Achievements
- 2016 – Competed in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games
- 2014 – Competed in the Caen World Equestrian Games
- 2013 – Team Gold Medal at the FEI European Show Jumping Championships
- 2010 – Competed in the Lexington World Equestrian Games
- 2008 – 9th in the FEI World Cup Final
- 2007 – Team Bronze Medal at the FEI European Show Jumping Championships
- 2006 – 8th individually at the Aachen World Equestrian Games; 6th in the FEI World Cup Final
- 2005 – 2nd in the World Cup Final
- 2001 – 3rd in the FEI World Cup Final
- 1999 – 5th in the FEI World Cup Final
- 1997 – Team Bronze Medal at the FEI European Show Jumping Championships
- 1996 – Competed at the Atlanta Olympic Games
- 1995 – Team Silver Medal and Individual Silver Medal at the FEI European Show Jumping Championships; 5th in the FEI World Cup Final
- 1994 – Competed in the Den Haag World Equestrian Games; 3rd in the FEI World Cup Final
- 1993 – Team Silver Medal and Individual Bronze Medal at the FEI European Show Jumping Championships; 8th in the FEI World Cup Final
- 1993 - FEI World Number 1
- 1993 - Hickstead Derby winner
- 1992 – 15th individually at the Barcelona World Equestrian Games
- 1992 - Hickstead Derby winner
- 1991 – Team Silver Medal at the FEI European Show Jumping Championships
- 1991 - Hickstead Derby winner
- 1990 – Team Bronze Medal at the FEI European Show Jumping Championships; Team Bronze Medal at the Stockholm World Equestrian Games
- 1989 – Team Gold Medal and Individual Silver Medal at the FEI European Show Jumping Championships
- 1987 – Team Gold Medal at the FEI European Show Jumping Championships; 10th in the FEI World Cup Final
- 1986 – Team Silver Medal at the Aachen World Equestrian Games
- 1985 – Team Gold Medal at the FEI European Show Jumping Championships; 6th in the FEI World Cup Final
- 1984 – Team Silver Medal at the Los Angeles Olympic Games; 9th in the FEI World Cup Final
- 1980 - Hickstead Derby winner
Notable Horses
Monsanta
Warren Point
Portofino 63
Handel II
Amai
Viking
Cassionato
International Grand Prix Show Jumper
Michael Whitaker was born and raised on his parents’ farm in Yorkshire, and he began riding when he was three years old. Initially taught by his mother, he grew up riding alongside his siblings and began competing on ponies at age five. He rode in his first international competition at age 16 and became the youngest winner of the prestigious Hickstead Derby when he was 20.
A prolific championship career spans five Olympic Games (1984-2016), four World Equestrian Games and 14 European Championships. He won a total of 17 European Championship medals (including 4 team golds and 3 individual medals) alson with team silver at the 1984 LA Olympics. He also won team silver (Aachen 1986) and bronze (Stockholm 1990) at the World Equestrian Games and has podiumed at several World Cup Finals.
Michael also claimed multiple high-profile Grand-Prix titles, rising to FEI World Number 1 in September 1993. He dominated the iconic Hickstead Derby with four wins (1980, then 1991-1993) tying a record set with Harvey Smith and brother John. In 2012 he won the prestigious Aachen Grand Prix, Britain's first triumph since 1997. He has made 202 Nations Cup appearances helping Britain to 34 wins.
Michael currently lives in Nottinghamshire with his wife, Melissa Braybrooke, and their three children: Jack, Molly and Katie. He continues to mentor young riders including son Jack and still competes internationally.
With a career spanning over four decades, he consistently ranks among the elite, with over 2.000 international starts and more than 60 victories post 2010!
Michael's Helmet of Choice
