Great Britain's William Whitaker ended 2018 with his biggest win yet when topping the Longines FEI World Cup on home soil in London last weekend, riding Utamaro d'Ecaussinnes. This was also the conclusion of his successful partnership with the 14-year-old stallion, as the 29-year-old Whitaker now moves on to ride for the US based Rushy Marsh Farms after spending nearly two-and-a-half years in Belgium with the Criel-family.

"I really enjoyed working with Jasmine and Ludwig,", William tells about his Belgian base, "but I felt like moving forward and I think the position at Rushy Marsh Farms is even better suited for me with the winter-season in Wellington and the summer months in Europe." 

"For now I know I will be riding RMF Cadeau de Muze and RMF Echo, the rest of the horses are still unknown to me. But I won't be riding for RMF exclusively," Whitaker continues. Both the 10-year-old RMF Cadeau de Muze (Nabab de Reve x Almeo) and the 14-year-old RMF Echo (Virus de Laubry x Feo) have previously been seen under the saddle of Ireland's Denis Lynch. 

Niels Bruynseels will be taking over the horses William rode for the Criel-family. "I am happy for the horses, I think Niels is a good rider and I like the way he does things," William tells. "I think it is a good transition." 

As previously, William's family will stay in Britain and visit during school holidays. William's groom Benoit is following with to Wellington in January. 

Text and photo © World of Showjumping