Milton: a tribute to Europe's greatest showjumper

[LoverMcMuffin]

RIP Caroline Bradley

[ImmortalSynn]

@LoverMcMuffin

...and Hickstead. :(

[BlackMountain150]

Guess What iv hugged john whitaker at hickstead wow i nearly fell over he is so small to me as im like 6FT!

[cookiemonster7394]

i sae this video on thrills and spills ;)

MILTON

R.I.P WE MISS YOU TO THE GREATEST JUMPER EVER!!!!

[skyzer2000]

WOW!!!

[ros4728]

wondering how somebody was offered one of miltons offspring when he was a gelding?

[ImmortalSynn]

@ros4728

...good call, didn't even notice that!

[CandyPenguin19]

No doubt he was immensly talented, I wonder how many times he escaped from his field? :D

[sarah17895]

that horse was at my yard  for a month, not whilst i was there obv, x

[sumjenta]

nice :D how big was he? (metres) and what breed? :) he's gorgeous :D

[ImmortalSynn]

@sumjenta

He was a 16.2h KWPN.

[sumjenta]

@ImmortalSynn .. in cm? or m? i'm from norway, i don't understand hands

[ImmortalSynn]

@sumjenta

16.2hh = 167.7cm

[sumjenta]

@ImmortalSynn okei ; ) thanks

[FieryHooves]

Milton was, indeed, an incredible horse.

I personally think that no horse, not even he, can top Gem Twist, but he was definitely one of the most amazing horses I've ever seen.

Rest in peace Milton...Like ImmortalSynn said, you're probably jumping clouds with Gem in the sky.

We love you. <3

[EventingChick1011]

woww he was amazing!! how many hands was he?

[ImmortalSynn]

@EventingChick1011

16.2hh

[CattanWolf19]

the great thing about milton, he's tiny compared to these jumps

[FriesianLuver65]

MILTON ROCKS. HE IS AWSOME!!!!!

[shirewood1]

you'll never get another milton. he was one of a kind. there might be other good greys but they will never be another milton!!

[ImmortalSynn]

@shirewood1

Careful... in the era of Gemini, that could quite possibly be proven wrong. ;)

[RockyMHorse]

MILTON FOREVER <3

[subimedia]

Connemara i think is his distinguishing breed, mixed with anglo-arab... apparently!

[ImmortalSynn]

@subimedia

They say he's got Connemara in him... though I've never heard anything about Anglo-Arab.

He was officially a KWPN though.

[marakai666]

@ImmortalSynn

It seems nobody agrees on Milton's breed. :( Wikipedia says Trakehner (!? no way), other sites say Dutch WB. Does anybody know for sure?

[ImmortalSynn]

@marakai666

"It seems nobody agrees on Milton's breed."

Since when?

"Wikipedia says Trakehner"

That was posted by some moron who obviously didn't realize that having a trace of it in his history does not a Trakehner make. It was since undone anyways.

[marakai666]

@ImmortalSynn

That was quick, some time between my comment and yours.

Thanks for that info. DWB sure makes a heck of a lot more sense. Once of my favourite breed. I learned to jump on a DWB myself.

[ImmortalSynn]

@marakai666

That's the good thing about Wiki lately... usually when someone posts total B.S., others are pretty quick to rectify it.

[gracesaphie99]

@marakai666

hes a dutch warmblood, ive been offered one his offspring, if you look on my page the lady also owns john whitakers utahs offspring,hes called khan x

[alliegirljls13194]

@gracesaphie99 lol u got owned by the person who said that how can u be offered one of his offspring wen hes a gleding, BIG FAIL! dont say stuff that ent true, ppl are not stupid

[PrincessRoxy094]

This is off the thrills and spills video right? :)

[ragstoriches456]

love this horse

[xxxHORSESROCKxxxx]

milton is a total legend!!!!!!the best jumper ever!!!!!

[noodlemonkey6]

O.Othis horse is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Izabellitaa]

I love this horsee soo much!! always happy with his ears straight forward! He was extremly intelligent you can tell, he seemed to understand everything no struggling with the reins here! It's like John and Milton are two friends like let's do this! he just sit on the horse and Milton knows what to do and love it!!

