Twenty-six year-old Ellen is the daughter of Carol and Stephen Whitaker, and the niece of international riders John and Michael. As a member of the famous Whitaker “show jumping” family, she was born with the sport in her blood.

Ellen grew up on the family farm near Barnsley in South Yorkshire where she began to ride as a toddler. She still lives there today with her parents, her brothers, Joe, Thomas and Donald and her dog Lucy.

In 2007, Ellen represented Great Britain in the European Championships and helped allow Britain to qualify for the Olympics after jumping triple clear. Ellen is currently ranked 16th in the UK after multiple wins which include: 2010 Hickstead Speed Derby, 2009 HOYS show jumper of the year Grand Prix and show jumper of the show, HOYS speed stakes in 2006, 2008 and 2009, HOYS 2009 Puissanceand the 2007 Hickstead Speed Derby.