Showjumper Steven Whitaker is brother to the world-famous showjumpers John and Michael, along with Carole his wife they have four children Ellen, Joe, Thomas and Donald, who are all also professional showjumpers.
It was never in the plan for Steven and his brothers to fall into riding horses, however when the ‘old farm pony’ died and was replaced with a more suitable jumping pony, the passion was truly ignited as Steven and his brothers took it in turns to ride him.
All three brothers then went on to have hugely successful International showjumping careers, Steven having represented Great Britain on numerous occasions. Recently Steven has remerged on the International circuit after having put his own career on hold to support his children, Joe, Donald, Tom and Ellen while they established their careers. He has now returned successfully to the international stage with some promising home-bred horses.
Based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Steven and his family have a wealth of experience in all areas of the sport. Breeding and producing top quality horses. Winning international grand Prix’s, Steven has always been at the forefront of the sport, whether that be competing or coaching.
As his children have all followed in his footsteps, forging their own international showjumping careers, one of Steven’s proudest moments was, notably not one of his own successes, but when Ellen jumped clear round the Hickstead Derby aged 18, with 8 years old Locarno 62.
Steven’s favourite horse of all time is Locarno 62, who was bought for a staggering 1,000,000 Euros and still holds the record today as the highest priced 5-year-old showjumper ever to be sold or imported to the British Isles. Other favourites include Follow Me II and Royal Rose II.