The desire to travel the world is hard to resist for many young people. For those involved in the equestrian industry, the journey is made easier by the many people who have taken a similar path before them. And with more and more Irish riders travelling to America, it’s not surprising that some have chosen to put down roots over there. One Co Clare rider, David Blake, had a promising career in Ireland but the chance to experience life in America was too attractive to ignore.

Based at his parents’ Michael and Mary’s East Clare Equestrian Centre, 24-year-old Blake was already well established in Ireland by 2008.