The name Whitaker is synomonus with show jumping there are probably the most successful family in the sport of show jumping. The Whiter family begins with 4 brothers from yorkshire, the most famous of these brothers are John Whitaker & Michael Whitaker who have both been the cornerstone of the british show jumping team for the last 30 years in 1984 John Whitaker & Michael Whitaker were members of the silver medal winning team at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Ian Whitaker & Steven Whitaker are both highly accomplished horseman who have both competed in the sport.

These 4 brothers have spawned 13 children and not one of them seems to lack the horse gene. John Whitaker who is married to Claire whitaker have 3 children Louise Whitaker, Robert Whitaker & Joanne Whitaker. Robert Whitaker is consistently in the top 10 riders on the British Show Jumping Associations rankings and has competed on many nations cups and at shows all across the world. Louse Whitaker has also proved herself to be a talented rider she has also represented the UK in nations cups as well as competing at the highest level in 1998 Louise Whitaker finished 3rd in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup. Louise Whitaker now concentrates on producing the numerous young horses based at the stable yard. Michael Whitaker's eldest child is only 6 but is already riding ponies and is expected to start competing in the ring. Steven Whitaker has 4 children the 2 eldest Ellen Whitaker & Joe Whitaker have both already established themselves at senior level. Ellen Whitaker has already shown herself to be one of the leading UK lady rider at the age of 18 she finished 2nd in the Hickstead derby to her uncle John Whitaker. Joe Whitaker was in the Junior European Championships team that won bronze medal in 2006. Son Thomas Whitaker has won the junior show jumping title at the Horse of the Year Show October 2006. Not to be outdone by his 3 brothers Ian whitaker seems also to be a farther of a new british show jumping prodigy William Whitaker. In 2006 William Whitaker won the Junior European Show Jumping Championship in Athens. In 2007 William Whitaker made an impressive debut at World Cup shows this year, jumping a double clear to finish third in the Grand Prix at Vigo. William Whitaker is now based with his uncle Michael Whitaker who is his helping him to progress in the the sport. Ian Whitaker's other 2 children George and James have also enjoyed success with their ponies last season.

The Whitaker clan great success is due to there natural talent along with upbringing in the world of show jumping, all the whitaker's work very closely together helping each other with training advice as well as sharing horses. It is a fair bet that the whitaker family will be at the top of the sport of show jumping for a long time to come.