Read the amazing story of Britain’s legendary showjumper told here for the first time

In a career spanning six decades, John Whitaker has been to six Olympic Games, four World Equestrian Games finals, three World Championships and has represented Great Britain on more than 200 Nations Cups.

His story is one of incredible success, heart-breaking loss, near-death injury and lost opportunity. 

For every equestrian and horse enthusiast this is a must-read book about a rider who’s become the most admired horseman in the world.

Stop press

A digital version of this amazing book that should be read by every equestrian, whatever their discipline, will be available to download here: https://amzn.eu/d/hcjYy0q from December 1 2025. Pre-orders can be made NOW.

John will be at Merrist Wood equestrian centre (Guildford, Surrey) on Wednesday November 27 from 7pm. He will be talking about his book to author Sarah Peacocke and Robert Whitaker will be doing some riding and jumping. There are just a few tickets remaining.

Go here to book: https://www.horseandrideruk.com/shop/

John will also be at the London International Horse Show at Excel where he will be signing books daily on the Equine America stand between December 18 and December 21. If he is not available on Sunday 22, pre-signed books will be on the stand for purchase.
Signing times will be announced here shortly.

John pictured with the author at the recent Your Horse Live event, and seen here signing books

sarah-peacocke

About the author

Sarah Peacocke

A lifelong equestrian enthusiast, former rider and long-time supporter of showjumping in Britain and around the world, she grew up with posters of Ryan’s Son and Milton on her bedroom walls.

A journalist by training, and already an author of a published children’s book, her passion for telling this story jumps out of every page.

Highlights

Enjoy every chapter
john-whitaker
GCT (stands for Global Champions Tour)

Doing the milk round before going to school, riding bareback across the fields to his classroom, making do with second-hand clothes and tack… that was John’s Yorkshire childhood. From a humble beginning to riding the kick-back favourite Ryan’s Son, and the grey Pegasus that was Milton, his career has spanned 60 years and included successes on Gammon, Grannusch, Hopscotch, Welham, Peppermill, Argento, Lactic Two, Cassini’s Chapman, Sharid, Unick du Francport and many more.

From a first prize of a few pounds, when winning meant there was enough money to buy the diesel to get home again, to winning 93 brand new cars and riding the world’s first equine millionaire, this is John’s story. The ups and the downs, the glory and the disappointment. His desire to win, his training methods, his dry sense of humour, his friendships and his incredible ability to get the best out of every horse he rides. It’s all here.

It’s an incredible story that you won’t be able to put down.

John talks about his book

On the tragic death of Ryan's Son at Hickstead

“You feel bad, not just for yourself, but for the sport and everyone watching. The rest of that day was a bit of a blur…

“He’d had a wonderful career and it would have been a lot more fitting for him to be able to retire in a field somewhere and spend his last few years relaxing.”

On riding Milton at the Barcelona Olympics

“You can’t dwell on things like this. You’re disappointed for a few hours, probably longer in this case, but it slowly gets better over the next few days. “One thing’s for sure in this job – you’re going to have disappointments and you’ve got to learn how to deal with them. You’ve got to be disappointed or you’re not trying hard enough.”

On negotiating the prize money for winning his fourth Hickstead Derby

“I was chatting to Hickstead owner Douglas Bunn and said: ‘You know Mr Bunn, about the prize money (for riding his horse Buddy Bunn with a day’s notice). It’s not very much really, what I am going to get out of it. So can we “renegotiate ?” He said: ‘That’s what you’re getting. And if you don’t ride it like a prat you’ll win’.  Those were his exact words.” And win John did.

Purchase

For European orders please go to this site: https://www.equine-america.com/ and order direct (this will avoid customs duty and VAT that some purchasers have been charged

Books will be available for purchase here during the week of November 25.

BOOK

John Whitaker - The Legend

Read what the world's top riders think about John and his talent, enjoy the pranks he's played on his family and friends, find out which is his favourite horse of all time.
£18.99
We offer a 30-day return policy for all unused and unopened packages. Customers may return items for a full refund within 30 days of purchase, provided they are in their original condition, are un-read and in their original packaging. You may request a return within 7 days of delivery for a refund less the post and packing charge.

Testimonials

What readers think
Slide

“What a delightful account of the life of an extraordinary man, rider and his wonderful family. I enjoyed every single page and would recommend it to everyone.”

Steve Hadley, BBC commentator and Milton’s rider before he went to John

Slide

“Such a fantastic book that encapsulates the true character of a man who’s been my best buddy for the past 50 years. Full of hilarious stories of some of the things we both got up to, our fancy dress antics and a testimony of the sheer skill and brilliance of this incredible man.”

Geoff Billington, fellow horseman, Olympian and lifelong friend

Slide

"John has done more for showjumping than any other rider. People will still be talking about him in 100 years' time. This is a wonderful story that encapsulates all he has done for the sport."

Ludger Beerbaum, winner of five Olympic medals for Germany and fellow competitor

Slide

"If you're worth your salt you should watch, listen and learn from John. Anyone who wants to become the best version of themself needs to read about this legend in our sport."

McLain Ward, winner of five Olympic medals for the USA and fellow competitor

Contact us

Should you have any questions about this book please drop us an email and we’ll do our best to come back to you within 48 hours.

The price quoted is for one copy with various post and packing options quoted separately for the UK mainland. Books will be posted out from mid-October once payment has been cleared in our bank account.

Depending on demand, there may be a short delay if a reprint is needed.

John will be available at various venues to sign copies of his biography. Please visit here in the months ahead to find where you will be able to catch up with him.

John Whitaker the Legend
8 Main Street,
Bilton, Rugby,
Warwickshire
CV22 7NB

Email : contact@johnwhitakerthelegend.com