the 31-year-old's name was barely mentioned in the build-up to this year's Atlanta Olympics.

Yet he has been quietly making inroads on the international scene and with the progress he's made in recent months, the Sandys Parish rider believes success is just around the corner.

Currently establishing himself on the show jumping circuit on the US eastern seaboard, and from his home base in Vermont and in Florida where he is about to travel for a six-month competitive stint, Edwards hopes soon to represent the Island internationally.

"I've always loved horses, my involvement with them goes back to when I was a student at Warwick Secondary. I used to often wander over to Warwick Stables and mop up, do any odd job just to be around the horses,'' recalled Edwards from his home in Vermont this week.

He is currently working with horses in Vermont, combining training with competition in shows in such places as Saratoga, New York and in West Palm Beach, Florida. Edwards, who left Bermuda ten years ago, has spent much of his time in the United States but has also lived for three years in Germany.

Yesterday he was in Virginia preparing for a dressage event, but he makes it no secret that his plans are focussed on getting his own horses and qualifying for the next Olympic Games.

"I'm looking for sponsorship for a couple of horses. If I'm successful then I can really concentrate on preparing for a lot of the major competitions that are ahead the next few years, including the Olympics,'' said Edwards. "Right now my immediate plan is to travel to Florida and compete on the main show circuit there for six months. I'm really looking forward to that experience.'' Two highlights turned in by the Bermudian last season came when he was crowned overall champion and high point winner of a show at Saratoga Race Track in New York and when he finished fourth out of 68 riders in the Prix St. George Classic in West Palm Beach, Florida.

He is the son of Ronald and Frances Edwards of Somerset.

RIDING HIGH -- Kevin Edwards and his horse accept a new saddle as prize after being crowned overall champion during an equestrian event at Saratoga Race Track in New York.