Jim Eldridge

Born August 23, 1956 in Auburn California and passed away February 9, 2018 at the age of 61 in Dallas, Texas. Preceded in death by his parents Jimmy Jay Eldridge Sr. and Mary Jean Wilson. Survived by his son Justin E. Eldridge, and many other family members and friends throughout the United States including his friends at Noble Champion Sport Horses Inc.

Jim Eldridge, originally from Sacramento, California, began training at Noble Champion Sport Horses, Inc. in 2002 and has continued his legacy here.

Jim started riding at the age of 10 and became aware of Dressage at the age of 27. He was impressed with the precision of the movements and the difficulty to perform them.

Jim knew most of the professional Olympic Dressage riders and trainers were on the East Coast, participating in the “Florida Circuit” where competitions are conducted starting in Florida and going up and down the East Coast. Jim left California and accepted a position with Gretchen Verbonic, United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Judge, as a working student. During that time, he had the opportunity to train with George Heister, Swedish Olympic Team Coach for the Los Angeles Olympic games, and with Alex Cerba, Russian Olympic Team Trainer. Jim participated in the Florida Circuit, continuing his study of the Dressage sport. Jim traveled to Germany in 1992 where he had the opportunity to train with Olympic trainer, Herbert Rehbein. Jim showed sufficient talent to be asked to extend his stay in Germany for another year. Afterwards, he returned to the United States to compete on the Florida Circuit and worked with four-time US Olympic medalist, Robert Dover. Additionally, a former student, Ali Brock, is a Bronze Medalist in the Rio Summer Olympic Games. Ali credits her early training and success to Jim Eldridge.

Jim's legacy will continue in the art of Dressage horsemanship at Noble Champion Sport Horses through many local and national clinics. Jim taught riders from novice through Grand Prix on a variety of breeds including Warm Bloods, Spanish, and Friesian horses. Jim’s training and riding awards are detailed below and will never be forgotten.

NATIONAL AWARDS:

Qualified Rider Award - 1988

Second Place “Horse of the Year” at First Level on “Lifetime” - 1997

USDF Second Level “Horse of the Year” awarded on “Lifetime” 1998

USDF Bronze Medal Award – 1997

USDF Silver Medal Award – 1998

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Noble Champion Sport Horses so a scholarship fund can be established for a worthy student rider that embodies Jims Character and love of Horses. http://noblechampionsporthorses.com/

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 2 PM at Noble Champion Sport Horses, 1302 South Duncanville Road, Cedar Hill, TX 75104.