with an excitable, bullish attitude in the ring.

“He won twice at his first show back at South View – and he’s my fun of the day and felt on fire,” said Annabel.

Joe Trunkfield’s early-draw efforts triumphed in Saturday’s 1.30m at his fifth show with Guadelupe, a Zambesi x Papillon Rouge nine-year-old.

“She’s had embryos taken from her and has just returned from Twemlows,” said Joe. “She was fresh to start but settled in the second half. I’m now working on her fitness but she’s game and runs off her blood – when she’s fitter, she can stand a lot of jumping and needs it.”

James Whitaker was also a 1.30m winner with Coloro Ex Z. “He’s been hacking during lockdown and he jumped at the Davenports’ training show in Cheshire a couple of weeks ago. I just wanted to give him a pop round here, but he was jumping so well I couldn’t help myself [against the clock],” said James, who made the best of a bad situation. “The break has done the older horses good, it’s usually full on this time of year.”

Good show!

Riders praised the smooth running and relaxed atmosphere at this busy five-day show, despite sporting over 100 entries in both the newcomers and Foxhunter classes.

“They nailed it. There was plenty of room in the warm-up – a whole ring split for flatwork with a maximum of five riders at a time and a jumping warm-up, again restricted to five riders. And although there were 100 in a class, it didn’t seem busy,” said Jess Botham.

Show proprietor and secretary Lauren Fogg was also happy. “We really like this new system – all drawn orders, competitors jumping at specific times and they have responsibly observed all the protocols,” she said.

“She’s a character”

Jack Whitaker guided the impressive home-bred six-year-old Paenut II (Billy Congo x Tornado) into a double clear in the newcomers.

“We think a lot of her. She’s inexperienced but has a big stride, scope and is ultra-careful,” said Jack. “She was sharp – we couldn’t get near her with a headcollar as a three-year-old and she was very sharp to break-in so we took our time.

“She only started competing last September, but now she’s ready to crack on. She’s still a character, but they need a bit about them, it’s what makes them special.”

Ref Horse & Hound; 23 July 2020

Jack Whitaker: A massive step in my career H&H Plus

Horse & Hound — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 09:00:41 +0000

I paid my first visit to Al Shaqab in Doha, Qatar, last week and what a fantastic show it is — as riders we couldn’t ask for better facilities. The arena is huge and the surface is perfect — that sand and fibre mix works very well. We can ride on the gallops as well as in the various rings, and the stables are fantastic — air conditioned and really big. It makes such a difference not having to worry about the horses staying in rickety, older stables.

I’d seen videos of the venue before I came here, and my father Michael Whitaker had told me about it, but it was still different to what I expected — the stadium is massively open. There’s not so much atmosphere in the arena here though; you have to remind yourself that you’re jumping for quite a lot of money!

I brought my current two best horses to Al Shaqab. Scenletha is very new to this level and Friday night’s 1.55-1.60m class was the biggest she has ever jumped, but she took it in her stride. My other horse, Elucar V E, is probably my best horse at the moment and is a bit more confident, so I saved him for the grand prix, which was very big.

‘What I’ve been aiming for’

Being here and competing in my first Global Champions Tour next week at the same venue is a massive step in my career. I was quite nervous when I was first selected to ride in the Globals, where I will be representing Cascais Charms in the Global Champions League, but it soon turned to excitement. It’s what I’ve been aiming for since I first started riding — to get to the top of the sport — and I’m just hoping I can prove myself.

Everyone knows me because of my name, but being a Whitaker doesn’t put any extra pressure on me — unless I let it! I’m very lucky to have been born into this family and it’s a great advantage for me.

It’s nice to have my father with me in Doha. He doesn’t give me too much advice just before I go into the arena, but reminds me to stay focused. Our groom, Amanda Steele, is great to have with us, too. It’s actually very nice to have just the two horses here, as ordinarily at a show at home I’d have seven or eight. That said, I haven’t had a chance to see much of Doha yet, although I have been jet-skiing.

