'I've had quite a phenomenal year'

Competing regularly against the world’s elite is no easy feat.

Just ask world-class show jumper Patrick Nisbett whose hard work ethic now appears to be paying dividends on the FEI European circuit.

The 40-year-old former PHC Zebras footballer has come on in leaps and bounds this year.

He captured a maiden European Grand Prix and then achieved another milestone after becoming the first Bermudian jumper to compete at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

Nisbett said: “This year I’ve had quite a phenomenal year really. We had to make big changes in that we moved to Germany with the horses to be based and prepared for world championships — and it’s proven to be a good decision.

“I won my first Grand Prix in Europe this year. I’ve been well placed a few times but to win a world cup qualifier in Slovenia was a highlight for me. Of course going to the world championships has always been a goal of mine also, and to be the first Bermudian to represent Bermuda at the world championships in show jumping was definitely a highlight.”

Having established himself in the European show jumping theatre, Nisbett now intends to step up his bid for 2012 Olympic Games qualification.

The Germany-based rider will get his chance to do so at next year’s Pan Am Games in Mexico.

He said: “Plans are well in place for 2012. Next year we have Pan Am Games, which is another step. World championships were the first step to prepare for London and step two will be at the Pan Am Games in Mexico. Hopefully we will get the placings and results we need to qualify for London.

“My young horses are now coming into fruition with all the training and working and its been showing.”

Other than the glamour and prestige, Nisbett said he gets an “adrenalin rush” from competing against the world’s elite.

He added: “It makes you really raise your game.

“When you first move to Europe it’s a totally different sport. The level of jumping and horses there is unbelievable and so really for me to get there and compete amongst them and be competitive is really thrilling.

“It drives me a lot to be able to improve. For me to be amongst the elite riders and be competitive with them is something that I have worked on for many years.”

Before his show jumping career took flight Nisbett demonstrated his tenacity on the football pitch as a defender at Zebras.

But due to a hectic schedule, he rarely gets the opportunity to indulge in his other favourite sport these days.

Nisbett added: “This year because of the move I haven’t had much time (to play football).

“But when I was in the U.K. I played regularly for my local team and also with friends once or twice a week.

“Now I live literally a half an- hour from Bayern Munich’s home and so hopefully I can get some tickets to watch Munich play quite often.”