John Whitaker reveals his plans for 2013

We asked 57-year-old showjumper John Whitaker what is on the top of his to-do list for 2013.

The event I’m most looking forward to: the new Global Champions Tour (GCT) leg in Kensington Gardens this summer. There are big money prizes and top riders will be there. It’s good for Britain to get another top-level international show over here.

My favourite local event: we go to Arena UK and South View in the winter. They both have decent indoor and outdoor facilities.

The horse I’m looking forward to jumping most: I have a seven-year-old stallion, Barrichello, whom [my daughter] Louise has been riding that I’ll be taking on. His jumping is impressive and he’s coming up through the grades.

A horse I’d like to be riding this season: Sterrehof’s Tamino, ridden by Marc Houtzager for the Netherlands at the Olympics. He’s just getting better and better and jumps with such ease and confidence.

A rider to watch out for: Joe Clayton [second cousin to John and Michael Whitaker], he is verging on getting into the British top 10.

To find out what other top riders will be looking out for in 2013, and for great features to get you ready for this season, see this week’s bumper show issue of H&H (28 February 2013)

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