I’ve already spent a few weeks in this part of the world this year, jumping in the UAE — these events are great for the sport in the Middle East. Next up for me is Miami and Mexico; I’m so lucky to be able to travel to and compete at all these places and I’m very thankful for the opportunity.

Ref Horse & Hound; 5 March 2020

Jumping a horse away from home for the first time: 13 top tips from Michael and Jack Whitaker

Gemma Redrup — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 12:24:33 +0000

At a masterclass, sponsored by Dodson & Horrell, Michael Whitaker and his then 17-year-old son Jack shared some very useful advice for taking a young horse away from home for the first time to jump a course of showjumps.

Jack was riding a four-year-old home-bred gelding, by Billy Congo (pictured), who had never left home before. Here’s some top tips from the pair on how to introduce a horse to a new environment and build confidence…

1. We don’t ask too much from our young horses to start with — as long as they are forward and straight, that is all we are looking for.

2. We often use standing martingales on our young horses — they help with control and stop you getting smashed in the face!

3. Once we have had a little walk, trot and canter around to introduce the horse to its new surroundings, we start the jumping process using one pole on the floor in-between two wings. We trot over this a few times each way.

4. It’s important to try to avoid getting in a fight with your horse — keep things as straightforward as possible to avoid blowing their brains.

5. Once your horse is trotting and then cantering over the pole on the ground comfortably, build a small cross pole with fillers at the sides of the fence, so that the horse can see them, but they aren’t being asked to jump them — this will help them become accustomed to fillers and seeing different things. Jump the cross pole in canter until your horse feels confident, then progress to a small vertical.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

6. Make sure that you give your horse the freedom in its head and neck to jump the fence, but don’t throw away the contact in case your horse goes to stop or spook.

7. Always praise your horse for doing the right thing.

8. We don’t mind horses being spooky — at least they’re thinking about the job in hand.

9. Never ask a horse something it isn’t ready to do.

10. If your horse is fresh to start with, make sure they are settled before you start jumping — don’t fight with your horse if they are fresh as it will only complicate things. Just keep calm and keep working with them until they settle.

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11. You have to let your horse make mistakes in order to learn — knocking the odd pole isn’t the end of the world, but don’t allow them to think knocking fences down is normal — there’s a balance between the two.

12. We like to use groundlines on fences — we find it helps horses with confidence and their jump.

13. It’s important to get young horses out and about as much as possible to help them see the world, whether it’s competing in small classes or hiring out arenas — it will pay off in the long term.

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Jack Whitaker wins horsebox, but he isn’t old enough to drive it…

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 10:21:24 +0000

When the organisers of last week’s Brussels Stephex Masters show (30 August – 3 September) offered the prize of a gleaming STX horsebox to the show’s leading two-star rider, they must have imagined one lucky showjumper tootling off down the motorway with a broad grin on their face.

But what they didn’t count on was a teenager too young to drive swooping in with some great results to claim the lease on the two-horse lorry — our very own super young talent, 15-year-old Jack Whitaker.

Jack — quite possibly the country’s youngest horsebox owner — will have to enjoy his new set of wheels from the passenger seat, because the teenager doesn’t pick up his L-plates until his 17^th birthday in October next year.

“We’ll have the lorry brought over to the UK, but someone else will have to drive it for the time being,” Jack told H&H. “I’ll have to try to win a car next so I have something to drive next year!”

Jack picked up several placings at the show with his top horse Street Hassle, an 11-year-old son of Quick Star, and the very exciting seven-year-old French-bred stallion Arlo De Blondel.

“I’m very lucky, I’ve got some very good horses to ride at the moment — we’re very excited by Arlo De Blondel, he’s very consistent,” said Jack. “I didn’t manage to win a class, but getting the leading rider award is definitely the next best thing.

“It’s a great show, so I was very lucky to be there. My Dad [Michael] was competing in the five-stars and I was able to watch some amazing classes.”

So watch out Nottinghamshire, with his current winning strike rate, Jack will be heading out to practise his three-point turns and reverse parking in a fleet of gleaming supercars.

Read the full report from Brussels, and all the international action, in this week’s Horse & Hound (out Thursday, 7 September).

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