John Whitaker and Milton

In the summer of 1985, John Whitaker began riding Milton, a striking grey gelding with exceptional talent. Milton had been carefully brought through the novice ranks by Caroline Bradley, a revered equestrian who tragically passed away two years earlier. By the late 1980s, Milton had become a sensation, captivating the equestrian world with his effortless grace and jumping ability, often described as something out of a Narnian fairytale.

Milton made history as the first show jumping horse to earn over £1 million in prize money, accumulating nearly £1,130,000 by the time of his retirement in 1994—not including the impressive collection of cars he won, numbering at least ten. Under Whitaker’s skillful guidance, Milton achieved extraordinary feats, including individual and team gold medals at the 1989 European Championships and back-to-back World Cup Final wins in 1990 and 1991. Although Milton did not compete in the 1988 Seoul Olympics due to the Bradleys’ decision, his impact on the sport was unparalleled.

In retirement, Milton occasionally appeared in special events, sharing the spotlight with other legends, such as Desert Orchid, the iconic grey steeplechaser. One such memorable moment came at the Richmond Horse Show, where John Whitaker rode Milton alongside his brother Michael, who rode Desert Orchid. Together, they created an unforgettable scene in equestrian history, further cementing Milton’s legacy as one of the greatest show jumpers of all time.