Showjumper Joe Whitaker has been a familiar face on the international circuit since his days on ponies. However, at the age of 32, he has decided to fulfill a childhood dream to become a National Hunt jockey and is set to make his racecourse debut at Newcastle on Tuesday 28 January.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but never had the chance because I’ve been so wrapped up in the showjumping,” Joe told H&H. “I thought if I don’t do it now, I wouldn’t do it all — there’s no time like the present is there?”
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H&H showjumping editor
Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.
