Meet the trainees - Kiera Cogan

My name is Kiera Colgan, I turned 18 in October. I am from Malton in England. Ever since I was born I have been involved in horses even if it was going to the yard with my mother in a push chair whilst she looked after her horse. My father came to RACE and worked in racing for years and had his Apprentice License with Kevin Prendergast as well as riding for James Byrne. I was very active in school and played lots of Hockey and Netball but I also had my own ponies at home from a young age.  I was in pony club, riding club and was a member of British Showjumping and British Eventing. I also had my own pony racer which I won 4 races on but with Dads competitiveness the novelty wore off and I wasn’t really interested in riding her after that.

I finished school in 2014 and then started college after a year it wasn’t for me and all I wanted to do was ride and work with horses. So Dad suggested RACE, we attended an open day and then I was accepted for the trial. It was then a waiting game to see whether I was accepted or not. I got the letter to see that RACE had accepted me. I didn’t know what to make of leaving home and moving away, but I am now glad I have done it as I have learnt heaps and improved my riding.

I started RACE in September intending to improve my riding and with the riding Instructors here at RACE it helped me to improve. Ten weeks into the course I was then sent out to Michael Halfords Yard on work placement, where I am now well settled. This also helped to improve my riding, riding different horses and yearlings. I love going to work so the early mornings don’t bother me. The staff there are a great bunch of people and there is always a bit of ‘craic’ in the yard as well as some lovely horses.

Kiera was placed with Michael Halford in November 2015

Kiera schooling at RACE