LONGFORD show jumper Aisling Byrne is the definition of determined. The last time she featured in Irish Horse World was last May 2019 when she had got back on a pony for the first time following a freak riding accident 15 months earlier which left her with two broken hips and a crushed pelvis.

Since then, she underwent a hip operation in March, just before Covid-19 struck the country, and had her pelvis tweaked. Then, two weeks ago, Byrne was back in the jumping arena for the very first time at her local show in Mullingar and jumped a clear round.

“After two and half years out of the competition ring and after being told time after time by many professionals that I would never walk again, much less show jump, I can’t tell you how amazing it feels to be back at a show again,” the incredible positive rider and businesswoman said.

“Having only jumped my first fence since my last op in March last Friday and having had more setbacks along this journey than you can imagine, I’m delighted to have been able to jump clear around a small course of fences. Better than any other feeling in the world.

“The support I have received from everyone has been indescribable and has meant more than you’ll ever know, especially seeing so many people get emotional when they saw me walk back into the ring for the first time – much to their surprise I’m sure! Plenty of work still to be done but I’m excited and very grateful.”

If anyone can do it, Aisling Byrne can!