The Barker Family

It is hard to think of a family more steeped in equestrian tradition than the Barkers. For generations Paul’s ancestors have farmed and worked horses at Northallerton in North Yorkshire.

His father, David Boston Barker rode at the Tokyo Olympics and won the leading show jumper of the year at the 1960 Horse of the Year Show. His Uncle William was the leading money-winner in 1977 and his father’s cousin David, was European Champion in 1962. Uncle Charles (MD of Barkers of Northallerton Department and Furnishing Stores) also won major competitions at Horse of the Year Show in the 1960’s. Such was the depth of talent among the Barker family that Britain once sent a full team of Barkers to the Royal Dublin show.

Like his parents and uncles, Paul has developed an almost insatiable appetite for show jumping and has won many major events including being the only young rider to have won the coveted title of Young Showjumper of the Year at Olympia. His aim is to follow in his father’s footsteps and compete in the London 2012 Olympics.