[MsDerell]

Amazing ! Milton is .. incredible !!

[Unicornprinsess]

I knew a horse, born 1986 who looked alot like Milton, and he's name was also Milton. But unfortunatly he was put down.

But on Sunday I'm going to compete show jumping with this horse called Urban, who look alot like both Miltons. ^^

[botje01]

*MILTON*

[aimeelmel]

what a star.

[mollypony]

r.i.p babe we all love you not only for yourr skills x but your an amazing horse x

[ponysaddle223]

is he a lippazaner?

[ImmortalSynn]

No, though funny you should say that: I used to always say how he could probably pass for one just based on looks. :)

[AmyDalle]

No, Milton was a Nederland horse.

[SammyHollin]

I take it miltons the horse??

[ImmortalSynn]

...this is yet another one of those times where actually reading the info-box could come in handy ;)

[Tonistorm2009]

I wish my tb could fly through that many jumps at that speed. Mine is fast but isn't so confident on oxers so im introducing him onto 2ft ones (tiny) lol

[JoeTrunkfield09]

milton really was the best, an so is john, although sad to hear john withdrawn from global tour due to a fall from peppermill :s get well soon.... john + milton wer simply the best

[LiadhLuvsHorses]

What a legend!!

Loved the way he used to leap when he was about to do a lap of honour!!

[sball1995]

every time i see this horse on a video it sends a chill down my bak ,how can he just pop ova like 1.50 ! plz just dont comment bak tellin me facts or sayin it was 1.60 ,but from my opionion he was the best horse

[rotansilversplash]

@sball1995 i just have to comment back!

cosss he is the most amazingist horse ever and i wonder how he can do that to! :D

but my holstiener X andalusian has jumped 1.55 before :P

[ImmortalSynn]

Milton was born in February of 1977

Big Ben was born in April of 1976

...so, um, exactly who is the "he" you're referring to here? I'd be interested to know.

[horsecrazy132]

wow he's built like a dressage horse... I've heard he could have gone into dressage because he was so on the aids if he didn't love jumping so much. He has surprisingly short legs for such a powerful jumper though...

[ImmortalSynn]

I'm not sure he has short legs so much as such a thick shoulder+barrel+haunches.

If you'll look at his primary rival, Gem Twist: he's built the exact same way. That's why a lot of people are surprised to learn that Gem's full Thoroughbred.

[ImmortalSynn]

...then why did Milton whoop the snot outta Big Ben in the 1986 du Maurier Limited Internatonal: which at that time, was the richest grand prix in worldwide showjumping? ;)

[jeveuxlesoleil]

Ah, I would love to have a horse with a stride like his was... John never had go very fast 'cause Milton had a huge stride :) It's what made him so great, it allowed him to concentrate his energy vertically instead of horizontally.

[equestrianequine]

wonderful- he just jumps so easily

[prestonwasntmad]

Milton was never jumped in a puissance. Dorren Bradley ( his owner) wouldn't let him.... the same as she wouldn't let him compete in a derby or the 1998 Olympics. The big wall he is jumping in this video is from a World Cup Final.

[ImmortalSynn]

Well, considering that Caroline Bradley is quoted as saying she bought him specifically with the Olympics in mind, and that that wall was not standard FEI grand prix height (I have the Dortmund World Cup on tape)... I'm brought to question the source of your info on both accounts.

[prestonwasntmad]

That's right Caroline did buy him but when she died her mother Doreen took over the ownership of him and because Caroline thought so much of him she didn't sell him. He was kept in Caroline's memory. This being why Doreen was so protective over the horse.

If you don't like people questioning what you have written matbe you should get your facts straight before you post them.... You seem to have an attitude with everything I write.

[ImmortalSynn]

...what "facts" have thus far refuted anything I've said? Certainly none that you've presented. As said, I'll go with what's in print and what I can source, as opposed to the completely uncorroborated word of someone who presents his/herself as if s/he has some personal connection to these people.

