After welcoming John Whitaker to the Everything Horse Magazine Summer Soirée at Far Coley Farm, where he met guests and signed copies of his official biography, John Whitaker – The Legend, we wanted to take a closer look at the story behind the book.
Few names command the same respect in equestrian sport as John Whitaker. Across a career spanning six decades, the Yorkshireman has become one of Britain’s most admired showjumpers, celebrated not only for his achievements but also for his remarkable feel for horses, quiet determination and unmistakably dry sense of humour.
First published in October 2024, his biography was written by Sarah Peacocke and tells John’s story through his own memories. It takes readers from his early days riding ponies and helping with the family milk round to six Olympic Games, four World Equestrian Games finals, three World Championships and more than 200 Nations Cup appearances for Great Britain.
John Whitaker | THE LEGEND
John Whitaker – The Legend is written by Sarah Peacocke and contains 336 pages. The paperback is currently available for £18.99, while a digital edition can be downloaded through Amazon.
RRP £18.99
From Yorkshire beginnings to the world stage
Long before John and Milton became one of showjumping’s most celebrated partnerships, John was riding bareback across the fields to school, competing on ponies and travelling around the north of England in search of prize money.
The book recalls those modest beginnings alongside the story of Heyside Farm, which John and his family developed from eight acres and seven stables into an established breeding, training and competition yard.
It also explores the horses that helped shape his career, including Ryan’s Son, Gammon, Grannusch, Peppermill and Argento.
Inevitably, Milton holds a special place within the story. John began competing the grey gelding internationally in 1985, with the pair going on to achieve success at some of the sport’s greatest championships. Milton became the first horse outside racing to win more than £1 million in prize money and remains one of showjumping’s most adored horses.
More than a record of victories
Although John’s achievements could fill a book by themselves, The Legend goes beyond competition results.
The biography explores the triumphs, disappointments and deeply personal losses that accompanied his success. John reflects on serious injury, missed opportunities and the tragic death of Ryan’s Son following a fall at Hickstead in 1987, alongside the moments of sporting history that made him a household name.
Readers also gain an insight into his horsemanship and the simple, natural approach that has allowed him to bring out the best in so many different horses.
Speaking about his approach to working with horses, John said: “I try to keep everything natural and, as I’ve said, simple. Some may need more work than others, and some may need different food, but overall, they’re treated the same. I really try hard not to have favourites.”
That quiet approach has influenced generations of riders and earned him enormous respect from competitors around the world.
A special guest at the Everything Horse Soirée
Everything Horse was delighted to welcome John to its Summer Soirée at Far Coley Farm on 14 August, where he spent time meeting guests and signing copies of John Whitaker – The Legend.
His appearance made an already memorable celebration even more special. Guests had the opportunity to meet one of showjumping’s most influential figures and take home a personally signed copy of his remarkable story.
For us, it was also a reminder of why John’s story continues to resonate. Behind the medals, famous horses and championship victories is a dedicated horseman whose humility has remained unchanged by success.
Copies can be purchased through the official John Whitaker – The Legend website.
Feature image: John Whitaker during his book signing for guests at the soiree – sat next to lifelong friend, Geoff Billington. Image Everything Horse Magazine/Suzanne Jones
