The competition just got hotter at Northumberland’s exciting new equestrian show with the news that three members of the UK’s favourite showjumping dynasty will be taking part.

John Whitaker MBE, his son Robert and daughter Louise are taking ten horses to the Burgham Horse Festival which promises exciting sport for spectators, especially as the jumps get higher and the stakes bigger.

The Whitaker family are renowned the world over as showjumping stars, and none more so than John, who has 14 Olympic, World and European Championship team medals to his name, as well as cabinets full of trophies, cups and silverware from all the top shows. He’s partnered a succession of memorable horses – including Milton who enchanted the crowds wherever he went with his skill and showmanship.

John’s remarkable talent has passed on to Louise who has represented the UK in nations Cups and to Robert who ranks as one of the sport’s top 10 competitors.

The Burgham Horse Festival is a brand new event for Northumberland, taking place at Burgham Park five miles north of Morpeth on July 23-25. The showjumping classes range from 1.10m to the grand prix which has a first round of 1.45m and a class prize of £4,000. The Whitakers’ presence in that class is sure to set the competition alight, and organisers say they’ll be delighted to welcome showjumping’s first family to Burgham.

Tickets to Burgham for all the family are on sale online at www.burghamhorse.co.uk