Michael whitaker

Michael Whitaker is one of the best known names in showjumping. He has won an astonishing 15 championship medals during a 40-year career in the saddle.

Michael is one of the senior members of the Whitaker family showjumping dynasty, and began competing at the young age of seven. Michael trained with legendary Swedish coach Lars Sederholm when he was 16, the age at which he made his international debut. At the age of 20 he became Hickstead Derby’s youngest winner in 1980 and went on to win it three times in succession with his great horse Monsanta.

Michael Whitaker has ridden in five Olympic Games, the first time being in 1984 and most recently in Rio in 2016. Michael has competed in more than 20 FEI World Cup finals, finishing second in 2005.

In 2013, Michael helped Britain win team gold at the Europeans with Viking as well as playing a vital role when gaining team qualification for the Rio Olympics at the 2015 Europeans in Aachen. Britain fnished fourth to claim their Olympic spot.

Michael Whitaker lives in Nottinghamshire with his wife Melissa and three children. Oldest son Jack Whitaker is a rising star on the international showjumping circuit.