The 'rise and rise' of William Whitaker at Olympia '08

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Library > Shows & Events > Olympia International Horse Show '08

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William has arrived! Since winning gold at the Junior European Champs' in '07 his rise has been meteoric! He won the Puissance at Olympia last year with Leonardo and has since won the British Open Puissance and was 3rd in the Hickstead Derby. Being a member of the Whitaker dynasty clearly helps but, nonetheless, William has huge talent! Fiona Price interviews him before the Puissance. We follow him though the competition in which he is victorious for the second year running! It all turns out to be a bit of a family affair!

Comments

orla-x 9 Apr 2009 Hottieeeeeeee!

Lucy Graham 6 Jan 2009 We weren't really discussing their riding styles, just the way the fence was jumped. It seems unfair that when there is a draw, a horse who very nearly booted a brick out on its final jump and also knocked it hard on the previous jump can finish equal to a horse that was clean every time. In the case of a tie it would be good to go back to the replay to see if someone obviously deserves it more. Controversial, I know, and difficult to police!

Earl 2 Jan 2009 William is a VERY stylish young rider and always seems to have his horses in a great rythm. I think if they ever make SJ riders do dressage again at Hickstead they should try him!

jules 25 Dec 2008 Thats a good point, but then again its not always style that is the main factor - some of the best riders have not been the tidies - Lucinda Green famously said that when she started trying to ride perfectly everything went wrong! And go on, introduce me, count it as a Christmas present!

Fiona Price 23 Dec 2008 Lucy and I were discussing the fact that in the event of a draw in a Puissance, there should be a differential on how well the horse jumped the fence because the difference between not touching it and nearly have a brick out seems huge and a way of differentiating. In eventing, for instance, if there is a draw on points the place goes to the one nearest the optimum time?! I don't think you are the only one who would like to meet William, by the way!