Through Thick and Thin: Showjumping Siblings
As the old saying goes, ‘it runs in the family’, and it certainly rings true in the world of showjumping. Decades of our sport has seen family combinations land some of the most coveted prizes in showjumping.
The sibling bond is unique, add horses into the dynamic and you may just have the ultimate recipe for sibling rivalry. Often in direct competition with each other, they compete for the same titles, but what happens when siblings combine forces to ride for the same team?
Having a sibling around is an experience that can’t be replaced and while they may be each other’s biggest competition at times, they can often be each other’s biggest fan.
In this exclusive British Showjumping e-newsletter interview, we look at showjumping siblings who are competing alongside each other and find out what is it like to have your sibling as your teammate.
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There are currently three generations of the Whitaker family representing the iconic family name in showjumping. So for Joe and Donald, sons of Steven Whitaker, their passion for equestrianism is in their DNA. The brothers grew up on their family’s farm in South Yorkshire with older sister Ellen and brother Thomas. As youngsters, all four siblings were incredibly competitive, but also relished in the opportunity to work together on a day-to-day basis.
“Whenever we went to shows we always had each other to compete against so there was no such thing as an easy day, but it was still enjoyable!” says Joe.
Highlighting his competitive nature, Joe revealed he would occasionally padlock the door and keep the key in his pocket, so he was the only person able to get in the stables.
Growing up with three older siblings, Donald has had his siblings riding alongside him for as long as he can remember: “It was especially great for me being the youngest; I had three amazing riders to look up to and to motivate me to try and be as good as them” he recalls.
Although the siblings have all moved onto their own ventures in different parts of the world, they are still just as supportive of each other’s achievements. “It is nice to be able to fall back on my brothers and sister for help and advice” commented Donald. “I feel so lucky at times to be part of this family; it really is something special. I can look to my mum and dad or my siblings or my uncles or my cousins all for motivation as every one of them have all won at the highest level in the sport! Each one of them are brilliant”.
In agreement, Joe said: “If you had a good day and thought you’d done well and then get beaten by your brother or sister it certainly got us working and trying harder. We help each other the best way we can. We are very lucky to have so many talented close relatives”.
Individually they have had some incredible successes but now the brothers are following in the footsteps of their uncles John and Michael, having been selected to represent Great Britain in the CSIO5* Nations Cups of Abu Dhabi together, where the team finished second, and CSIO4* Nations Cup of Sharjah, where the team finished first.
Growing up watching their uncles succeed on the same team many a time, the brothers dreamt they would one day be doing the same thing, but knew, in practice, this is much harder to achieve than they made it look: “It’s an absolute dream come true! I can’t really put it into words, it's just something I use to dream about when I was younger and kind of thought it would never happen" commented Donald. "We grew up watching uncle John and Michael on the same team week in and week out so we always thought that was the norm until you actually get into the real world and realise how difficult this really is! So, I feel this is a big moment for me and especially to win was the icing on the cake”.
Joe also commented how remarkable the occasion was: “It was a very special moment representing my country at 5* level alongside my brother! We understand how hard this is individually to get to this point, so to be on the same team and get two podium finishes was amazing for us.
“The only way it could be bettered for us would have been to have Ellen and Thomas on the same team”.
Donald was grateful to have his older brother with him at the Nations Cup competitions: “Joe is my older brother, so it gave me a sense of calmness and confidence having him on the same team. It was so fun and very enjoyable”.
Following their victory in the CSIO4* Nations Cup of Sharjah, the pair recalled their favourite memory, which unsurprisingly involved the other.
“I think just after coming out the ring when I was clear, and we knew Joe didn’t need to jump again, we had a hug and didn’t let go for a minute or two! Then it felt special” says Donald.
“My favourite memory was on the podium. I looked at Donald, counted 3, 2, 1, then we lifted the trophy! It is memory we’ll never forget!” says Joe.
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With a 4.5-year age gap between 24-year-old Will and 19-year-old Olli, the Fletcher brothers have developed a close bond around their love of horses. Sons of international showjumpers Graham and Tina Fletcher, showjumping has always been a family affair. Although Olli has always been very showjumping focused, for Will, this was not always the case, choosing to play other sports until he left school.
Now, both following in their parents’ footsteps, the brothers are fiercely competitive, but agree that whilst they push each other to be better, they are also the first to support each other. On good days they celebrate together and on bad days they help pick one another up.
Both riders have seen success in the National U21 Championship Title on multiple occasions; with Will winning in 2017 and 2019 and Olli in 2018 and 2022. “I think we’re competitive enough as it is! We both push each other and help each other as much as possible,” says Will.
