The award, which HOYS gives annually to someone who has made an “extraordinary contribution to the community and dedication to not only HOYS but to the heart of our sport – the horse”, was presented in the main arena on the first day of international showjumping.
John, 69, was flanked by members of his family from brother Michael, 64, to John’s five-year-old great-niece Gracie-May, riding a Welsh pony.
John, who has been competing at HOYS since 1971, said: “I didn’t expect that! I was a bit lost for words but it’s very nice.
“It’s good to have all the family here; it’s amazing there are so many of us, and they all ride good!”
John Whitaker and granddaughter during his presentation, winner of Equestrian of the Year during the Horse of the Year Show held at the NEC in Birmingham in UK between 9 - 13 th October 2024
(Image credit: Peter Nixon)
John was 16 when he first jumped at HOYS and he has barely missed the event since. He recalled among his highlights winning the grand prix here, and the Masters with the incomparable Milton.
“Lots of great times,” he said. “A good thing about this sport is that you can be 69 and still hold your own, and I’m enjoying it.”
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John said it was watching HOYS as a child, on prime-time television, that inspired him to do what he is still doing now.
“That’s what inspired me in the first place – luckily I lived on a farm and had a pony – and my brothers followed the interest and it came from there,” he said.
“There aren’t many sports where you can still be reasonably competitive aged 69. And beating them on the day – and thinking I can beat them on the day, which is probably more important.
“I go in there, and think I can beat them. They have to go to beat me, which keeps me going. If I knew I had no chance, I wouldn’t bother. I’m lucky. I feel good, my body’s holding out.
“I feel great on a horse; I might walk around like an old man but when I get on a horse, I feel like a young man. And I feel I can win, and that’s the main thing.”
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
