Happy 70th to Show Jumping Legend John Whitaker, an Icon and Esteemed IJRC Member

Six-time Olympian John Whitaker celebrates his 70th birthday today.

For over five decades, John has been a towering presence in international show jumping, combining extraordinary talent with humility, determination, and an unbreakable bond with his horses.

His journey to the top began with Ryan’s Son, a horse with little experience when they first met—but together, they formed a partnership that lasted 14 years and led to team silver at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. That same horse helped put John “on the map” after a memorable win at the Great Yorkshire Show, defeating his childhood idols Harvey Smith and David Broome.

John’s most legendary mount, however, was the great grey Milton, with whom he made history as the first show jumper ever to surpass £1 million in prize money. Their achievements included back-to-back FEI World Cup Final victories in 1990 and 1991, a Grand Prix win at Spruce Meadows, and multiple medals at the European Championships and World Equestrian Games.

His record is one of a kind: John is the only rider in history to have won the Hickstead Derby four times on four different horses. He has lifted the King George V Gold Cup three times—on Ryan’s Son, Milton and Welham—and has represented Great Britain in over 180 Nations Cup competitions and 11 European Championships.

Beyond his phenomenal results, John has been a respected voice and a valued presence within the IJRC, always promoting the values of horsemanship, sportsmanship and the welfare of the horse.

Today, at 70, he continues to compete with remarkable poise and passion—an inspiration to generations of riders around the world.

On behalf of all the members of the IJRC, we wish John a heartfelt Happy Birthday and thank him for the unforgettable legacy he continues to build every day.

Happy 70th, John—your journey is far from over.

Image source: his official web site