Show jumper Robert Whitaker found himself in hot water with British Showjumping recently for kicking a security guard during the Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham in October.

The 29-year-old son of John Whitaker violated Rules 82.1 and 82.11 in doing so and, following a steward’s meeting, has been fined £2,500. Further, Whitaker has been severely reprimanded and cautioned as to his future behaviour, and has also been suspended from all rights and privileges of membership of the Association for six months.

According to British Showjumping, however, “the suspension is to be suspended for a period of 12 months on the proviso that if during this 12 month period from December 14, 2012 any contravention of Rule 82 would invoke the suspended suspension.”

Whitaker is a three-time British Open champion and is currently ranked 68th in the world.