British show jumper Robert Whitaker has announced the sporting retirement of his top horse, Gentlemen vh Veldhof (Quite Easy I x Calido I). The BWP stallion is now back in the pasture with his former rider, Koen De Waele. "Super happy that he is back..."
Earlier this year, the Quite Easy I son turned heads by winning the 1.50m CSI5* class in Amsterdam at the remarkable age of 20. Alongside Whitaker, the talented bay competed at the absolute pinnacle of the sport.
A Look Back at an Illustrious Career
Bred by the Bekaert-Naudts family, Gentlemen's international education began under Marc Houtzager before Koen De Waele took over the reins. Throughout his career, he proved to be a generous and world-class partner for several notable riders—including Olivia Kinneson, Tim Gredley, and Joseph Clayton—before ultimately forging his historic partnership with Whitaker.
"This special horse has meant so much to so many people, including myself," Whitaker shared. "I still look back on our 2025 Hickstead Derby victory with immense pride and joy. Gentlemen, you are an absolute superstar!"
