John Whitaker
John Whitaker is one of the most admired showjumping riders worldwide. Born on 5 August, 1955, he is still competing against the best in the world in his 70s.
John has competed in dozens of major international championships collecting 24 medals at Olympic, World and European championships during his long and successful career.
John won a team silver medal at the 1984 Los Angles Olympics riding Ryan's Son, and was crowned 1989 European champion in 1989 with Milton, who was the first showjumping horse to win more than £1 million in prize money.
John's other accolades include four Hickstead Derby titles and two World Cup finals. He was awarded an MBE in 2007.
His current top horse is his long-term partner Equine America Unick Du Francport, with whom John won the Cock O’ the North at the 2026 Great Yorkshire Show for the seventh time – 51 years after he first claimed the prestigious title.
John is married to Claire and they have three children, Joanne, Louise and Robert. He has three brothers Michael, Ian and Steven, who are the current senior members of the famous Whitaker family.
Latest news
Latest from John Whitaker
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This jaw-dropping, top-of-the-wings leap was my HOYS highlight, but Jodie vs John Whitaker thrilled us allBy Jennifer Donald Published
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‘Such a buzz!’: HOYS grand prix results in edge-of-your-seat jump-off between British eliteBy Sarah Radford Published
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‘To lift a trophy 51 years after your first is an achievement you can’t replicate in any other sport’, says Chris SmithBy Chris Smith Published
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‘I didn’t want to make it too easy for the younger guys!’ John Whitaker pips nephew to win seventh Cock O’ the NorthBy Eleanor Jones Published
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A Who’s Who of Whitakers: how well do you know the famous family of showjumpers?By Jennifer Donald Published
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He’s back! John Whitaker makes winning return after two months on the sidelinesBy Jennifer Donald Published
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A 50-year age range in the jump-off: young Irishman wins London grand prix and John Whitaker fourthBy Pippa Roome Published
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‘It’s still a win!’ John Whitaker shares London spoils with Seb Hughes and his 18.2hh star – in unusual fashionBy Eleanor Jones Published
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Arise ‘Sir John’! Whitaker surprises fans during 70th birthday celebrationsBy Jennifer Donald Published
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Legendary showjumper John Whitaker reveals his idols and what he wished he’d known while growing up, as he turns 70By Jennifer Donald Published
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‘A very great friend and a true legend’: top riders lead the tributes to John Whitaker on his 70th birthdayBy Jennifer Donald Published
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‘She means so much to me’: joy as 20-year-old Olympic horse is coming home, thanks to £116,000 bidBy Eleanor Jones Published
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A legendary horse and rider with a combined age of 86 and a red ribbon for The King’s carriage horse – what you might have missed at Royal Windsor Horse ShowBy Jennifer Donald Published
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‘He won’t give me tips!’: Jack beats uncle John in Whitaker one-two at Royal Windsor Horse ShowBy Sarah Radford Published
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‘The LA Olympics are only three years away!’ John Whitaker switches to eventing as he turns 70By Eleanor Jones Published
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‘I’m pinching the ride!’: 12-year-old borrows his dad’s horse (who’s won with John Whitaker) to win national titleBy Jennifer Donald Published
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Two generations of Whitakers – with a 58-year age gap – win on same dayBy Jennifer Donald Published
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‘Everyone loves her:’ meet John Whitaker’s donkey who hob-nobs with grand prix horses and teaches the youngsters to jumpBy Eleanor Jones Published
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The greatest grandfather, a fearless teenager and 100mph ponies: what happened at this year’s London Horse Show?By Jennifer Donald Published