Milton (horse)

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Milton was a horse ridden by the famous rider John Whitaker. The great grey won many International events in showjumping, represented Britain at the Olympics and was well known for his famous leap into the air that brought everyone to their feet at the prize giving ceremonies.

Colour: Grey
Height: 16.2 hh (168 cm)
Sex: Gelding
Breed: Dutch Warmblood
Breeding: by Marius, grandsire was Marco Polo, Dam Aston Answers, Grand Dam Pennywort
Breeder: John Harding-Rolls
Riders: John Whitaker, Caroline Bradley & Stephen Hadley
Owners: Mr. and Mrs. Bradley
Born in:1977
First Name: Marius Silver Jubilee
Started professional career: 1985
Retired: 1994
Died: July 1999.

Born in 1977, Milton was bought as a weanling by Caroline Bradley from the breeder John Harding-Rolls. Son of the 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. When Milton was young Miss Caroline Bradley 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 world-renowned international rider 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. John once said about Milton, "Simply The Best"

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

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