Rubbing shoulders with Johnny Depp as a stunt rider on the set of Pirates Of The Caribbean is not the usual brief for an Olympic hopeful, but David Cameron's road to Rio is a little different than most.

While elite athletes the world over begin ramping up preparations, the two-time senior Australian Showjumping Champion has been putting himself in harm's way while others begin resorting to the cotton wool treatment.

Champion show jumper David Cameron will compete this weekend. Credit:Wolter Peeters

"I just fell into that [to be honest]," Cameron joked. "I came home after the first day and I said to [fiancee] Tallara, 'I think I've found my ideal job'. It was a really big thrill and I got to use my horse experience into performing. It breaks up the year for sure."

The first opportunity to supplement the exorbitant travel costs associated with the former teacher's equestrian passion came when an offer to work on the Channel 7 drama Wild Boys was put forward.