Farewell to legends 30 years ago

Exactly 30 years ago, the legend of show jumping Milton(Marius x Marco Polo) bid farewell to the competition stage - with a special ceremony during the Gothenburg Horse Show at the Scandinavium.

The gray stallion, who won numerous World Cup victories and medals at European and World Championships under John Whitaker, was a crowd favorite, especially in Sweden. In 1995, at the age of 18, he was honored on a farewell tour. In Gothenburg, show stable manager Monica Tommelstad ceremoniously thanked him, while officials formed a guard of honor. As a memento, Milton received a halter and a blue blanket with the inscription Simply the Best.

Milton, bred by John Harding-Rolls in 1977, was originally discovered and promoted by Caroline Bradley. After her early death, John Whitaker took over the talented stallion and led him to his greatest successes. Together they earned over 17 million Swedish kronor in prize money - an extraordinary sum for the time. Milton spent his retirement on Whitaker's estate and died peacefully in the paddock in 1999.

His legacy lives on - as one of the first international show jumpers to achieve great success without a bit, and as a symbol of elegance, power and unforgettable partnership in equestrian sport.

Watch Not A Normal Life - The Film about John Whitaker now in our media library:

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