Legendary British showjumper John Whitaker on returning after his hernia operation, tight times in a two-star grand prix, and being caught out by British Showjumping’s national tack rules
This week has been a busy one for the family – my wife Clare has been in Italy with the young riders, having a very successful weekend, and son Rob is also out there in Montefalco. Last week he won the grand prix, and he was placed again this time.
It was my first time at Chard and I thought it was a really nice show, well organised and with a great atmosphere. Organisers have to jump through a few hoops to host an international – with extra stewards and security – so it’s appreciated that they go to the effort.
It’s nice when you can pick up a few ranking points without travelling too far.
Tricky time faults
Ben Townley was building the CSI2* grand prix course at Chard and he’s a very good course-builder. The time was a bit tight and should probably have been extended after the first few horses had jumped, as there were only three clears, but I can’t complain as it suited me!
The time allowed is becoming a big part of the game now, especially at these smaller shows. You still have talented horses and riders competing, but they can only build the fences so big when it’s a CSI2*. The times have to be tight, to stop too many clears getting through, but it’s a fine line.
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I think it’s something that riders will have to get used to when jumping international-style tracks.
I was pleased with myself, as I used to be quite prone to getting time-faults. Clare would get annoyed with me, so I’d tell her I had one down, rather than a time-fault, to make my life easier! I can’t get away with that any more though, as everything is streamed.
Chard was my first show back after having a hernia operation at the end of February. I’d planned my shows around it, scheduling it after Hong Kong and Gothenburg – where I had a time-fault in the World Cup, while we’re on the subject!
Everything went to plan and I was in and out of hospital in a day. I probably started riding again sooner than I should have but I felt OK after three weeks. I more or less stuck to the doctor’s orders, which were, “Do what you feel you can do but don’t overdo it.” I’m terrible at sitting still and there’s always a lot to do when you have a busy yard with things breaking.
Equine America Unick Du Francport had been jumping really well before the break and my daughters Joanne and Louise kept him and the other horses fit for me. I’m enjoying building myself and the horses back up and getting going for summer – we’re looking forward to Royal Windsor Horse Show now.
Every week I did something wrong. On one occasion, I had two reins through the martingale, which is not allowed, and the next week I had the wrong noseband on. You have to be on it with the rule changes, and I don’t keep looking.
Although there have always been varied rules for national and international competition, at the moment they seem very different.
I think the simple solution is that BS adopt the FEI’s rules. Many riders are aiming towards a higher level of shows, or to compete internationally, so why not use that standard?
It can take a long time to find the right bit, with small adjustments and alterations to get it perfect, and then you suddenly have to change it. If we go with the FEI’s rules, then everyone knows where they stand.
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John Whitaker is one of the most admired showjumpers worldwide and is still going strong competing at the highest level in his 60s. He has represented Britain in dozens of major international championships collecting 24 medals at Olympic, World and European championships during his long and successful career to date. While he has partnered many famous horses, he is arguably best know for his partnership with the brilliant grey, Milton, who was the first showjumping horse to win more than £1 million in prize money. John is a regular columnist for Horse & Hound magazine.
