John Whitaker

John and his brother Michael are two of the most famous names in British showjumping - largely due to the partnership between John and his famous grey Milton. John began riding at the age of six on the family farm and got his first taste of competition at eight years old. His mother Enid was keen on riding and his father Donald had working horses on the farm. He and his brother Michael used to deliver milk by horse and cart before they went to school, and he was also allowed to stay up late to watch equestrian events on television.

John achieved huge success winning medals at the World and European Championships during the 1980s and 1990s and Silver at the LA Olympics in 1984. One of his most famous horses was Milton, the first show jumping horse to win more than £1 million in prize money and one of the most loved and recognised horses is the history of show jumping.

John received an MBE from Her Majesty The Queen in 2007. He has competed in 39 major international championships collecting 24 medals. Incredibly, John returned to showjumping just one year after suffering a  life-threatening brain haemorrhage in 2000. 

Fast Facts

1980 World Championship Individual and Team Silver medallist with Ryan's Son

1982 World Championship Team Bronze with Ryan's Son

1983 European Team and Individual Silver medallist with Ryan's Son

1984 Olympic Team Silver medallist with Ryan's Son

1985 European Individual Bronze medallist with N.Hopscotch

1986 World Championship Team Bronze with N.Hopscotch

1989 European Team and Individual Gold medallist with Milton

1990 World Championship Individual Silver and Team Bronze medallist with Milton

European Team Silver medallist - 1991, 1995

Competed in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2008 Olympic Games

Competed in the 1994 and 2006 World Championships

1998 World Championship Team Bronze medallist with Heyman

European Team Bronze medallist - 2011, 2007, 1997

Competed in 21 FEI World Cup Finals, winning in 1990 and 1991

2014 LGCT Lausanne Grand Prix Silver medallist with Argento

2015 LGCT Monaco Grand Prix Silver medallist with Argento

2015 LGCT London Grand Prix Silver medallist with Argento 

2016 Global Champions League Team Rider for Valkenswaard United