Name: Katie Nallon.

Where are you from: I live in Knockmore in Co Mayo on the west coast of Ireland.

Age and how long you have been competing: I am 17 years old and have been competing since I was five years of age.

School: I am currently in fifth year at Joseph’s secondary school in Foxford. I try to attend school whenever I can, but at times show jumping takes priority.

Family association with horses: My brother Ciaran competes internationally as a show jumper and has been a huge influence, help and support to me. I always take his advice on board and appreciate his knowledge and understanding of the sport. I been very fortunate to have been able to travel to many continents representing Ireland on many Nations Cup teams.

My parents have been absolutely outstanding to me, they help me pursue my love of horses, they are my biggest supporters and keep me very grounded also. It is a huge family effort, we all do the yard work at home and build a huge bond with the horses. On very successful days, it means so much to all of us.

Horses in the yard: At the moment, I have a lovely team of horses. Duffy’s Sporthorses’ Ecklands Helado is owned by Duffy Sporthorses has been performing incredibly well this season. She has won numerous Grands Prix - an exciting future ahead for this horse. MVS Celtic Emperor, is a seven-year-old, who is owned by Seamus Heviren. This horse is also a superstar for the future, showing great potential. Claire’s Delight, owned by Ann Igoe, is a wonderful horse with an amazing attitude for the sport. Aganix Summer Tokyo Drift and HSH Silver Lining, owned by Bob Sweeney, are two very exciting young horses that I really look forward to competing.

John Philbnins Carramore Sibon, Gabriel Slattery’s seven-year-old CW Louibuton. A five-year-old, HSH Silver Lining and my mum Sandra’s four-year-old Primero Carlos.

I have been very lucky to have had many great ponies and horses that many owners have given me the opportunity to compete, from under 10’s to present day. I have had many successes and have had the chance to compete in many countries. I have met wonderful friends and learned a huge amount.

It takes a lot of hard work and many sacrifices to remain competitive each day you compete. I feel I have so much more to learn and feel very lucky to be able to fulfil my ambitions to have a career in show jumping.

Javas True Colours has been an amazing competitive horse for me, taking me to my first European championships and excelled in winning the Irish Masters and Grand Prix at the Northern Indoor Championships in 2023.

Career highlights: Winning the Irish Masters class at the Northern Indoor Championships with Duffy Sporthorses Ecklands Helado for 2024 was fantastic, having won it in 2023 with Javas True Colours - the double was something special.

Greatest Influence: My brother is my greatest influence, because I have seen how far he has come after all the years of serious work, hardship and graft over the years to bring him to where he is today.

The future: Without the help of owners, family support and continued sponsorship from Holmestead Saddlery Superstore, this would not be possible. For the year ahead, I hope to continue producing the young horses, continue competing at Grand Prix level and hopefully have good success.

I am very grateful to all my owners, those that help out at the shows and all the team that keeps the dream alive for me.

I hope to continue producing the young horses and compete as much as possible in the Grand Prix series. This is one of the most rewarding sports and I could never imagine doing anything else in my life.

It’s a sport that you must be totally committed to, willing to work very hard and be willing to learn and listen to those that are willing to help you along the way and the rewards will follow.