In agreement, Olli commented: “We make each other more competitive. Neither of us like to be beaten but if I can’t win, there is no one I would like to win more than my brother.”
Regaling on some of their fondest team memories, Olli recalls competing with Will at the Youth European Championships in Fontainebleau in 2018. Despite not being selected for the same team, as Will was selected for the Young Riders team and Olli for the Junior team, it was certainly a proud week for the whole family.
“I was double silver, and Will got team gold” recalled Olli. “For the family, that was probably our favourite day as not many can say they claimed 3 medals in a couple of days at a team championship. It was a very proud day for Will and I and for our parents, and one that we won’t forget for a long time.”
Sharing is always part of a sibling relationship and for Will and Olli, sharing in each other’s successes has been one of the highlights of their upbringing.
“We do our best to push each other to the next level and having a brother that will always help to do that is very beneficial. We consider ourselves a team and if either one of us is having a good show we’re happy,” commented Will. “If we’ve both had a good result, it just makes it better to be in the same prize giving as your brother”.
It wasn’t until 2022 that the pair were selected to ride on a team together; the CSIO3* EEF Nations Cup in Lisbon and the CSIO3* Nations Cup in Madrid shortly after.
“The Nations Cups were a fantastic experience. Although they didn’t go our team’s way, the fact both of us were selected to be on a British Team together is something that we are very proud of” says Will.
Being able to work alongside each other in the competition environment is an experience that neither Will nor Olli would trade for the world.
“It’s great to have moral support from a sibling, not just your parents” commented Olli. “Will is my best friend as well as my brother. I love the sport more than anything, and to be able to share that journey with him is amazing.”
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Unsurprisingly, Harry, Scarlett, and Sienna Charles, children of British Olympian Peter Charles are a showjumping sibling combination to be reckoned with.
Scarlett remembers riding together as children being the norm, often rushing home from school to ride together: “We were used to all riding with each other from a very young age. I remember nights after school where we would head straight out to the yard and then ride until late with my brother and sister. It was always nice having them there doing the same thing as we could all support each other”.
Looking back, Sienna couldn’t imagine growing up any other way. “It was a brilliant experience” she says. “You get to work together, learn from each other, and share in each other’s successes and it brought us all a lot closer”.
As adults, life at the yard isn’t much different. “Although we work separately most of the time, managing our own horses with our own grooms, we all still help each other out if we need to and communicate to one another to make sure everything runs smoothly” says Sienna.
“I think it [sharing a yard] is a good thing as we keep each other motivated and can learn from each other” agrees Scarlett. “Especially when Harry is home (which is quite rare as he is on the road a lot), I can ask him for advice and what I can improve on”.
In 2016, the Charles’ made the showjumping history books, as the first family to have three siblings representing Great Britain on European teams at the same time. Sienna was selected as part of the Children on Horses team and Harry and Scarlett were selected for the Junior team for the Youth European Championship where they finished third.
Commenting on this achievement, Sienna said: “It is a unique feeling jumping alongside your siblings, but it’s great because we can share in each other’s success”.
Harry and Scarlett were selected for the Junior team a second year running where they finished with the silver medal, which Scarlett recalls as one of her favourite memories: “It was definitely a very special occasion. We were able to train together, and winning medals alongside Harry is something I’ll always remember”.
Since then, Scarlett & Sienna have also been selected to represent Great Britain at the 2018 Junior Nations Cup in Wierden where the team finished second.
“We know how much winning means to each other, and it is amazing when it goes right and we get to share the success with one another” says Sienna. “We also get to spend a lot of time together and it makes our relationship with one another a lot closer”.
“We all have a great relationship and just want each other to do as well as possible, but a little healthy competition doesn’t hurt. Particularly when we're in the same class in a jump off, we drive each other to go faster”.
This was evident at the 2022 London International Horse Show, when the three siblings made another appearance together, this time fighting for the Voltaire Design Under 25 British Championship.
Following his victory, Harry commented: “If anyone was going to, I would’ve loved for them [Scarlett and Sienna] to beat me today. They have both had a difficult last couple of years and it’s good to see them back and going strong. I think my dad is proud of us today”.
Both sisters agree that the best part of having each other at shows, whether competing against each other or on the same team together, is the constant support through the ups and downs.
“It’s nice to have a friend there to support you through the tough times but also to celebrate your victories with” says Scarlett, whilst Sienna expressed “at the end of the day we just want each other to succeed”.
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The latest siblings to join the roster of those competing on the same British Showjumping team are Shropshire based brothers, Will and Carmen Edwards, who are following in the footsteps of their father and uncle, Olympic Showjumper’s Carl Edwards, and Nick Skelton.
