John Whitaker equal 2nd in the 1986 Hickstead Derby (4 faults) on the 18 year old Irish Sport Horse (ISH) 15.3 hh (160cm) Gelding, Ryan’s Son
1986 Hickstead Derby Result:
1. Paul Schockemöhle & Deister (clear round)
=2. Kieran Rooney and Hyland Serpent (ISH) (4 faults) by a TB and out of an I.D. mare
=2. John Whitaker and Ryan’s Son (ISH) (4 faults) by a TB and out of a Conn./Clyde.. mare
=2. Harvey Smith and Shining Example (4 faults)
=2. Michael Whitaker and Owen Gregory (ISH) (4 faults) by a good TB and out of good I.D. mare
John Whitaker and Ryan’s Son won the 1983 Hickstead Derby and other placing’s in The Derby.
Ryan’s Son (ISH) – Bred by: Ned Byrne, Gorey, County Wexford (south-east), Ireland.
Ryan’s Son & John Whitaker won the individual Silver medal at the 1980 Olympics (for show jumping – “alternative”) in Rotterdam, Netherlands. As the GB equestrian team boycotted the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
They say the show jumping course at these “alternative” Olympics was “big” a real size Olympic course.
Gold: Gladstone & Hugo Simon
Silver: Ryan’s Son (ISH) & John Whitaker
Bronze:
Then in 1984 age 16 Ryan’s Son (ISH) claimed a team Silver for GB at the Los Angeles Olympics.
Not many horses jump at two Olympics.
John Whitaker was asked what was the difference between Ryan’s Son and Milton ?
His answer; “the colour”.
22 Comments
Emotivo caballo
Hunters are very difficult !! OO
"Oh good boy ! " lol
John Whitaker is good rider, I'm a fan ^^ Milton .. coming soon 😛
Good old Ryan Son He was and still is one of my favourites RIP boy :o)
loved ryans son,hes such a star show jumper….R.I.P xx
My favourite horse from the days when HOYS and Olympia were free to view. Anyone got footage of another favourite-'Marius'- the first of Caroline Bradley's superstars? (Before you all jump down my throat I know that the brilliant John Whittaker partnered Ryan).
one of the greatest show jumpers ever, broke my heart when he died.
Went to Wembley one year and was able to wander round the stables and the bugger bit me! But I will never forge
t him
Never tired of watching this old fella. Loved him to bits as a kid, always with that signature kick. 🙂
Saw him at Hickstead! He was a legend…..and the bravest horse I ever saw xx and as for The Whittakers…………amazing family, love their horses………..legends ….xx
Cheeky horse with the sneaky kicks but good to see that even the best of the horses out there do sometimes misbehave 😉
Super honest Irish boy
This was a product of the Irish horse breeding industry at its peak. But this wasn't good enough for some prima Donna Irish riders that wanted foreign and warmblood and German breeding and let our beautiful native and Irish fraught breeding go to shite
used to watch this gorgeous horse when i was a young girl . wanted to be like the whitaker's so much .Ryan's son was my favourite .. real character and a good solid lad .
So good to see this again, watched John & Ryan so many times, amazing how at that age he can still kick and buck, nearly do a clear round and well inside the time. RIP Ryan
When did he die x loved this trooper x
My favourite John Whittaker horse. Loved him so much. Sad day when he died.
Who disliked it?!
One of the greatest horses, the 80's had some amazing show jumpers ❤
My favourite horse as a child. I was fortunate to watch him at Hickstead, when he won the Derby in 1983. What a horse.. will never forget him. John Whitaker had the softest hands as a showjumper .. he was and is exceptional.
Wow what a good horse he was. He was my favourite when I was younger.
Simply the best
Ryan's Son is beyond incredible.
John Whittaker what a first class wonderful rider he is and always remember Ryan's son what a horse.