JORDAN Kilkenny is yet another Irish rider destined for American soil, having announced that he has accepted a position with Neil Jones in California.

Jordan (22) will work alongside Brazilian native Cassio Rivetti. While with Jones, he will concentrate on producing horses up to two and three-star level and will compete in the under 25-year-old classes.

Neil Jones Equestrian is a worldwide horse sales business which simultaneously boasts a very successful development programme for riders, one such being top Italian international rider and former winner of the Grand Prix at the Dublin Horse Show, Lorenzo de Luca.

Jordan, who is from Kilcurry, Ballymahon, Co Longford, has had a brilliant career on the national and international circuit. Prior to taking up this position with Neil Jones Equestrian, he worked for Nicola Pohl and before this he was based with Cian O’Connor.

Speaking to Pony Tales, Kilkenny said: “I am really looking forward to the move and I am so grateful to Neil for giving me this opportunity. I am also grateful to Cian (O’Connor), Michael (Kelly) and all the team at Karlswood Stables. I feel that I have learnt so much while in Karlswood and my time there was invaluable. I would also like to thank Nicola Pohl for giving me the opportunities to compete over the last year.”

Last year while competing in Knokke Hippique, he claimed his first ever International Grand Prix along with the prestigious U25 young talent award at the same event. He clocked up plenty of mileage at the four-star Sunshine tour in Vejer De La Frontera, competing up to 1.45cm Grands Prix.

Competing in Gorla Minore, Italy, his good show of form continued with a win aboard Florida Van Maarle in the Equieffe under 25 competition. At this same event he recorded a top 10 placing with Quentucky Jolly in the Grand Prix CSI1*. In Spain he placed in the top 10 in two 1.40 competitions with Quentucky Jolly and made the top 10 with Florida Van Maarle in the first week two-star Grand Prix.