Julian Hyde riding high

SEVENTEN-YEAR-OLD JULIAN Hyde won the 2004 Adults FEI Dressage Challenge aboard RAJA, earning the distinction of being the only equestrian to have won this event and the FEI world jumping challenge on the same horse.

Julian, son of former Jamaica footballer and Premier League winning coach Lenworth Hyde, started riding at the age of eight under the guidance of National Coach, Betty Wates in Bog Walk.

Over the years, he progressed along the right lines and continues to impress in every show jumping event put on in Jamaica. The Ardenne High student has represented Jamaica in the Caribbean Junior Jumping competitions, always placing.

In 2002, Hyde rode in Germany in the Children's Dressage finals and placed eighth. However, he was awarded first place in horsemanship. In 2003, he contested the German Friendship competition placing 15th in a field of 52. He also placed first on RAJA in the FEI World Jumping Challenge with four clear rounds of jumping.

FINE FORM

This year, also riding RAJA, Hyde has maintained his fine form. He has twice been acclaimed 'Best Equestrian' in the Carreras Sports Foundation Awards.

According to Betty Wates, Julian has proven to be a very talented and gifted rider with natural ability. This has been recognised by many International judges. His immediate goal is to compete in the Central American and Caribbean Games and then go on to the Pan American Games. This will require him training abroad in order to gain the experience necessary to compete at these levels, for which much financial assistance will be needed.