That, and if I had a problem with anything you wrote, you wouldn't be writing here... so let's keep a realistic perspective here, no one's got "an attitude" with you.

[silver97rox]

my ponys show name is miltons babe how coolxx

[squishyponies]

He is such an amazing jumper. Wow.

[horseygalyeha]

I brought a horse with his bloodlines and he looks just like Milton

i was like OMG when i found out and his old owner didn't even know. He jumps everything put in front of him

[LvnHorses2308]

he made it look so easy, R.I.P milton, you will live forever in my heart!!!

[tennesseemule]

Best horse in the world - going in a full cheek snaffle.

[RenegadeGirl434]

1:08 ... that's so amazing!

Rest in peace boy!

[Linnzzyy]

How high is Milton?

[ImmortalSynn]

If you're asking how tall he was, then he was 16.2

If you're asking how high he's jumping, then standard FEI heights for the time.

[doppelganger131]

check out his hind leg action over the jumps. *drool*

[LaDoverholt]

It lokks SO easy! Like he's just having a walk in the park.. Great, amazing, wonderfol horse.. Just love him!

[smartcooky99]

Milton died on July 4th, 1999, of heart failure after an attack of colic, John Whitaker's farm in Yorkshire. Milton was 22.

[ThEgUrLtHeYcAlLbItCh]

wat did he die of? and how did it happen. i member watchin vids of him it was incredible my pony use to b an awesome jumper not as good as him but it felt like i was on a world class champion everytime i rode her. R.I.P Jesse u will b missed.. R.I.P milton

[ImmortalSynn]

IIMN, he was put down after complications from colic.

[ThEgUrLtHeYcAlLbItCh]

ok thanks. he was an awesome horse though

[AmberEasy]

how high is he jumping??

WE LOVE YOU FOREVER MILTON!!!<3<3<3<3<3

[ImmortalSynn]

FEI maxmima at that time: 5'3", or 1.6M

[alalia111215]

milton was a legend, a spirit, he wasent a normal horse, he was a horse that did,and will contunue to go down in history! ♥

[Sball1990]

wtf are u on about grow up milton WAS the best

[ImmortalSynn]

First of all, that's EASILY disputed, considering no reputable source will categorically state that considering the career of Gem Twist: who did earn the OFFICIAL title of "World's Best Horse" at the WEG, something Milton never did, and who also placed higher than Milton in EVERY competition within which the two faced off.

However, I was telling you to cease your moronic cursing if you wish to continue posting on this thread... it's worthless, doesn't reinforce your point, and has no place here

[MillayMare]

do you know if he had any foals, or was he a gelding?

[ImmortalSynn]

He was a gelding

[barthogeling]

can any one tell me at what age he passed away?????

there will never be another horse like him again

he was simply the best !!!!!!

r.i.p Milton!!!!

[ImmortalSynn]

he was 22yrs (and 5months) old when he died.

[Bkaylover]

he died of colic

[dressagequeen22]

i don't care what anyone says, this horse was the greatest horse to ever compete...

He IS showjumping.

RIP

[hcyvonne1]

Simply the best !

[xXeMokiDXxMCRXx]

milton was amazing showjumper (L)

[emmag4321]

did he die old age some one tell me!!

[ImmortalSynn]

No, he was euthanized after a series of intestinal complications. :(

[eddierobinson5]

@ImmortalSynn

Milton was euthanased at home several months after colic surgery at Liverpool University Equine Hospital.

[shortstuph123]

That was a killer hard course at the end there!

[emmag4321]

so there was something wrong with inside him?

[ImmortalSynn]

IINM, colic, among other issues-- i.e., age.

[thesweetgwen10]

Milton was truly amazing.

[Swirlymurphy]

i luv MILTON!! i have a pony like Milton

[pippedatthepostx]

thats sad!!!!!!!x

[ImmortalSynn]

indeed, but think of it this way: now he and Gem Twist can be jumping-off against each other in the clouds, for all time...

...cause that's about how long it'd take to finally settle the question of which more deserves the title of "The Greatest" ;)

[pippedatthepostx]

is milton alive lol!!i have a 12hh like that but so mean she is.........

[ImmortalSynn]

Unfortunately no, he died nearly 10yrs ago.

[Pietrocavallo]

nice horse but very bad video

[MusicVideos1001]

Great video! Even though you didn't make it. Haha I watched it on this Thrills N Spills tape I ordered a couple weeks ago.

[ImmortalSynn]

Brilliant deduction Sherlock... particularly seeing as I credit the producer and distributor in the info box-- hey!!!

[horsemad74]

cute nd can jumper better dan mi horse nd she can jump like 5ft/6ft llol

[karinfoley]

I'd love to see videos of your horse. :)

[theugclubgals]

we luv u milton!!!!

[mRsNiCkJoNaS1412]

yeah it rly is..like they culd still be around ya kno? ..

[ChipperSays]

i have milton the breyer

[Fall0utAtTheDisco]

what breed was he?

[ImmortalSynn]

KWPN

[bejixxme]

Så jävla fin . Vilken tre-kombination han gjorde där i slutet, HELT FANTASTISKT, OTROLIG ! <'3 <3

[HorseyPeople123]

He is AMAZING! Such a wonderful horse, and fantastic jumper :)

R.I.P Milton x

[annisthebesthorse]

how old was he when he was doing those jumps, and why did he die young?

[ImmortalSynn]

He was 22 when he died, so not really all that young.

[HorseyPeople123]

Umm hi i know this isnt my video but I have the anwer to your question :)

He died when he was 22, and he died sadly because he had Colic :(

[PaintandPinto]

from what i heard milton was supposed to be a racehorse but people saw his great potential in jumping and poof HE IS MY ROLE MODEL!

[ImmortalSynn]

You must have him confused with another horse. Milton was purchased as a weanling specifically to be trained as a jumper. His immediate heritage is also that of jumpers/eventers, not racers.

[PaintandPinto]

probably..lol

[pornanimal]

Do i have to mind all those tributes to milton?

[luvjubbub]

well i own milton

[ImmortalSynn]

..."as a 'Breyer' model, hyuckharharhar"

:-/

[oxHorseingAroundox]

at 1:05 dang he was clearing that wall with like a foot hogher

[linneeaB]

The WORLDS greatest you mean ;)

[ImmortalSynn]

No, I don't.

[kaspercornelia]

have I right? Milton died in collic?

[ImmortalSynn]

Indirectly.

He actually died of heart failure while recovering from a bout of colic. July 4, 1999.

[roooorxxx]

ImmortalSynn ur so arragant! and hotblood?!?! i think u mean warmblood! stop telling ppl to learn about top horses,when there are millions of better ones being produced each year. what do u know.

[ImmortalSynn]

What do I know?

Well, first of all, how to act with some manner of social civility--- which you will too if you expect to post here further.

Secondly, I also know that:

1) Gem was Thoroughbred, rendering him a HOTblood, not a warmblood.

2) The OFFICIAL (at that time) title of "World's Best Horse" was given to Gem during the 1990 WEGs, a practice which is no longer done.

3) No one here's claimed Gem et al to be "better" than anyone else... it was only said that Milton was not "one of a kind"

[sainglain]

you are 100% correct he was an American bred Thoroughbred.

[xbudweiserx]

I still think Milton was one of kind, even is gem was similar or what ever, Milton i think is genually better know, i have been in the showjumping world ever since i was 8 and Milton to everyone i know is better known and talked baout more than gem, but then thats just our opinions, But milton was a one of a kind x

[ImmortalSynn]

...you do realize that that's even more anecdotal than it is subjective, do you not?

[xbudweiserx]

I don't actulaly get what you mean? But i think what i wrote is quite good

[ImmortalSynn]

I'm saying you have absolutely no way of knowing, by any objective measure, which horse is better known and/or more talked about; on any scale other than your immediate acquaintances-- which in no way represents a true picture of either horse's popularity... that's all.

[Gwendolyne71]

Great to see Milton jump again on this video. He was a one of a kind.

[ImmortalSynn]

...hehehe, not really: despite being a hotblood-- Gem Twist was essentially a clone of Milton in both looks, prowess, and performance ;)

[ImmortalSynn]

...and speaking of CLONE, Gem Twist's REAL clone has been born! How exciting!!!

