LOCAL surfer, kiteboarder and former South African boardsailor, Alwin van Breda, is reaching the top of his game in his other sporting passion of showjumping. Van Breda recently won the Victor Ludorum for the Top KwaZulu-Natal Showjumper in the 1metre 30 division.

A renowned performer both provincially and nationally, Van Breda is known for his brilliant horsemanship, demonstrated by the fact that no other rider has competed for so long in KZN.

His champion horse, 13-year-old ‘Casta’, a Namibian warmblood, who was chased by a leopard when he was young, narrowly escaping death, is stabled at Bellamont Stables in eMdloti.

The self described ‘farm lad’ said he began riding at a young age.

“I grew up in the Midlands, riding was as much a part of life as driving is today. It’s one of a few sports where you form such a close bond with your horse,” he said.

Van Breda said one of the reasons he has reached such pinnacles in his career is because of his horse and best friend, Casta.