Milton (horse)

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Milton was a horse ridden by John Whitaker. He won many International events in show jumping and represented Britain at the Olympics.

Color: Grey
Height: 16.2 hh (168 cm)
Sex: male
Breed: Dutch Warmblood x English
Breeding: by Marius, grandsire was Marco Polo, Dam Aston Answers, Grand Dam Pennywort
Breeder: John Harding
Riders: John Whitaker, Caroline Bradley & Stephen Hadley
Owners: Mr. and Mrs. Bradley
Born in:1977

Milton was by Caroline Bradley's International showjumping stallion the Dutch Bred Marius out of an English mare Aston Answer by Any Questions, who had competed at Grade A national level and who herself was out of a showjumping mare Pennywort (1970 Foxhunter Champion) by Top Walk, Milton was bred to jump. He was bought as a weanling by Miss Caroline Bradley for use as a show jumper. When he was young she told her parents he would be her Olympic mount. She trained him until her death in 1983, after which many offers were made to her parents to buy the talented animal. Stephen Hadley rode Milton for a short time, before he became a mount of the famous John Whitaker.

It was with John Whitaker, between the years 1985 to 1994, where Milton was most successful. The grey had many international victories, and became the first horse outside the racing world to win more than £1 million in prize money. Throughout his career, Milton rarely touched a rail or refused a fence. The gelding was a favourite with the crowd, many times ending a successful round with a great leap into the air. It was clear that he loved being a showjumper. Even after his retirement at the 1994 Olympia Horse Show, he was adored by all.

Milton died July 4th, 1999. He was buried on the Whitaker farm in Yorkshire, England.

[edit] Achievements

Over £1 million in prize money won
Team Gold 1987 European Championships in St Gallen
Individual Silver 1987 European Championships in St Gallen
Team Gold 1989 European Championships in Rotterdam
Individual Gold 1989 European Championships in Rotterdam
Individual Silver 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm
Team Bronze 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm
Winner 1990 FEI World Cup Final in Dortmund
Winner 1991 FEI World Cup Final in Gothenburg
Winner of the 1986 Du Maurier Limited International competition, Spruce Meadows, then the richest (in total prize money) showjumping competition in the world.