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Geoff Billington

Geoff Billington

Having started riding at the local riding school at the age of nine, and demonstrated great potential when he bought his first pony for £10 and sold it for £325, Geoff met John Whitaker when they were both twelve years old and the rest, as they say, is history!

With his great partner, It’s Otto, Geoff has been a key member of the British Show Jumping team on numerous occasions, including the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. He also boasts both European and World Championship bronze medals plus numerous Grand Prix wins, including the British Grand Prix, Zurich and Berlin.

When It’s Otto retired, Geoff started again with a string of young horses whom he has brought up through the ranks with great success. His patience and dedication were recognised by the British Show Jumping Association earlier this year when, following several high profile wins over the winter with his young string, he was named BSJA Show Jumper of the Month. This good form has continued and includes a third in the 2006 Hickstead Derby on Cassabachus.

Geoff’s typical day starts at about 8am and he rides anything from two to eight horses depending on his other commitments because, as he tells us, “I teach at whatever time people want to pay!”

With several exciting and talented young horses in his yard at present, including Pedro, Cassabachus, Cassius Clay and Myrna, Geoff says he has plenty of ambitions he would still like to achieve including, “a third Olympic Games and to win the Hickstead Derby.” He adds that the best thing about being a show jumper is that he is, “doing something as a job that I would be doing as a hobby anyway.”, although, if he hadn’t been a show jumper, he reckons he would, of course, have been a brain surgeon!

Likes?

Seafood, Steak, Wine

Dislikes?

Traffic jams, Mud

Bad Habits?

I used to be big headed but now I’m perfect!

If you could have any horse, past or present, who would it be and why?

I won’t be greedy – just give me another Otto, at seven years old, plus Milton as his stable mate!

Who do you admire?

My best mates, John & Michael Whitaker, who are two of the best riders there’s ever been.

Most embarrassing moment?

Taking the wrong course in the final leg of the World Cup Final in Las Vegas 2000.

Best moment?

Jumping a clear round in the final of the Individual competition at the Atlanta Olympics.

Who has had the greatest influence on you?

It’s Otto