Random ponderings on "making it to the top"

[TinselRider]

Evening all
Have just been thinking about riders making it "to the top" of their sport (esp SJ), my main track of thought being does one have to be competitive at an early age on ponies at all the large shows?? i.e POYS or showing at HOYS on ponies and going to pony viewing trials etc (soz don't know much about the "stairway" for other sports) if they are to be succesfull at a later age?, or do you think it IS actually possible for a "normal" competitive rider to be succesful at the highest levels after a later start to competing?


Sorry if this doesn't make sence to some

 

[zefragile]

Interesting! I'd like to know how many riders who got their first horse as an adult make it to the top.

 

[Chestnuttymare]

Wayne Channon was 35 i think when he first competed in dressage. He rode as a kid and then took it up again as an adult.

 

[TinselRider]

Wayne Channon was 35 i think when he first competed in dressage. He rode as a kid and then took it up again as an adult.

Interesting, You don't see many "newcomers" at the top in SJ it seems to be mainly people who have been around since ponies. Just wondering just how do-able it is for, as I say, someone who has started competing later on.