Ellen Whitaker
| Medal record | ||
|---|---|---|
| Equestrian | ||
| European Championships | ||
| Bronze | 2007 Mannheim | Team show jumping |
Ellen Whitaker (born March 5, 1986) is a British female show jumping rider, ranked 16th by the British Showjumping Association for September 2011. She is the daughter of rider Steven Whitaker and niece of riders John Whitaker and Michael Whitaker. She lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire [1] and attended Penistone Grammar School.
Competing since the age of 5, Ellen has much experience in the equestrian world and qualified for HOYS at just 8 years old. [2]
Among many others, some of her achievements include:
- Winning the 2010 Hickstead Speed Derby [3]
- Winning the 2009 HOYS show jumper of the year Grand Prix and show jumper of the show
- Winning the HOYS speed stakes in 2006, 2008 and 2009
- Winning the HOYS 2009 Puissance
- Winning the 2007 Hickstead Speed Derby
- Being part of the European bronze medal winning team in 2007, and the silver medal winning team in 2003.
Ellen Whitaker has been show jumping since the age of 5 and started to compete later that same year.She is one of England top show jumpers even though she has sometimes not qualified for the Olympics and other events. She is loved by many young budding horse riders and is an insperation to us all.
In 2006, Ellen and Her father/trainer Steven Whitaker were hit with a legal dispute over ownership of 13 horses, including her top horse Locarno. However, a few months later a peace deal was made. [4] [5]
In 2007, Ellen represented Great Britain in the European Championships and helped allow Britain to qualify for the Olympics after jumping triple clear. Unfortunately, she just missed out on being selected for the 2008 Beijing Olympics due to lameness in horse Locarno 62.
In 2010, Ellen Whitaker spoke to the press after refusing to jump for the British team due to a conflict with the British team manager, Rob Hoekstra. She told H&H: “I only have Ocolado at the moment and Rob wanted to interfere with the way I do everything.” Her father and manager Steven Whitaker added: "It’s not a matter of Ellen not wanting to jump for her country, but we won’t jump again until Rob Hoekstra is finished." But British Equestrian Federation World Class performance director Will Connell said: "The riders wanted stronger management and leadership and that’s what Rob is delivering." Mr Hoekstra did not wish to comment, saying: “I do not think team issues are best resolved through the press.” [6]
On 26 February 2011, Ellen Whitaker told a reporter she was dating actor Henry Cavill. [7]
[edit] References
- ^ "Ellen Whitaker". British Show Jumping Association. http://www.britishshowjumping.co.uk/rankings/lists/team-GBR/history/Miss-E-C-Whitaker/73052.
- ^ "Ellen Whitaker". Horse & Hound. 27 May 2011. http://www.eqlife.co.uk/2011/ellen-whitaker/.
- ^ "Ellen Whitaker wins the Hickstead Speed Derby". 26 June 2010. http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/299585.html.
- ^ "Legal claim hits Ellen Whitaker and Locarno". Horse & Hound. 13 April 2006. http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/390/83237.html.
- ^ "Ellen Whitaker keeps Locarno". Horse & Hound. 6 July 2006. http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/390/88206.html.
- ^ "Ellen Whitaker refuses to ride for Britain under Rob Hoekstra". Horse & Hound. 20 May 2010. http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/298128.html.
- ^ "Supercouple! Hunky new Superman actor and his showjumping girlfriend Ellen Whitaker". Daily Mail. 26 February 2011. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1360927/Superman-actor-Henry-Cavill-jumping-girlfriend-Ellen-Whitaker.html.
