‘I’m enjoying building back up,’ says John Whitaker as he returns to competing after surgery

Legendary British showjumper John Whitaker on returning after his hernia operation, tight times in a two-star grand prix, and being caught out by British Showjumping’s national tack rules

This week has been a busy one for the family – my wife Clare has been in Italy with the young riders, having a very successful weekend, and son Rob is also out there in Montefalco. Last week he won the grand prix, and he was placed again this time.

I’ve been enjoying a fortnight in the West Country, starting with Chard, where I was lucky enough to win the grand prix, and then on to Chepstow.

It was my first time at Chard and I thought it was a really nice show, well organised and with a great atmosphere. Organisers have to jump through a few hoops to host an international – with extra stewards and security – so it’s appreciated that they go to the effort.

It’s nice when you can pick up a few ranking points without travelling too far.

Tricky time faults

Ben Townley was building the CSI2* grand prix course at Chard and he’s a very good course-builder. The time was a bit tight and should probably have been extended after the first few horses had jumped, as there were only three clears, but I can’t complain as it suited me!

The time allowed is becoming a big part of the game now, especially at these smaller shows. You still have talented horses and riders competing, but they can only build the fences so big when it’s a CSI2*. The times have to be tight, to stop too many clears getting through, but it’s a fine line.

I think it’s something that riders will have to get used to when jumping international-style tracks.

I was pleased with myself, as I used to be quite prone to getting time-faults. Clare would get annoyed with me, so I’d tell her I had one down, rather than a time-fault, to make my life easier! I can’t get away with that any more though, as everything is streamed.

Chard was my first show back after having a hernia operation at the end of February. I’d planned my shows around it, scheduling it after Hong Kong and Gothenburg – where I had a time-fault in the World Cup, while we’re on the subject!

Everything went to plan and I was in and out of hospital in a day. I probably started riding again sooner than I should have but I felt OK after three weeks. I more or less stuck to the doctor’s orders, which were, “Do what you feel you can do but don’t overdo it.” I’m terrible at sitting still and there’s always a lot to do when you have a busy yard with things breaking.

Equine America Unick Du Francport had been jumping really well before the break and my daughters Joanne and Louise kept him and the other horses fit for me. I’m enjoying building myself and the horses back up and getting going for summer – we’re looking forward to Royal Windsor Horse Show now.

Adopt FEI rules

I competed at a few national shows early on in the year, and I can understand why British Showjumping’s (BS) recent tack rule changes have caused some controversy.

Every week I did something wrong. On one occasion, I had two reins through the martingale, which is not allowed, and the next week I had the wrong noseband on. You have to be on it with the rule changes, and I don’t keep looking.

Although there have always been varied rules for national and international competition, at the moment they seem very different.

I think the simple solution is that BS adopt the FEI’s rules. Many riders are aiming towards a higher level of shows, or to compete internationally, so why not use that standard?

It can take a long time to find the right bit, with small adjustments and alterations to get it perfect, and then you suddenly have to change it. If we go with the FEI’s rules, then everyone knows where they stand.

● Have you had experience of returning to riding after a break? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance to have your thoughts published in a future issue of Horse & Hound magazine

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events, as well as exclusive insights from top names, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also enjoy reading: