Gentle Jack to jump at the RDS

A Cork teenager and her 7 year old pony Jack have defied the odds by winning a golden ticket to the Dublin Horse Show at the RDS this summer.

The inseparable pair are one of just 20 to make it through to the prestigious event which takes place in August.

Having first met Jack through a neighbour just 2 years ago, Carrigaline native Claudia Carroll, 16, quickly established a bond with the Connemara project pony and they began training.

It wasn’t long before Claudia and Jack began to turn heads in the show jumping circuit, winning numerous competitions and Connemara show classes less than a year after beginning training.

“It all started as a true love story right from the beginning. It was love at first sight,” Claudia’s mum Harriet tells the Cork Independent.

She adds: “He stole our hearts away with love, especially over Covid. He has the most gentle soul and loves nature and people. He is very much part of the family.

“He loves to compete and also likes a day at the beach. He is a very profound type of pony and likes company.”

Claudia and Jack are now deep in training for the upcoming event where they are in with a chance of winning prize money and a spot in the final show. Claudia also works part-time in English Market to contribute to costs of the upkeep of her pony.

“We have started to do show and dressage lessons on the run up to the show. Mane, tail, coat, all have to stand out followed by very smart attire,” says Harriet.

“As a parent watching all this, I am blown away. I did horse riding when I was younger but never to the level that Claudia is involved in with her pony. I do feel part of the team even though I am only the mom – kind of back room staff!”

Harriet says Claudia is already making plans to return next year to the RDS.

“It’s a dream come true, so follow your dreams and the sky is the limit and believe in magic” say Harriet.