William Whitaker born 26th July 1989 is an international show jumper and member of Team GB. He is based in Huddersfield West Yorkshire, and is a scion of the famous Yorkshire Whitaker Show jumping Dynasty.
William grew up on his father’s farm, which is the original farm that was a bought by his grandfather Donald back in 1957. He started to compete ponies at the age of 8 and only four years later he was winning the first of three Horse of the Year Show pony titles. Firstly, the 138cm championship on Mystic Starlight Express (2001) then the Junior Foxhunter on Devlin (2003) and lastly the leading junior show jumper on Indien de here (2005).
During his transition from ponies to horses William went to the USA and trained with American show jumper Aaron Vale and trainer Andrea King. Upon his return William went to work at his Uncle Michaels stables in Nottingham, until setting up his own stables in 2011 in Outlane, Huddersfield.
Through the years William has won many prestigious competitions and has represented Team GB on many occasions, both at junior and senior level, winning also two world cup qualifiers, firstly Mechelen in 2007 and most recently Stuttgart in November 2014.
In 2014 William was re-selected for the World Class Development Program. This is a program funded by UK Sport which is designed to help both horse and rider achieve their maximum potential through rigorous training and tutoring in many aspects of both human and equine science. He has been on the program since 2007
Away from international competing William spends his time at home in Outlane working with brothers George and James producing young horses to grand prix level. Any free time is spent with fiancée Elisabeth Fredlund and two children Isabella and Oliver. Elisabeth a noted Swedish show jumper herself also competes at international level. He also supports Huddersfield Town and Manchester United Football clubs.
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