John Whitaker has gained the ride of an exciting new horse - the eight-year-old Abdul Aziz.

Yard move

Before moving to John’s yard Abdul Aziz - who was bred by Old Lodge stud – was produced by Steven Franks. The pair qualified for the Horse of the Year Show in 2011, as well as representing British breeding at the World Breeding Championships.

Abdul Aziz is a stunning big black horse by Diamant de Semilly and is the first foal out of Old Lodge homebred mare Twilight and is out of Moonlight by a dual Olympic Gold Medalist. Moonlight has already produced International show jumpers, eventers and approved stallions. Abdul Aziz is a British Equine Federation ‘pathway’ horse which identifies horses with Nations Cup potential. 

Old Lodge

John is said to be very pleased with his new horse and hopes to run him alongside his other Old Lodge ride Lord of Arabia, on whom he was placed in the Young Horse Classes in CSIO 5* show at Rotterdam last year.

Check out the video below of John’s new horse at just six years old, competing at Hartpury: