Name: Jodie Creighton

Age:16

Parents: Gillian and Noel Creighton

From: Co Antrim

Top horses? Newmarket Alloy; Roundthorn Hercules; Neat National Treasure; Diarado Royale; Loughmourne Cruise Control

What height categories do you compete in? From 1.10-1.30m and a range of young rider classes. I still do a few working Hunter classes, like HOYS and RI Qualifiers

Trainers: Heather Coyle and Margaret Patterson

Who has influenced your career so far? My mother Gillian Creighton. I grew up with her producing and competing young horses all my life.

The rider you most look up to and why? Britain’s Scott Brash as I look up to his horsemanship through the development of his training programme for his young horses. I admire the style of his riding and how sympathetic and competitive he is with his animals.

Major achievements and/or wins? Champion and reserve underwood working Hunter Pony of the year in two consecutive years at the Horse of the year Show with Stambrook Miss Bellini and Derrygimbla Atlantic Storm. Winning the RDS 1.10/1.15 young rider qualifier Cavan and finishing sixth at the RDS in the final with Newmarket Alloy; first in the 1.10 and 1.20 at Cavan’s October young rider show (Newmarket Alloy); first in the TRI Ulster Region 148 Grand Prix (Saxton Freedam); first and champion in the Junior Equitation at the RDS (2014) (Derrygimbla Atlantic Storm); Qualified two animals for the Horse of the Year Show (Tick the Box and Newmarket Alloy) at the Northern Ireland festival where Newmarket Alloy finished in the placings; first in the 1.10 at Banbridge Show (Blackrock Beauty).

Key things learned from 2018? The key to success is hard work and dedication.

What are your goals for 2019? To improve my skills as a rider and expand my team of horses. To campaign the RDS Qualifiers and qualify for HOYS as well as competing at a show abroad before the end of the year.

Jodie Creighton was in conversation with Emer Bermingham