John Whitaker GBR riding Unick du Francport during The Santa Stakes (Class 03) at The London International Horse Show at the ExCel London in the UK, on the 16th December 2021
The word “legend” is used often, but about few people more deserving than John Whitaker. The 66-year-old showjumper is at the top of his game, where he has been for decades, and is this week heading to Germany for the World Cup final. John is aiming for a record-equalling third win, 21 years after the second of his two victories on the incomparable Milton.
In an exclusive column for H&H, four-time Olympian and leading breeder and trainer Jennie Loriston-Clarke looks at breeding for longevity. Jennie considers how lameness history and conformation should be considered in breeding decisions, as well as how horses’ fitness and preparation from a young age affect long-term soundness
Farewell to the £750 cob who completed Burghley twice
Done To Order, the 15.2hh cob who jumped twice round Burghley with Piggy March, has been put down in his 30s. Described by Piggy as a “phenomenal jumper and a tough little dude”, the Irish dun was bought by Libby Ellis as a “poor, plain and rough-looking” two-year-old, who went on to strut his stuff at the highest level of the sport.
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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.
