WHILE we are enjoying an incredible era of second- or even third-generation showjumpers making a name for themselves, the sport has always attracted a rich assortment of characters and backgrounds, who prove that having non-horsey parents or an urban upbringing are no barrier to success.
One of the most popular riders of the 1980s and 90s was Joe Túri, who landed the 1990 Hickstead Derby, represented Great Britain at the 1988 Olympics and won team gold at the European Championships. But this distinguished rider was actually born Jozsef Túri in Nagykőrös, Hungary, and the horse-mad youngster defied his father's wishes that he learn a trade and instead joined the Czikos troupe of trick riders.
Nearing the end of a tour of England, a 16-year-old Joe and a co-performer seized an opportunity to defect by jumping off the
