This time 12 months ago Michael Blake began work on a plan that would see a number of young Irish riders awarded places on a bursary programme to train for two weeks with an Irish international rider in America. After initial talks with riders based in America, Blake received very positive feedback and 10 trainers agreed to assist with the programme.

With 10 places available, the riders came from the leading young rider from each of the four provincial leagues, the winners of the 1.10m and 1.20m National Development Championship Final, the young rider national champion and three wildcard selections. The trainers were Darragh Kerins, Richie Moloney, Conor Swail, Cian O’Connor, Kevin Babington, Andrew Bourns, Darragh Kenny, Ronan McGuigan, Conan Conway and David Blake. O’Shea was also part of the programme in sponsoring flatwork coaching from Emma Kiernan.