Michael Whitaker

Michael and Up to Date
(c) Whitaker International

Michael is a member of the most eminent show jumping family in the UK. Born and raised on his parents’ farm in Yorkshire, Michael and his brother John were taught to ride by their mother, who was herself a keen horsewoman.

Michael was soon competing on ponies of his own, as well as those of friends. His experience quickly took him on to horses where he earned a reputation as a determined rider.

In 1980, Michael became the youngest ever winner of the famous Hickstead Derby at the age of 20 and in 1984 at the young age of 24, Michael won an Olympic team silver medal in Los Angeles.

In September 1993 Michael took over from his brother John as the world’s Number One for the first time in his career.

In 1999 Michael was the highest placed British rider in the World Cup Final finishing 5th overall with Virtual Village Ashley He beat this record by finishing third with Handel II in 2001 and again in finishing second with Portofino in 2005.

In his long career, Michael has won 11 team medals at championship level, three of them gold. He also holds three individual silver medals won at European Championships.

In 2007, he was part of the bronze medal winning team at the European Championships, Mannheim and also gained the team crucial qualification to the 2008 Olympic Games. Unfortunately his horse, the mare Portofino, went lame whilst out in Beijing and was unable to compete.

Michael formed part of the Meydans Nations Cup Team in 2009 (with Wonami van den Aard) and in 2010 (with GIG Amai), coming first at the Hickstead leg. He also secured fifth at the CSI5* in Gothenburg, a first with Udokus at Lummen and a first in Antwerp with Roskim. Also in 2010, Michael delighted crowds by winning the Rolex World Cup Qualifier at Olympia, the London International Horse Show, with a fast and masterful round on Casino. He was the first Brit to win the class in five years.

Michael continues to compete on the international circuit, often against younger generations of his extensive show jumping family, including niece Ellen and nephew Robert.

With permission from the BSJA