What are some famous show jumpers?

Question

What are some famous show jumpers?

Answer 1

Zara Philips

Harvey Smith

Pippa Funnel

Answer 2

Firstly, scubasmurf, Zara Phillips and Pippa Funnel are not showjumpers, they are eventers - a big difference.

There are many famous showjumpers.  To name a few:

Michael Whitaker

John Whitaker

Ellen Whitaker

Rober Whitaker (noticing a pattern yet!)

Harvey Smith

Rodrigo Pesoa

Nelson Pesoa

Geoff Billington

Nick Skelton

Tim Stockdale

Ludger Beerbaum

I could go on and on!

Answer 3

So far no one has mentioned George Morris (inducted into the Show Jumpers Hall of Fame in 2000) and only one other person has mentioned Anne Kursinski (Several time Olympian and WEG competitor) and Margie Engle Goldstein (10 time Rider of the Year)!

Also, let's not forget Gordon Wright, Carol Durand, William Steinkraus, Bertatan de Nemethy, Frank Chapot, Laura Chapot, Barney Ward, Mclain Ward, Allison Firestone, Debbie Stephens, Lisa Jacquin, Beezie Madden, Ian Miller, Ludger Beerbaum, Joe Fargis, Bill Steinkrause, Nelson Pessoa, Rodrigo Pessoa, Leslie Howard-Burr, Michael Whitaker, John Whitaker, Nick Skelton, Michael Matz and Greg Best.

I apologize for repeating any names others have already listed.

Answer 4

Michael Matz used to be a show jumper on the US Olympic team...  before he became a thoroughbred racehorse trainer and trained Barbaro...and Chelokee.

It's remarkable how little I know about upper level show jumpers.

Answer 5

I just saw Casanova over the weekend (retired) - he was part of the US Team at the Athens Olympics.

Answer 6

Rider/Horse

Greg Best and Gem Twist

Michael Matz and Jet Run

Lisa Jacqin and For The Moment

Bill Steinkrause and Snowbound

Melanie Smith Taylor and Calypso

Kathy Kusner and Untouchable

Joe Fargis and Touch of Class

Rodney Jenkins and Idle Dice

Joe Green and Windsor Castle

Marchus Fuchs and Tinkas Boy

Michael Whitaker and Portofino 63

Jos Lansink and Voltaire

Rodrigo Pessoa and Baloubet du Rouet

John Whitaker and Milton

Ian Miller and Big Ben

Answer 7

I would only add Michael Matz's other famous show jumpers to that list that Karen put in here- they are Rhum IV,  Heisman, Judgement, and The Governor. And let's not forget "Stormin" Norman Della Joio and the legendary stallion Abdullah. Marion Mould of Great Britain was also legendary on her famous pony, Stroller. I should mention that Pippa Funnell and Zara Phillips are EVENTERS, NOT SHOW JUMPERS, so those responses don't really count- Eventing is a whole different sport. As far as women in the sport go, there are several notable names, starting with Ann Kursinski and Starman, Margie Goldstein Engle with Daydream, Beeze Madden, who has ridden many famous jumpers, and Debbie Stephens with VIP. We also should include Buddy Brown, and Barney Ward and his son, McClain, who is currently one of the top riders in the world. There are lots more- this is only a partial list.