Growing up on the family farm, they were always competitive no matter what sport they were participating in. When they both chose showjumping; Carmen at around the age of 11 and Will at the age of 6, the competitive drive was fuelled further.
Now as adults they share a yard, which allows them to discuss their plans the horses and what they think will work best. “Sharing a yard with my brother is great. We have two separate yards for my horses and his horses but we’re all one big team. If you need help, there is always someone there to assist and to advise” says Will.
You could say disagreements are inevitable, but with Will and Carmen they are always short-lived and most of the time end in laughter. “The only time it [sharing a yard] causes a problem is if there is only one bit of equipment that we both want to use. There might be a bit of a squabble for 5 minutes, but otherwise it works well” reveals Carmen.
Both brothers feel they are their own rider, despite the fact they often get mistaken for one another, especially when they are in their show gear.
“Dad still calls me Will and Will gets called Carmen on the odd occasion” says Carmen. “I would say we are quite different in the way we ride and that’s why it works well at home because we can mix and match.”
Although the brothers regularly compete against each other, it seems to have little impact on their close bond. “We are probably more competitive as a team” says Will. “If we were in a jump off together, we always want us to be first and second. We never want anyone to be in between us, but as long as one of us is winning then we don’t mind which one of us it is.”
Memories and good times are abundant for this brother duo, when asked if there is a memory that stands above the rest, Will recalled their 3rd and 4th finishes in the ‘Cock o’ the North’ in 2022 at the Great Yorkshire Show. “It was our first time competing in the competition and to get such a great result and being triple clear was great. We were encouraging each other at every round.”
Will and Carmen were selected for their Senior Team debut at the same time for the CSIO3* Nations Cup in Vilamoura, Portugal in November 2022. Being on a Senior Team together is a memory both brothers cherish. On receiving their jackets at the same time, the brothers reflect on how the opportunity made them feel:
“We were ecstatic to have the news through that we were both on the same team at the same time. It made the occasion of going to our first Nations Cup even better, and it was a very proud moment for the whole family” says Will.
“I couldn’t ask for anything better than competing on the same team as Will, it’s something that you dream of” commented Carmen. “It’s very rare that it happens and so when it does, it’s something that’s very special. There’s no better feeling, you can’t really put it into words because you both know how hard you’ve worked, day in and day out for each other to get there”.
The sibling bond is unique, add horses into the dynamic and you may just have the ultimate recipe for sibling rivalry. Often in direct competition with each other, they compete for the same titles, but what happens when siblings combine forces to ride for the same team?
Having a sibling around is an experience that can’t be replaced and while they may be each other’s biggest competition at times, they can often be each other’s biggest fan.
In this exclusive British Showjumping e-newsletter interview, we look at showjumping siblings who are competing alongside each other and find out what is it like to have your sibling as your teammate.
Joe and Donald Whitaker
There are currently three generations of the Whitaker family representing the iconic family name in showjumping. So for Joe and Donald, sons of Steven Whitaker, their passion for equestrianism is in their DNA. The brothers grew up on their family’s farm in South Yorkshire with older sister Ellen and brother Thomas. As youngsters, all four siblings were incredibly competitive, but also relished in the opportunity to work together on a day-to-day basis.“Whenever we went to shows we always had each other to compete against so there was no such thing as an easy day, but it was still enjoyable!” says Joe.
Highlighting his competitive nature, Joe revealed he would occasionally padlock the door and keep the key in his pocket, so he was the only person able to get in the stables.
Growing up with three older siblings, Donald has had his siblings riding alongside him for as long as he can remember: “It was especially great for me being the youngest; I had three amazing riders to look up to and to motivate me to try and be as good as them” he recalls.
Although the siblings have all moved onto their own ventures in different parts of the world, they are still just as supportive of each other’s achievements. “It is nice to be able to fall back on my brothers and sister for help and advice” commented Donald. “I feel so lucky at times to be part of this family; it really is something special. I can look to my mum and dad or my siblings or my uncles or my cousins all for motivation as every one of them have all won at the highest level in the sport! Each one of them are brilliant”.
In agreement, Joe said: “If you had a good day and thought you’d done well and then get beaten by your brother or sister it certainly got us working and trying harder. We help each other the best way we can. We are very lucky to have so many talented close relatives”.
Individually they have had some incredible successes but now the brothers are following in the footsteps of their uncles John and Michael, having been selected to represent Great Britain in the CSIO5* Nations Cups of Abu Dhabi together, where the team finished second, and CSIO4* Nations Cup of Sharjah, where the team finished first.
Growing up watching their uncles succeed on the same team many a time, the brothers dreamt they would one day be doing the same thing, but knew, in practice, this is much harder to achieve than they made it look: “It’s an absolute dream come true! I can’t really put it into words, it's just something I use to dream about when I was younger and kind of thought it would never happen" commented Donald. "We grew up watching uncle John and Michael on the same team week in and week out so we always thought that was the norm until you actually get into the real world and realise how difficult this really is! So, I feel this is a big moment for me and especially to win was the icing on the cake”.
Joe also commented how remarkable the occasion was: “It was a very special moment representing my country at 5* level alongside my brother! We understand how hard this is individually to get to this point, so to be on the same team and get two podium finishes was amazing for us.
“The only way it could be bettered for us would have been to have Ellen and Thomas on the same team”.
Donald was grateful to have his older brother with him at the Nations Cup competitions: “Joe is my older brother, so it gave me a sense of calmness and confidence having him on the same team. It was so fun and very enjoyable”.
Following their victory in the CSIO4* Nations Cup of Sharjah, the pair recalled their favourite memory, which unsurprisingly involved the other.
“I think just after coming out the ring when I was clear, and we knew Joe didn’t need to jump again, we had a hug and didn’t let go for a minute or two! Then it felt special” says Donald.
“My favourite memory was on the podium. I looked at Donald, counted 3, 2, 1, then we lifted the trophy! It is memory we’ll never forget!” says Joe.
Will and Olli Fletcher
With a 4.5-year age gap between 24-year-old Will and 19-year-old Olli, the Fletcher brothers have developed a close bond around their love of horses. Sons of international showjumpers Graham and Tina Fletcher, showjumping has always been a family affair. Although Olli has always been very showjumping focused, for Will, this was not always the case, choosing to play other sports until he left school.Now, both following in their parents’ footsteps, the brothers are fiercely competitive, but agree that whilst they push each other to be better, they are also the first to support each other. On good days they celebrate together and on bad days they help pick one another up.
Both riders have seen success in the National U21 Championship Title on multiple occasions; with Will winning in 2017 and 2019 and Olli in 2018 and 2022. “I think we’re competitive enough as it is! We both push each other and help each other as much as possible,” says Will.
In agreement, Olli commented: “We make each other more competitive. Neither of us like to be beaten but if I can’t win, there is no one I would like to win more than my brother.”
Regaling on some of their fondest team memories, Olli recalls competing with Will at the Youth European Championships in Fontainebleau in 2018. Despite not being selected for the same team, as Will was selected for the Young Riders team and Olli for the Junior team, it was certainly a proud week for the whole family.
“I was double silver, and Will got team gold” recalled Olli. “For the family, that was probably our favourite day as not many can say they claimed 3 medals in a couple of days at a team championship. It was a very proud day for Will and I and for our parents, and one that we won’t forget for a long time.”
Sharing is always part of a sibling relationship and for Will and Olli, sharing in each other’s successes has been one of the highlights of their upbringing.
“We do our best to push each other to the next level and having a brother that will always help to do that is very beneficial. We consider ourselves a team and if either one of us is having a good show we’re happy,” commented Will. “If we’ve both had a good result, it just makes it better to be in the same prize giving as your brother”.
It wasn’t until 2022 that the pair were selected to ride on a team together; the CSIO3* EEF Nations Cup in Lisbon and the CSIO3* Nations Cup in Madrid shortly after.
“The Nations Cups were a fantastic experience. Although they didn’t go our team’s way, the fact both of us were selected to be on a British Team together is something that we are very proud of” says Will.
Being able to work alongside each other in the competition environment is an experience that neither Will nor Olli would trade for the world.
“It’s great to have moral support from a sibling, not just your parents” commented Olli. “Will is my best friend as well as my brother. I love the sport more than anything, and to be able to share that journey with him is amazing.”
Harry, Scarlett, and Sienna Charles
Unsurprisingly, Harry, Scarlett, and Sienna Charles, children of British Olympian Peter Charles are a showjumping sibling combination to be reckoned with.Scarlett remembers riding together as children being the norm, often rushing home from school to ride together: “We were used to all riding with each other from a very young age. I remember nights after school where we would head straight out to the yard and then ride until late with my brother and sister. It was always nice having them there doing the same thing as we could all support each other”.
Looking back, Sienna couldn’t imagine growing up any other way. “It was a brilliant experience” she says. “You get to work together, learn from each other, and share in each other’s successes and it brought us all a lot closer”.
As adults, life at the yard isn’t much different. “Although we work separately most of the time, managing our own horses with our own grooms, we all still help each other out if we need to and communicate to one another to make sure everything runs smoothly” says Sienna.
