Ryan's Son (ISH) & John Whitaker - 1986 Hickstead Derby

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".

[@pennyburk6116]

Never tired of watching this old fella. Loved him to bits as a kid, always with that signature kick. :)

[@fionadow1277]

My favourite John Whittaker horse. Loved him so much. Sad day when he died.

[@JulieHathaway-et8bz]

My favourite horse from years ago , loved him so much I named my son after him in 1984 . Gutted when he died in ❤

[@kangacats]

Fantastic horse. Another great character that is sadly missed. At least he died doing what he loved and where he loved to be. R.I.P.

[@halloweenknights]

Good old Ryan Son He was and still is one of my favourites RIP boy :o)

[@lowrispooner2279]

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 .

[@celinebeurle7915]

I used to go to Hickstead and see him each year. John and Ryans Son were my heroes. I used to go home and want to be a really successful Junior show jumper. I just wanted to be like the Whitakers and now it is now longer Ryans Son, Milton, John and Michael - times have moved on - I am sad about that

[@TheBorzoilover]

John Whittaker what a first class wonderful rider he is and always remember Ryan's son what a horse.

[@celinebeurle7915]

Ryan's Son is beyond incredible.

[@hampshirehogs]

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

[@MarkRobertCuthbert]

Love the bit - bit :-) as Boomerang attacked a new groom when she went into the loosebox at a show the groom and to "clear" the stable :-D see them Top old type jumpers were so hyped up, they needed "quality time ". Don't go near a stallion when he feeding. He's ate ya ;-)

[@anita606]

loved ryans son,hes such a star show jumper....R.I.P xx

[@nicolajane7482]

One of the greatest horses, the 80's had some amazing show jumpers ❤

[@nicolajane7482]

Loved him from the moment I saw him in the collecting ring aged 12 in Dublin horse show!

[@carolineallfrey9874]

Simply the best

[@bealearoundbritain]

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

[@Spacetwerp]

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).

[@secretsquirrel7374]

Wow what a good horse he was. He was my favourite when I was younger.

[@celinebeurle7915]

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.

[@reviewsgoodnbad7695]

One year wasn’t he the only horse to have a clear round?

[@laurelknightley5515]

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

[@sassyrav]

Cheeky horse with the sneaky kicks but good to see that even the best of the horses out there do sometimes misbehave ;)

[@airbedane]

Super honest Irish boy

[@sarahsum1]

Wonderful rider and horse!!! everyone there does look so eighties don't they!! really cool looking back, thanks for posting!

[@celinebeurle7915]

John had the softest hands .. he was and still is remarkable.

[@perradegenerada]

Emotivo caballo

[@killickfarms]

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

[@MsDerell]

Hunters are very difficult !! OO "Oh good boy ! " lol John Whitaker is good rider, I'm a fan ^^ Milton .. coming soon :P

[@evondavis9389]

When did he die x loved this trooper x

[@possomsplace98]

He died a year or two later, in his stable after a bad fall in the derby

[@fionachapman3935]

Who disliked it?!