Read the amazing story of Britain’s legendary showjumper told here for the first time
In a career spanning six decades, John Whitaker has been to six Olympic Games, four World Equestrian Games finals, three World Championships and has represented Great Britain on more than 200 Nations Cups.
His story is one of incredible success, heart-breaking loss, near-death injury and lost opportunity.
For every equestrian and horse enthusiast this is a must-read book about a rider who’s become the most admired horseman in the world.
About the author
A lifelong equestrian enthusiast, former rider and long-time supporter of showjumping in Britain and around the world, she grew up with posters of Ryan’s Son and Milton on her bedroom walls.
A journalist by training, and already an author of a published children’s book, her passion for telling this story jumps out of every page.
Highlights
Doing the milk round before going to school, riding bareback across the fields to his classroom, making do with second-hand clothes and tack… that was John’s Yorkshire childhood. From a humble beginning to riding the kick-back favourite Ryan’s Son, and the grey Pegasus that was Milton, his career has spanned 60 years and included successes on Gammon, Grannusch, Hopscotch, Welham, Peppermill, Argento, Lactic Two, Cassini’s Chapman, Sharid, Unick du Francport and many more.
From a first prize of a few pounds, when winning meant there was enough money to buy the diesel to get home again, to winning 93 brand new cars and riding the world’s first equine millionaire, this is John’s story. The ups and the downs, the glory and the disappointment. His desire to win, his training methods, his dry sense of humour, his friendships and his incredible ability to get the best out of every horse he rides. It’s all here.
It’s an incredible story that you won’t be able to put down.
John talks about his book
On the tragic death of Ryan's Son at Hickstead
“You feel bad, not just for yourself, but for the sport and everyone watching. The rest of that day was a bit of a blur…
“He’d had a wonderful career and it would have been a lot more fitting for him to be able to retire in a field somewhere and spend his last few years relaxing.”
On riding Milton at the Barcelona Olympics
On negotiating the prize money for winning his fourth Hickstead Derby
“I was chatting to Hickstead owner Douglas Bunn and said: ‘You know Mr Bunn, about the prize money (for riding his horse Buddy Bunn with a day’s notice). It’s not very much really, what I am going to get out of it. So can we “renegotiate ?” He said: ‘That’s what you’re getting. And if you don’t ride it like a prat you’ll win’. Those were his exact words.” And win John did.
Purchase
John Whitaker - The Legend
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Contact us
Should you have any questions about this book please drop us an email and we’ll do our best to come back to you within 48 hours.
The price quoted is for one copy with various post and packing options quoted separately for the UK mainland. Books will be posted out from mid-October once payment has been cleared in our bank account.
Depending on demand, there may be a short delay if a reprint is needed.
John will be available at various venues to sign copies of his biography. Please visit here in the months ahead to find where you will be able to catch up with him.
John Whitaker the Legend
8 Main Street,
Bilton, Rugby,
Warwickshire
CV22 7NB