THE WHITAKER showjumping crown is safe for another generation.
And that’s due to 15-year-old George Whitaker, who has just been named Leading Junior Show Jumper of the Year.
The teenager raced to glory at the Horse of the Year Show on Miami Bound, a pony belonging to his showjumping champion uncle Michael Whitaker.
George is the latest member of a showjumping family that has dominated the sport in Britain, Europe and the world for decades.
Proud mum Alison Whitaker said: “George has had a good year. This is the culmination of a lot of hard work on his part. We are very proud of him.”
George has ridden since the age of three and was introduced to the sport by his award-winning family.
His uncles, John and Michael, are both European champions and their talent appears to have been passed on to George, who has bagged a number of titles since April alone.
George said: “I am really pleased with the titles I’ve won. I never thought I’d win the Show Jumper of the Year, so I’m thrilled.
“Riding is a family thing. My uncles have inspired me and helped me a lot. My older brother William has inspired me too and given me lots of advice.
“I ride about six hours a day and it can be quite a challenge sometimes. If it’s windy or rainy you have to get used to the different conditions.”
George, a part-time pupil at Salendine Nook High School, juggles his training and studying to compete.
He added: “It can be difficult doing schoolwork and riding every day, but I work hard and get all my homework done as soon as I can so I have the time to dedicate to the sport.
“My friends are great; I don’t talk about it much to everyone, but they are interested and always follow what I do which is good.”
William, 18, was a champion two years ago and is now a professional, while younger brother James, 10, is earmarked as a future champion.
Mrs Whitaker added: “They are all doing really well. It’s a trait that has been passed down through the boys. John and Michael are their uncles, so they have got quite good back-up and experience to call on.”
Since April George has been placed at Le Touquet in France, was second at the Pony Nations Cup Team in Belgium, first in both European Trials, first in the Pony Nations Cup team in Germany, first in the Horse of the Year Show qualifiers in Devon, second at the Hickstead Masters, third at the Yorkshire Show, third at the Junior Foxhunter Masters Scope Festival, and first and third in the Leading Junior Show Jumper of the Year at the Horse of the Year Show.
He is now looking to the future and added: “I hope to go to the Pony Europeans contest next year, but after that I don’t know what will happen.
“I love riding and hope I can keep doing it.”
