Name: Kian Dore

Age: 13

Parents: Carl and Edel Dore

From: Pallaskenry, Co Limerick

Five top ponies: Dooneen’s Electric, Drumcaghney Jacko, Kilcreene Basil, Tynagh Sunshine and looking forward to competing on Sparkling Lackamore Joey this season.

Height categories which you compete in:

I am presently in 138cm, 148cm and Children on Horses, jumping up to 1.30cm.

Trainer: Paul Beecher helps me with my jumping at home and Michael Condon helps me at shows. I am also lucky to have Lucy Cusack help with my flatwork. All three play an important role and all are equally as important.

Greatest influence on your career so far:

Without a doubt my parents. They have sacrificed a lot to get me to where I am today for which I am very grateful.

My dad has been bringing me hunting since I was four years old which has helped me with my riding. They go to all the shows and give me so much support

The rider you look up to:

At the moment that is Marcus Ehning. I really like his style of riding and attitude, I would love to compete like him someday.

Major achievements and wins to date:

I have been lucky enough to have great success in 128cms, winning the overall titles in U10 Pony Premier and Open. I have qualified for the RDS every year that I was in the in 128cms category, winning in the Simmonscourt and placed in all finals.

I have won numerous Grands Prix and was victorious on Irish pony teams at the Home Pony International shows. I really enjoyed representing Ireland in Sentower Park on Children on Horses.

What you missed most last season:

I really missed not being able to qualify for the RDS in the ponies and Children on Horses. In general, it was disappointing with a lot of shows cancelled but I understand why and I’m looking forward to 2021.

We can only hope that things return to normal.

Kian Dore was in conversation with Emer Bermingham