I am 16 years of age and I am from Monasterevin County Kildare. My family were always into horses so I took an interest and when I was about 8 or 9 I started getting lessons in a place called Dunbyrne Stud. I was riding there for a year or two when I got a big fright and wanted to give up horse riding all together.
My Ma brought me to another place where my cousins were riding and I started there. From there I got all my confidence back and then I started hunting. I hunted a small pony for my first hunt and I loved it.
I always wanted my own pony so I got one after a long time of persuading. I had him and did a couple of hunts on him and then I started to outgrow him so I sold him on and got a new pony. She brought my confidence on so much and then I started hunting every Sunday. After a year I sold her and got a bigger horse. One year for Christmas I got my own exercise saddle because I thought it would be cool and I’d look like a jockey. I started riding in this and hunting in it and ever since I started riding in it I can’t ride in a hunting saddle because it feels weird.
I always wanted to be a jockey since I was young so I wanted to come to RACE the same as my brother. I came for the trial week. This was tough but was worth it because I was doing what I wanted to do, plus I was getting out of school which was a bonus.
We started the course in September and by November the first group were sent out. I was sent to Kevin Prendergast and I have learned so much by riding yearlings and riding lots of work which is great experience. The yard is great because everyone is a good laugh and you can have a bit of ‘craic’ and there are also some very nice horses stabled there.
I will be happy to graduate from RACE and have this behind me for my future for when I hope to take a licence out and ride on the track. It’s been a great experience. I’ve made some great friends and learnt a lot.
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| Mikey leads the string on Maddenstown Gallops |
