Meet the trainees - Scott McTiernan

My name is Scott McTiernan and I am from Co. Sligo. I will be turning 18 this month. 

Since I was very young I had a keen interest in horses. I started riding as soon as I was allowed to sit on a horse at a local riding school. I am very grateful that my parents supported me by bringing me to lessons so that I could learn to ride. My parents have no major love for horses, so I respect that they supported me so much.

I was told when we moved to the countryside that if I saved my money I could buy a pony. So from when I was told I was allowed a pony, I saved €2,500.00 so that we could head to the Cavan sales. This is when the horses really took off for me. 

My parents were kind enough to build me stables and allow me to get more horses as the years went on. The horses we had at home were mainly showjumpers and showjumping was a major thing for me. I learned a lot from showjumping and gained a lot of experience. I worked my summer holidays away from home and then got the experience to travel to England. I still keep horses at home whilst in RACE which I ride every weekend and my parents and brothers take care of them during the week.

My experience in RACE so far has been great and it will only get better! I have learnt so much under the thoughtful eye of Barry, Niall and Paul. When I started off in RACE I found it extremely difficult to make the transition from showjumpers to getting on a racehorse and looking neat and tidy. I heard about RACE when I was in 4th year whilst doing a project which involved us researching a career that we wanted to pursue and I had always wanted to be a Jockey.

After learning a lot at RACE I got sent out (for work placement) to Sandra Hughes before Christmas. I’ve been there now the last three weeks and I am getting on great with all of the staff. The yard is ‘top notch’ and deserves all the credit it gets.

It’s great to be able to ride out with some of the best National Hunt Jockeys in the Country!

Scott returning from training on the Curragh

Scott on Joncol - Parents Day 2014