NEW BOOK FROM SHOWJUMPING SUPERSTAR AND TRUE HORSEMAN, ‘JOHN WHITAKER – THE LEGEND’
Wednesday 11 September 2024
Experience the thrill of showjumping superstar John Whitaker's life through the pages of 'John Whitaker - The Legend,' as told to Sarah Peacocke. Launching in October, this captivating biography, delves into the extraordinary life and career of illustrious show jumper, John Whitaker MBE.
John Whitaker has been a top international show jumper for over 40 years. Alongside his wife of 47 years Clare, and children Louise, Robert and Joanne, they run a successful business of which they have built together as a family over the years for competition horses at Heyside Farm, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. In 1979 Heyside Farm had eight acres and seven stables, it now has been transformed into a working yard for breeding, training and competition horses with over 150 acres, 40 stables and an indoor arena.
‘John Whitaker - The Legend’ takes a comprehensive and in depth look at John Whitaker’s life, told in his own words. He recalls the early years of him and his three brothers riding and competing ponies, the challenges he faced and the triumphs with fabled horses like Ryan’s Son, Milton and Gammon that defined his career.
As John tells his story, readers will gain unprecedented access into the mind and heart of one of the greatest horsemen of all time.
Some words from John himself on his approach to working his horses, “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.”
Key features of ‘John Whitaker - The Legend’ include:
· Tales of milk cart pulling ponies travelling the north of England to show jump right at the beginning of John’s career
· Special insights into his relationships with top horses including Ryan’s Son and legend in his own lifetime Milton, including John’s secret concoction that Milton absolutely loved
· The number of Volvos John has won over his career and why he’s not ready to hang up his boots yet
‘John Whitaker - The Legend’ is a must-read for fans of show jumping and anyone interested in the behind the scenes inspiring stories we don’t usually get to hear.
Available from 20 October, you can pre order the book now on the website www.johnwhitakerthelegend.com for £18.99 plus P&P.
It will also be available to purchase at the Equine America stand at Your Horse Live at Stoneleigh Park (8 – 10 November) and on the Equine America and Horse & Rider stands at The London International Horse Show at London ExCeL (18 – 22 December).
