David B. Barker

David Boston Barker was, like his cousin C. David Barker, an Olympic show jumper. David B´s grandfather was William Barker, owner of a famous Northallerton department store “Barkers of Northallerton”.

David B. was born in his grandparent´s house and, as a youngster, he and his siblings used to ride Shetland ponies. Barker continued riding after going to a Harrogate boarding school and at the age of 14 competed in the Horse of the Year Show (HOTYS) for the first time. Three years later, in 1960, and still only 17-years-of-age, Barker won the Leading Showjumper of the Year title at the HOTYS. Over the years he enjoyed many memorable wins at the annual event, including sharing the puissance title with Ireland´s Seamus Hayes, when he cleared 2.08m (6ft 10in) on Lucky Sam.

Internationally, Barker competed in the Nations Cup on many occasions and, along with David Broome and Peter Robeson, represented Great Britain at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Also accompanying the trio was Barker´s younger brother William, who went to the Games as reserve. At Tokyo, David rode North Flight and after a poor first round could only finish 27th as Great Britain finished fourth in the team event. Barker married fellow showjumper Lynne Smith in 1967 and their four children all became good standard show jumpers. In 1994 their 14-year-old son Paul was the leading junior rider at the HOTYS.