Hickstead, an Olympic champion with lifetime earnings of over $3 million who is ranked the number-one show jumper in the world by the World Breeding Federation of Sport Horses, had a rather pedestrian beginning.

Behind every top competitor is a mentor, sponsor or supporter who was instrumental in helping that rider along the path to success. Our Horse Tales series The Difference Makers profiles Canada's 2010 WEG team members and the people who inspired them to reach the top of their sport.

The Canadian show jumper took a chance on a job in a distant land and found love, adventure - and awesome weather.