Over the 12 days of Christmas this festive season, we are shining a light on up-and-coming talent across the disciplines. These are people you really need to keep an eye out for in 2019...

Jack Whitaker, the 17-year-old son of top British showjumper Michael Whitaker is already making a name for himself as one of Great Britain’s most promising young riders.

Here are some interesting facts about the future star…

A birthday to remember for Jack Whitaker

Jack won a team silver medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires on his 17th birthday. The young showjumper, riding LV Chance Luck, was part of the European team that finished in second place in the Games. The feat comes 34 years after his father Michael and uncle John Whitaker won team silver at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

A multiple medal winner

Jack already has a number of medals tucked under his belt — two gold medals at the pony European Championships and team silver at the junior European Championships.

Oops!

Jack won a small horsebox when he was the leading rider of the CSI2* at Brussels Stephex Masters in 2017, the only problem that, aged just 15 at the time, he couldn’t drive it! It didn’t stop him taking it for a test spin around the arena, however.

A Shetland called Sotty

The talented youngster credits a small, but naughty, Shetland pony named Sotty for getting him into riding at a young age.

Talent from a young age

He started showjumping aged nine and his first competition pony was called Zodianne Van De Doevenbree, whom he got as a five-year-old. Jack produced the pony and, four years later, they won team gold at the pony European Championships.

Continued below…

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

The 15-year-old will have to enjoy his shiny new horsebox from the passenger seat

Whitaker celebrates birthday with Youth Olympic team silver

It was a 17th birthday to remember for the British rider

Watch Michael Whitaker’s 16-year-old son take the reins on Big Star

It’s not every day a teenager, albeit one of Great Britain’s most promising young riders, has the opportunity to ride

School’s out!

Jack switched to horses aged 12, juggling schoolwork with competing at shows, before deciding to turn professional on finishing school aged 16.

A spin on Big Star

He even got to ride Nick Skelton’s 2016 Olympic gold medal-winning mount, Big Star. Jack received a last-minute call-up to take the reins on the now-retired superstar at the Stallion AI Services and Twemlows Stud open day in April.

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British rider Jake Saywell said he is “honoured” to have jumped at the Youth Olympics in China — despite finishing out of the medals in the individual championship.

The Nottinghamshire-based 17-year-old was part of the gold medal-winning European team last week, but was only 10th in the individual at the weekend (23-24 August).

His teammate, Ireland’s Michael Duffy, finished fifth.

Gold went to New Zealand’s Emily Fraser. Martina Campi from Argentina won silver and Australia’s Jake Hunter took bronze.

The event — which hosts showjumping only — took place in Nanjing (16-28 August) with riders competing on borrowed horses.

“I was actually really pleased with my individual performance. My horse went a bit green going into the combination and just touched the first and the last part,” said Jake.

“It was a tough course, but I believe my horse could have gone clear if we had just a little bit of luck going into the combination, but that’s life. He has come on a lot this week and overall he jumped very well with just a few green mistakes.

“However, you can’t complain with going away with a gold medal so I am happy”.

The British Equestrian Federation’s Will Connell said Jake will have “learnt and benefitted” from the “multi-sport environment, the travel and the Olympic culture”.

“Clearly Jake gave his all for the European team and as an individual and his skill as a jumping athlete showed through in the way he improved what was a difficult horse. I hope we will see him on many a British team in the future.”

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A British and an Irish rider will come home from the Youth Olympics with at least one medal after Europe won team gold in equestrianism.

Jake Saywell, from Nottinghamshire, and Co Mayo’s Michael Duffy, were on the winning European team at the event in Nanjing, China, today (Wednesday 20 August).

Michael, riding the borrowed horse Commander, jumped clear while Jake received four faults.

“Just to be here is a great honour and makes me feel very privileged, but to get a medal is fantastic,” said 17-year-old Jake.

“It was a lot better second time around. The horse jumped super actually.

“We were a little bit unlucky at the last fence, he just tired a bit. He is a big horse and it is quite humid. Winning the gold is exceptional and it tees me up well for the individual competition.”

Both riders now go on to compete in the individual competition, which starts on Saturday (23 August)

Filip Agren of Sweden, Lisa Nooren of The Netherlands and Matias Alvaro from Italy, made up the five-man team.

This is the second Youth Olympics — the first held in was held in Singapore in 2010 — and riders compete on borrowed horses.

Showjumping is the only equestrian discipline featured.

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Britain and Ireland are to be represented in showjumping at this month’s Youth Olympics.

Team GB’s Jake Saywell (pictured above) and Ireland’s Michael Duffy will be heading to Nanjing in China for the Games (16-28 August).

