The Whitaker household of showjumpers has been the spine of the game for almost half a century.
The well-known sporting dynasty stems from the late Donald Whitaker, a Yorkshire farmer, and his spouse Enid Whitaker, a eager horsewoman, and it’s by their 4 sons, John, Michael, Ian and Steven, that the legendary Whitaker showjumping title was made.
Here’s a full Who’s Who of the well-known Whitaker household.
The Whitaker household Who’s Who
Household of John Whitaker, married to Clare Whitaker
John Whitaker (born 1955) is the oldest of the 4 brothers and has been on the prime of the game for 5 many years, successful 21 championship medals, together with with the mighty Milton. He and spouse Clare have three youngsters, Louise, Robert and Joanne Whitaker, all of whom compete internationally.
Louise WhitakerJohn and Clare’s eldest daughter Louise (born 1980) is now a extremely revered producer of younger horses, married to Ian Turner with two youngsters, Harvey and Sienna.
Robert WhitakerJohn and Clare’s son Robert (born 1983) frequently competes at five-star degree showjumping and is a British workforce rider and Hickstead Derby winner. He and spouse Kate have two younger daughters, Evie and Millie, each of whom are eager younger riders.
Joanne WhitakerThe youngest of John and Clare’s youngsters, Joanne (born 1987) can also be a massively proficient rider, producing many prime horses of their early years.
The Whitaker household tree
Household of Steven Whitaker, married to Carole Whitaker
Steven Whitaker (born 1957) additionally competed in showjumping to worldwide degree and now runs an equestrian enterprise with son Joe. He and Carole have 4 youngsters, Ellen, Joe, Thomas and Donald Whitaker, all of whom are worldwide showjumpers.
Ellen WhitakerSteven and Carole’s eldest daughter Ellen Whitaker (born 1986) is a really profitable worldwide rider and has made her title successful a few of the world’s largest grands prix. She has two sons, Harry and Frankie, together with her former accomplice Antonio Marinas Soto.
Joe WhitakerSteven and Carole’s second little one Joe (born 1988) has additionally jumped on British groups, in addition to driving as a Nationwide Hunt jockey. He’s married to Fiona and so they have 4 youngsters, Sophia, Stevie Joe, Emily and Bonnie.
Thomas WhitakerThe third of Steven and Carole’s youngsters, Tom Whitaker (born 1990) runs his personal enterprise, Tom Whitaker Equestrian, shopping for, promoting and producing horses in addition to competing internationally and educating.
Donald WhitakerThe youngest of Steven and Carole’s 4 youngsters, Donald Whitaker (born 1992) is called after his grandfather, the late patriarch of the Whitaker clan, and he’s making an actual title for himself on the worldwide circuit, presently primarily based in Germany with girlfriend German workforce rider Nicola Pohl.
The Whitaker household have fun Michael and Melissa’s marriage ceremony
Household of Michael Whitaker, married to Melissa Whitaker
Michael Whitaker (born 1960) is the third son of Enid and Donald, following within the footsteps of his oldest brother John to develop into one of many biggest showjumpers on the earth, successful 15 championship medals and the Hickstead Derby 4 instances. He and Melissa have three youngsters, Jack, Molly and Katy.
Jack WhitakerJack Whitaker (born 2001) is likely one of the brightest younger stars in showjumping, having gained particular person gold on the pony European Championships and he’s representing the Whitaker household showjumping dynasty as a daily competitor on the five-star circuit.
Household of Ian Whitaker, married to Alison Whitaker
Though he’s a educated horseman, Ian is the one brother who adopted the farming route slightly than changing into knowledgeable showjumper. He and his spouse Alison have however handed on the leaping genes as all three of their sons, William, George and James, are concerned within the sport.
William WhitakerThe oldest son of Ian and Alison, William (born 1989) is one other member of the Whitaker household to characterize Nice Britain on showjumping groups, in addition to leaping to victory in grands prix and he has gained the Hickstead Derby. He’s married to Elisabeth Whitaker and so they have three youngsters, Isabella, Oliver and Evelyn.
George WhitakerWilliam’s youthful brother George (born 1992) is one other profitable showjumper from the household competing at each nationwide and worldwide degree. He’s married to fellow showjumper Michaela Whitaker and the couple run Dallamires Stables collectively. Their younger daughter Gracie Might is attaining nice success within the present ring.
James WhitakerThe youngest son of Ian and Alison, Jim (born 1997) is a daily winner on the nationwide circuit and Queen’s Cup victor, producing some prime class horses from his base in Yorkshire. He married Isabella in 2024.
Then we mustn’t overlook worldwide rider Joe Clayton, who’s a second cousin of the Whitakers and was primarily based with Michael Whitaker in his early days.
It’s fairly some household – no marvel the Whitakers have develop into showjumping royalty!
You may additionally take pleasure in studying:Â
John Whitaker dressed as a knight in shining armour to have fun his seventieth birthday on the Longines International Champions Tour of London 2025.
Credit score: Stefano Grasso/LGCT
John Whitaker leaping on the 2021 London GCT with Unick Du Francport.
Credit score: PETER NIXON
Completely satisfied seventieth birthday to John Whitaker!
You would be excused for getting your Whitakers in a muddle once in a while. Britain’s showjumping dynasty appears to be
Credit score: Courtesy of Robert Whitaker
Credit score: Future
H&H showjumping editor
Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her position as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her world wide reporting from reveals and interviewing riders, connections and people concerned behind the scenes. Since becoming a member of H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on each topic throughout the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to secure administration — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She additionally has first-hand expertise of working within the equestrian trade as a driving teacher and yard supervisor.
