Background
In 2006, Whitaker and her father Steven Whitaker were hit with a legal dispute over ownership of thirteen horses, including her top horse Locarno.
In 2006, Whitaker and her father Steven Whitaker were hit with a legal dispute over ownership of thirteen horses, including her top horse Locarno.
She told Horse & Hound: “I only have Ocolado at the moment and Rob wanted to interfere with the way I do everything.” Her father and manager Steven Whitaker added: "lieutenant’s not a matter of Ellen not wanting to jump for her country, but we won’t jump again until Rob Hoekstra is finished." But British Equestrian Federation World Class performance director Will Connell said: "The riders wanted stronger management and leadership and that’s what Rob is delivering." Hoekstra did not wish to comment, saying: “I do not think team issues are best resolved through the press”.
Competing since the age of 5, Whitaker has had much experience in the equestrian world and qualified for HOYS at just 8 years old. However, a few months later a peace deal was made. In 2007, Whitaker represented Great Britain in the European Championships and helped allow Britain to qualify for the Olympics after jumping triple clear.
She missed out on being selected for the 2008 Beijing Olympics due to lameness in horse Locarno 62.
In 2010, Whitaker spoke to the press after refusing to jump for the British team due to a conflict with the British team manager, Rob Hoekstra. Current
Kanselier (* 1992), Dutch Warmblood, gelding, sired by: Notaris, damsire: Nimmerdor
Locarno 62 (* 1996), Holsteiner horse, Stallion, sire Lord Calidos, damsire: Romino, Owners: Dawn Makin & Steven Whitaker
Equimax Ocolado (* 1996), Dutch Warmblood, Gelding, sire: Habsburg, damsire: Calvados, Owners: Dawn Makin & Steven Whitaker
Ladina B (* 1997), Württemberger, Mare
Royal Rose (*1998), Dutch Warmblood, Stallion, sire: Calvados, Owner: Steven Whitaker
Ximena (*2001), Mare, sire: Irco Mena 763, damsire: Hertigen, Owners: Dawn Makin & Steven Whitaker
Arena United Kingdom Lando (*2002), Oldenburg horse, Gelding, sire: Landor South, damsire: Lord, Owner: Norman Orly
Former show horses
Magic Max
European Championships:
2003, San Remo: Rank 2 (Team)
2007, Mannheim: Rank 3 (Team)
Winning the 2010 Hickstead Speed Derby
Winning the 2009 HOYS show jumper of the year Grand Prix and show jumper of the show
Winning the HOYS speed stakes in 2006, 2008 and 2009
Winning the HOYS 2009 Puissance
Winning the 2007 Hickstead Speed Derby.