This will be the second Youth Olympics — the first was held in Singapore in 2010 — and riders compete on borrowed horses. Showjumping is the only equestrian discipline.

Jake, from Nottinghamshire, told H&H he is ”honoured” to have been selected. “I’m really excited about it, it’s a great opportunity,” said the 17-year-old.

“It will be a challenge having to ride borrowed horses; we’ll have to adapt quickly. I’ve been riding as many different horses as I can so that I’m prepared.”

The British Equestrian Federation’s Will Connell said this event is good preparation.

“The Youth Olympic Games provides a very rare opportunity for equestrian athletes to compete in a multi-sport environment, and are ideal for young riders with the potential to go and represent GB at senior level,” he said.

“Jake has this potential and I’m sure will not only benefit from his trip to Nanjing but also thrive in the environment of riding borrowed horses.”

Eighteen-year-old Michael Duffy from Mayo has also been selected. Bertram Allen won his country the place by gaining silver at last year’s junior Europeans, but as he’s now over the age limit, Michael goes instead.

“We are delighted that Ireland has secured a place and that we can send such a strong rider. Michael will go straight from competing at the CSIO5* in Dublin, and we wish him well,” said Horse Sport Ireland’s Damian McDonald.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine, 7 August 2014

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British showjumper Carian Scudamore had to retire from the individual competition at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore over the weekend after her borrowed horse went lame.

After being part of the gold medal winning team at the inaugural Games last week, Carian’s horse, 12-year-old gelding Mighty McGyver, was retired due to lameness.

“Carian’s horse was lame on Saturday morning and has been withdrawn from the competition in the interests of the welfare of the horse,” said a spokesman from the British Equestrian Federation.

“In keeping with the rules of the competition, which Team GB fully respects, there is no substitution of horses at this stage of the competition.

“Although disappointed not to participate in the individual event, Carian will return from Singapore with a Youth Olympic gold medal, having played an integral part in Team Europe’s victory in the team competition on Friday.”

Will Connell, performance director at the BEF added: “The joy of horses!”

Valentina Isoardi from Italy also had to sit out the individual competition as her horse was lame.

The final round of jumping will take place tomorrow (Tuesday 24 August).

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Europe is sharing the lead with Australasia and Africa at the Youth Olympics after the first round of the team jumping competition.

Welsh showjumper Carian Scudamore posted a clear round for the European team. As did Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs.

Australasia’s Thomas McDermott (AUS) and Jake Lambert (NZL), Africa’s Abdalla Mohamed (EGY) and Samantha McIntosh (RSA), South America’s Marcelo Chirico (URU) also all jumped clear.

Six teams represented the different continents of Asia, Australasia, North and Central America and Caribbean Islands, Africa, Europe and South America. There were five riders on each team, with the best three scores to count.

At the end of the first competition, Australasia, Africa and Europe are out in front on just four faults apiece.

“It is great to see that all the athletes have coped so well with the challenge of riding horses other than their own,” said FEI director of jumping, John Roche. With three teams finishing the first round with 4 penalties each, medal positions are still very open going into the second round. It is very encouraging to see so much young talent”.

The second round of the team competition takes place on 20 August. Individual competition kicks off on Sunday, 22 August.

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Team GB showjumper Carian Scudamore will jump at the Youth Olympics tomorrow (Wednesday 18 August), despite reports to the contrary.

It was recently reported on internet news sites that Carian Scudamore faced an “anxious wait” to see if she could jump after her horse was injured. But the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) has confirmed she will.

“Carian’s horse had a slight rub from a boot on a back leg,” said a BEF spokesman.

“This is now fine and she will ride the horse tomorrow in the first round of the team competition. Training has gone well and the competition starts at 9.30am local time tomorrow.”

Seventeen-year-old Carian has been paired with 12-year-old gelding Mighty McGyver. The competitors drew lots for the horses.

Corinne Bracken, coach and athlete manager for the European team, said: “Mighty McGyver is a true thoroughbred, small and flighty, very quick and well suited to Carian. Overall the team has a mixture of horses — with some better than others but we’ll see how it goes!

“The horse [Mighty McGyver] is not easy but Carian is doing fantastically well on it. The horse’s trainer was very complimentary about how well it was jumping for her, so fingers crossed!”

Teams are made up of different nations from each continent, giving the riders an opportunity to bond with athletes from other countries.

The first round of the competition starts tomorrow (18 August) the second on Saturday (21 August) and the individual rounds on Monday (23 August).

“We are very excited about tomorrow’s competition, as it’s the first of its kind”, said John Roche, FEI Director of Jumping.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for young athletes from all over the world to be able to measure their talents against their fellow competitors, which of course, will result in gold, silver and bronze medals for riders from three continents.”

The Youth Olympic Games take place in Singapore from 14-26 August.

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Seventeen-year-old Carian Scudamore is to represent Team GB in showjumping at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Singapore (14-26 August).

The Welsh rider is the current Junior European Champion and is currently in Jardy, France, defending her title.

“As soon as I get home I will be turning all my attention to Singapore,” said Carian. “I can’t believe that I can going to the Games.”

Carian will compete individually and as part of an European team but her 11-year-old chestnut gelding Larino 0087 will be staying at home as the YOG showjumping is done on borrowed horses.

Riders will view and draw their mounts on 13 August.

The 38 horses for the equestrian events arrived safely in Singapore at 11.50am local time today.

After an eight-hour flight from Brisbane, Australia all the horses are reported to be in good health and have now been transported to their temporary home, the Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre.

The geldings and mares are aged between five and 12 years old, and the majority of them are thoroughbred or quality warmbloods and warmblood crosses.

The horses were bought in Australia and New Zealand and were selected on their ability to jump a course of 1.20 metre fences.

They will be sold into the developing Singapore market after the Games.

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Britain’s young riders headed back in jubilant mood from the Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) this week after picking up five medals.

The dressage team — made up of 19-year-olds Charlie Hutton, Jessica Dunn and Emily Cousins — came away with a haul of medals, taking team gold plus individual silver (Charlie Hutton) and individual bronze (Jessica Dunn).

Dressage team GBR won team gold on 62.778%, edging out host nation Australia (62.556%) by less than a quarter of a point. In third was New Zealand.

Usually in international competition riders will bring their own horses, but AYOF’s rules state competitions must ride locally sourced horses — so the teams had just a couple of days to bond with their new partners.

Charlie on AEA Julius was the last to ride and clinched gold for the team with an individual score of 61.278%. He then went on to win individual silver, scoring 64.575%.

“The horse had a fantastic temperament and was a joy to work with,” said Charlie.

“We are a really strong team that has been working together for the last three years and that showed. We all know how to get the best out of each other.”

And despite not having the ideal start when one of their best horses was found unsound and had to be substituted before competition, the British show jumping team — made up of William Whitaker, Louise Saywell, Daniel Neilson and Matthew Sampson — put in a solid performance to take team bronze. Matthew also took individual bronze.

“I am thrilled for all the riders and team staff,” said World Class Performance director Will Connell. “This demonstrates that we have the riders and coaches with the talent and drive to win.

“They are the envy of other nations, giving us great prospects for the future.”

Equestrianism was included for the first time in the 2009 event, which ran from 14-18 January.

In total over 1,600 athletes from 25 nations — including more than 100 from Britain — took part in the biennial festival, which was set up by the Australian Olympic Committee as part of the legacy of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

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Seven young British riders will be travelling to Sydney early next year to compete in the Australian Youth Olympic Festival.

It will be the first time that equestrianism has been included in the event, which runs from 14-18 January.

Show jumpers Daniel Neilson, Matthew Sampson, Louise Saywell and William Whitaker will take part, along with dressage riders Emily Cousins, Jessica Dunn and Charlie Hutton, who are coached by Di Lampard and Gareth Hughes respectively.

Mr Hughes told H&H: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for youth riders. There is the element of the unknown as they will be competing on borrowed horses — which makes it that bit more difficult.

“They are a good group of riders and it will be fun and interesting, but it is hard to say what our chances are until we are over there and can see the quality of horses they are given and begin the training.”

Caroline Griffith, equestrian team leader, said: “The riders were selected on their successful performances at both national and international level, as well as taking into account their ability to ride different horses.

“They’re all thrilled about this opportunity to compete on a world stage.”

The riders, who are all 19 or under, will be among more than 100 young British athletes competing in the event.

In total over 1,600 athletes from 25 nations will take part in the biennual festival, which was set up by the Australian Olympic Committee as part of the legacy of the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

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Five cities have been shortlisted for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games, to be held in 2010. The final selection from Athens, Bangkok, Moscow, Singapore and Turin will be made in February.

The only riding discipline certain to be represented at the games is show jumping. Modern pentathlon may feature depending on the venue.

The games will be open to riders from 14- to 18-years-old, with a maximum of 30 competitors in total — six from each continent. The selection procedure is under discussion, though the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has confirmed the competition will be on borrowed horses.

An FEI spokesman said: “The qualification system and quotas are currently being finalised with the International Olympic Committee and will be made public when possible.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (3 January, ’07)

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