In an exclusive H&H column this week, John Whitaker talks about writing his autobiography and reflects on his Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) memories, as the show celebrates its 75th anniversary. “I wasn’t quite there for the first [HOYS] in 1949! The first time I competed was in 1971 aged 16, in my last year on ponies,” says John. “Contrary to previous reports, I made my HOYS debut on a pony called Little Buzzer and I still remember how daunting it felt riding into that ring for the first time. It was a mile away from anything I was used to and I feel for the kids riding in there nowadays; it’s definitely nerve-racking.”
The top three event riders in the world head the 2024 Pau Horse Trials CCI5* entries (24 to 27 October). World number one Tom McEwen is among the 25 British riders entered, and brings forward Brookfield Quality and MHS Brown Jack. His Paris Olympic gold medal-winning team mate Ros Canter returns with the 2023 winner, Izilot DHI, and also with MHS Seventeen. The strong entry list for this year’s event features 80 horses from 14 nations.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
