Profiles
One of the founding members of a famous Whitaker show jumping dynasty, Michael Whitaker began competing on ponies aged 7. Michael trained with legendary Swedish coach Lars Sederholm when he was 16. He went on to make his international debut aged 16 and at 20 he became the Hickstead Jumping Derby’s youngest winner in 1980.
His most memorable career moments are winning eight European Championship medals. Michael has competed in 23 FEI World Cup Finals, finishing 2nd in 2005.
A regular on the British Nations Cup team, the last couple of seasons have been good for the England-born rider, winning a 2013 European Championship Team Gold and the 2013 LGCT Madrid Grand Prix. His parents remain his biggest influence and his advice to other riders is to always keep trying. British Showjumping named him Leading Rider of the Year and Rider's Rider of the Year for 2006.
Fast Facts
1984 Olympic Team Silver medallist with Overton Amanda
1985/1987/1989/2013 European Championship Team Gold medallist with Warren Point, Overton Amanda, Mon Santa and Viking
1986 World Championship Team Silver medallist with Next Warren
1989 European Individual Silver medallist with Mon Santa
1990 World Championship Team Bronze medallist with Mon Santa
1991 European Team Silver medallist with Mon Santa
Competed in 1992, 1996, 2000 Olympic Games
Competed in 1994, 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Championship
1997 European Team Bronze medallist with Ashley
2007 European Team Bronze medallist with Portofino 63
2013 LGCT Madrid Grand Prix winner with Viking
2015 LGCT Shanghai Grand Prix Bronze medallist with Viking
2016 Global Champions League team riders for Antwerp Diamonds