Ricardo ECHEVERRIA

Echeverría learned to ride as a young boy, and graduated as a Chilean cavalry officer in 1937. A top equestrian, he was part of the army's riding team, and participated in events ranging from polo to steeple chasing. After World War Two, he became a member of the Chilean jumping team, and travelled the world. In 1951, he won a team gold medal (with César Mendoza and the non-Olympians Alberto Larraguibel and Joaquín Larraín) at the Pan American Games, adding an individual bronze medal. His most successful year was 1952, when he won the Grand Prix events of Rome and Düsseldorf, and gained an Olympic silver medal with the Chilean team.