“I think it [sharing a yard] is a good thing as we keep each other motivated and can learn from each other” agrees Scarlett. “Especially when Harry is home (which is quite rare as he is on the road a lot), I can ask him for advice and what I can improve on”.
In 2016, the Charles’ made the showjumping history books, as the first family to have three siblings representing Great Britain on European teams at the same time. Sienna was selected as part of the Children on Horses team and Harry and Scarlett were selected for the Junior team for the Youth European Championship where they finished third.
Commenting on this achievement, Sienna said: “It is a unique feeling jumping alongside your siblings, but it’s great because we can share in each other’s success”.
Harry and Scarlett were selected for the Junior team a second year running where they finished with the silver medal, which Scarlett recalls as one of her favourite memories: “It was definitely a very special occasion. We were able to train together, and winning medals alongside Harry is something I’ll always remember”.
Since then, Scarlett & Sienna have also been selected to represent Great Britain at the 2018 Junior Nations Cup in Wierden where the team finished second.
“We know how much winning means to each other, and it is amazing when it goes right and we get to share the success with one another” says Sienna. “We also get to spend a lot of time together and it makes our relationship with one another a lot closer”.
“We all have a great relationship and just want each other to do as well as possible, but a little healthy competition doesn’t hurt. Particularly when we're in the same class in a jump off, we drive each other to go faster”.
This was evident at the 2022 London International Horse Show, when the three siblings made another appearance together, this time fighting for the Voltaire Design Under 25 British Championship.
Following his victory, Harry commented: “If anyone was going to, I would’ve loved for them [Scarlett and Sienna] to beat me today. They have both had a difficult last couple of years and it’s good to see them back and going strong. I think my dad is proud of us today”.
Both sisters agree that the best part of having each other at shows, whether competing against each other or on the same team together, is the constant support through the ups and downs.
“It’s nice to have a friend there to support you through the tough times but also to celebrate your victories with” says Scarlett, whilst Sienna expressed “at the end of the day we just want each other to succeed”.
Will and Carmen Edwards
The latest siblings to join the roster of those competing on the same British Showjumping team are Shropshire based brothers, Will and Carmen Edwards, who are following in the footsteps of their father and uncle, Olympic Showjumper’s Carl Edwards, and Nick Skelton.Growing up on the family farm, they were always competitive no matter what sport they were participating in. When they both chose showjumping; Carmen at around the age of 11 and Will at the age of 6, the competitive drive was fuelled further.
Now as adults they share a yard, which allows them to discuss their plans the horses and what they think will work best. “Sharing a yard with my brother is great. We have two separate yards for my horses and his horses but we’re all one big team. If you need help, there is always someone there to assist and to advise” says Will.
You could say disagreements are inevitable, but with Will and Carmen they are always short-lived and most of the time end in laughter. “The only time it [sharing a yard] causes a problem is if there is only one bit of equipment that we both want to use. There might be a bit of a squabble for 5 minutes, but otherwise it works well” reveals Carmen.
Both brothers feel they are their own rider, despite the fact they often get mistaken for one another, especially when they are in their show gear.
“Dad still calls me Will and Will gets called Carmen on the odd occasion” says Carmen. “I would say we are quite different in the way we ride and that’s why it works well at home because we can mix and match.”
Although the brothers regularly compete against each other, it seems to have little impact on their close bond. “We are probably more competitive as a team” says Will. “If we were in a jump off together, we always want us to be first and second. We never want anyone to be in between us, but as long as one of us is winning then we don’t mind which one of us it is.”
Memories and good times are abundant for this brother duo, when asked if there is a memory that stands above the rest, Will recalled their 3rd and 4th finishes in the ‘Cock o’ the North’ in 2022 at the Great Yorkshire Show. “It was our first time competing in the competition and to get such a great result and being triple clear was great. We were encouraging each other at every round.”
Will and Carmen were selected for their Senior Team debut at the same time for the CSIO3* Nations Cup in Vilamoura, Portugal in November 2022. Being on a Senior Team together is a memory both brothers cherish. On receiving their jackets at the same time, the brothers reflect on how the opportunity made them feel:
“We were ecstatic to have the news through that we were both on the same team at the same time. It made the occasion of going to our first Nations Cup even better, and it was a very proud moment for the whole family” says Will.
“I couldn’t ask for anything better than competing on the same team as Will, it’s something that you dream of” commented Carmen. “It’s very rare that it happens and so when it does, it’s something that’s very special. There’s no better feeling, you can’t really put it into words because you both know how hard you’ve worked, day in and day out for each other to get there”.