13-year-old horse rider who is aiming to be the 'Lewis Hamilton of Equestrianism'

Rupert Hyde is heading for the top of his sport and to be as successful as the Formula One champion.

Born in London to black British dad James, 49 and white mum Katie, 50, Rupert isn't a natural fit in the often white elitist world of horse riding.

But he is determined to succeed and his horse-riding ability has already won him a scholarship to one of Britain's top public schools.

He wants to represent his country at the Olympics and is already regularly winning show jumping competitions against men and women.

Rupert has won British show jumping competitions that have qualified him for Aintree, and is just now going into a competition that will take him to national championships at Hickstead.

Standing at around 5ft tall, the youngest of four boys is already hurdling jumps as high as his chin.

Katie said: “The general ethos of Lewis Hamilton is ‘look if I can do it anyone can’ – the sheer determination to do it.

''Rupert is also just doing it. It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks. In the horse world money talks, it’s all about whose got the best saddle or the best horse.

“So not only do you have a lack of diversity and colour but also differences in money. In fact you can have all the money in the world and still be a rubbish rider.

“Rupert wants to stand up for the person and say you don’t have to spend 100,000 on a horse.

''Rupert knows there aren’t many like him. People would look over because he is slightly different.

“It should become normal that there are minority people riding horse, you should be able to name several BAME horse riders.

“It’s just not been opened up to people with colour.”

Rupert's horse Guapa Alhaurino (affectionally known as 'May') is nine and has been with the Hyde’s since birth - moving with the family back to England after a few years living in Andalucía, Spain.

He added: “I love how you to get to build a bond with the horse, to make a real friendship. The connection with May when I ride her is great.''

Rupert say his hero is Lewis Hamilton.

He said: “You look at where he’s come from, his background how he’s grown up and become one of the world’s best drivers.''

Equestrian is a sport that has struggled to open its doors to minority backgrounds - whether that be down to cost, lack of interest or simply a reluctance to diversify.

James works in IT and Katie, a beauty product package designer.

She also sits on the committee for the BAME Equines and Rural Focus Group.

A group spokesperson said: “Like many sports, equestrianism is having to face up to its lack of diversity.

''The benefits of riding – both for physical and mental health – are well documented, so it should be accessible to anyone who wants to do it.

“More BAME role models in the industry are a crucial part of their strategy – the more visible BAME horse-riders are, the more likely others are to follow in their footsteps. And Rupert is determined to trailblaze.''

Rupert attends the prestigious Millfield School in Somerset, after winning a scholarship in both riding and rugby, which he plays for the school’s A team.

The school features world class riding facilities where Rupert trains daily.

Danny Anholt, Millfield’s Director of Equestrian Sport jumped at the chance to speak of Rupert.

He said: “Rupert is a particularly committed and diligent rider.

''He has great ambitions, and I really believe that this attitude and his natural ability and affinity with his horse will enable him to achieve the success that he aspires to.”

Asked where he hopefully sees himself in ten years’ time, Rupert’s answer was simple – “at the Olympics.”

Katie said: “I’m proud of him that he wants to make a statement to the world like Lewis Hamilton.

“He has worked really hard with his horses. He’s not just a poor little rich boy, he’s worked hard to get a scholarship.

“Whether we do end up at the top is another story but we have to put the pieces in place now to make sure we’re ready for the future.”