‘On a horse, I really feel like a younger man’ Whitakers’ guard of honour as John given high HOYS award

The Whitakers fashioned a guard of honour at Horse of the Yr Present (HOYS) as legend John was named the present’s 2024 equestrian of the 12 months.

The award, which HOYS provides yearly to somebody who has made an “extraordinary contribution to the group and dedication to not solely HOYS however to the guts of our sport – the horse”, was introduced in the primary area on the primary day of worldwide showjumping.

John, 69, was flanked by members of his household from brother Michael, 64, to John’s five-year-old great-niece Gracie-Might, driving a Welsh pony.

John, who has been competing at HOYS since 1971, stated: “I didn’t count on that! I used to be a bit misplaced for phrases but it surely’s very good.

“It’s good to have all of the household right here; it’s wonderful there are such a lot of of us, and so they all experience good!”

John was 16 when he first jumped at HOYS and he has barely missed the occasion since. He recalled amongst his highlights successful the grand prix right here, and the Masters with the incomparable Milton.

“A number of nice occasions,” he stated. “A benefit of this sport is which you could be 69 and nonetheless maintain your individual, and I’m having fun with it.”

John stated it was watching HOYS as a toddler, on prime-time tv, that impressed him to do what he’s nonetheless doing now.

“That’s what impressed me within the first place – fortunately I lived on a farm and had a pony – and my brothers adopted the curiosity and it got here from there,” he stated.

“There aren’t many sports activities the place you possibly can nonetheless be fairly aggressive aged 69. And beating them on the day – and considering I can beat them on the day, which might be extra essential.

“I’m going in there, and suppose I can beat them. They should go to beat me, which retains me going. If I knew I had no probability, I wouldn’t hassle. I’m fortunate. I really feel good, my physique’s holding out.

“I really feel nice on a horse; I’d stroll round like an outdated man however after I get on a horse, I really feel like a younger man. And I really feel I can win, and that’s the primary factor.”

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Keen about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all elements of the business, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of selection is showjumping, during which she competes her personal horses, and she or he additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping reveals via to worldwide championships.