RIDER PROFILE: DEIRDRE DOYLE

Name: Deirdre Doyle

From: Gorey, Wexford

Competition history: I only rode ponies for a short while, mainly in inter school competitions. I was on the All Ireland winning team and also got to compete in Hickstead.

College: I have a degree in Agriculture Science from UCD and got my MSc in agriculture last year.

Occupation: I work in crops research in Teagasc in Carlow.

Challenges faced: The biggest challenge is definitely trying to find time to ride enough to keep my horses fit enough. I am also have to take days off work for weekday competitions.

I wouldn’t be able to do it without the help of my sister Caroline and my father Tom. They give me a lot of help, especially when I have to work late. They are also a huge help at shows!

My top horse: BLM Authentic Diamond. I’ve had him since a four-year-old and have brought him up through the age classes up to national Grand Prix level. He’s a really nice horse that gives his all everyday he’s jumping. I also have Done Cruising, who I had a lot of success with at 1.20/1.30 level. She is not jumping as the moment as she just had a foal, but I might bring her back into work next year again.

Biggest win: Winning the Mervue Equine Leinster Summer Tour in Wexford. I have also got a few placings at 1.40m level which I’m very proud of. Jumping in the main arena in Dublin with Authentic Diamond as a five-year-old would definitely be another highlight for me.

Biggest influence: My family would probably be my biggest influence in my career so far. They always believed in me and encourage me to keep up the level I’m currently at. I also look up to riders such as Janika Sprunger and Denis Lynch as I think they are brilliant riders.

Biggest lesson: What I have learnt in the last year? Well, I have definitely learned that I have to trust myself more when it comes to jumping in the bigger classes and also the importance of good flatwork!

Goals for 2018: To keep competing in the 1.35m and 1.40m classes and hopefully get placed in some of them.

What could help her division and what more could be done?: I think the introduction of the Pro Am section to the Spring Tour and also the different 1.35 summer leagues has been a great. It gives riders like myself, who work full-time, a chance to compete a higher level. It also provides us with better incentives to jump in these competitions as it is nice to get the recognition for our hard work and also the prizes are very good. A Pro Am section in the 1.40 classes may be a worthwhile addition, as there a few of us are now jumping regularly and successfully at this level.

Deirdre Doyle was in conversation with Emer Bermingham