[sainglain]

what age did Gem Twist die at? did he live long into his 20's

[ImmortalSynn]

He died at age 27

[ffBettyoxrosiexo]

best ever the one and only MILTON lovin him now and alwaii's x x x

[horseyloverperson]

wat happened to him i have never heard of him ?

[ImmortalSynn]

...well, he's retired and dead now.

I'm guessing you must be rather new to observing the sport-- as it's tough to know anything about showjumping and not have heard of the two "Great Greys"!

[horseyloverperson]

milton and gem twist ??

[ImmortalSynn]

Correct ;)

[horseyloverperson]

yay for once i got sumfin rite

[ImmortalSynn]

Indeed... now, go out and learn about horses like Big Ben, Jappeloup, (not videoed here)...

...along with Easy Boy, Hidden Creek's Laurel, The Irishman, Charisma, Priceless, and Loro Piana Tomboy (all videos in my profile).

Then you'll REALLY be atop your game. :)

[horseyloverperson]

wooooo u know a lot bout horses ! thx by the way

[ImmortalSynn]

No prob.

Just remember, no one's born knowing this stuff-- ya gain it just by observation. Have fun.

[horseyloverperson]

kul i will remember that xxxx

[wooohooo101]

40 seconds is so cute!!! i loved milton he was such a great horse!!!

[rachemdferg]

nooo way is there any comparison in milton an gem twist, milton is the greatest most sucessful showjumper ever- the onli one to win more than £1million in prize money,and he onli hadta go to one olympics (even tho he didnt do too well there lol) not saying gem wasnt great but milton is the best! :D

[ImmortalSynn]

What on Earth are you talking about, several horses won well over $2M (£999,226) in prize money in their life time... including Jappeloup, Gem Twist, Big Ben, etc.

Heck, Gem won more than $1M on the AGA circuit alone!

[xbudweiserx]

Yes but 1 million pound is more than 2 million dollars, BUt he wasn't the one one just the first. x

[luskin80]

It's funny, there are a lot of talented showjumpers out there, but there will never be another Milton. It wasn't just the way he jumped, he was an amazing character.  Thanks for taking me on a trip down memory lane!

[ShowjumpingJenn]

Great Video !!

Milton reminds me so much of the pony that I'm a jockey (not racing) for, Turbo.

And strangely enough Turbo is an ex-affilliated 128cm pony. He can jump 1m 40cm. I sometimes like to think of him as Mini Milton.

[ImmortalSynn]

...he sounds more like a (life sized!) Jappeloup, to me! :)

[prestonwasntmad]

Hiya could you get a video up of jappeloup and appollo?

[ImmortalSynn]

Jappeloup, yes... I have a short clip of him I can put up.

[ShowjumpingJenn]

I was so amazed a few days ago..

Turbo did Milton's famous victory leap because he was having so much fun !! :¬)

[herecomesthesunnn]

showed this video at my barn..haha

[hanniethenannie06]

OMG those jump of jumps are huge, that has to be like a foot taller than level nine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ImmortalSynn]

Even back in those days, most jumps in a GP were a maximum 5'3 (1m60)... though in the Olympics and other FEI competitions, a single fence was allowed to be 5'7, something which is no longer allowed.

[hanniethenannie06]

hehehe i know but they still do look bigger than our level 9s.. and they effort at jump 1:52 thats what seperates the men from the boys heheh that combination looks ginormous!

[ImmortalSynn]

No joke, when I first saw that... I had to rewind it about 30 times before the "how the hell did he make it over the back rail?!" question would let me see the rest.

Shows just how great he is-- a typical horse, even one capable of getting over it from that spot with that (lack of) momentum; would've just stepped on the brakes and politely allowed you to go over that oxer first ;)

[LiveLaughRide07]

wow there arent any vids of him on youtube, this 1 will b popular LOL :D

[ImmortalSynn]

...I've seen quite a few of them on this site.

[LiveLaughRide07]

really well this is the first like video(not picture) video ive seen lol