My name is Ciara Mullen from Co Dublin, This week I have a 4yo Small Riding Horse, a 5yo Ridden Connemara and we also own a 4yo LW Hunter that is being ridden by Nicola Perrin.

How did you get on today at the RDS?

Today was amazing, Chantilly On The Rocks aka Tina Turner was 1st & Champion Riding Horse. 

We’re you nervous in the run up to it and how did you deal with those nerves?

I don’t get nervous really when riding but I do definitely stress on the run up to the show. I generally try not to overthink and just go with the flow and my gut instinct on what preparations we need to do.

Tell us about your horse and how it performed today? 

Tina is only a 4-year-old, so we were just hoping she would cope well with the atmosphere, there was 17 in the class which can sometimes be carnage but I didn’t need to worry as she has such an amazing attitude to life she went like clockwork.

What are you most proud of for today? 

We bought Tina as a very raw unbroken 3-year-old so very proud to have produced her from the start myself.

How are you feeling now? 

TIRED! lol 

What kind of confidence or belief will this give you for the future?

This is my first ever horse championship after coming up through the pony ranks so I think it shows that the progression is definitely possible. 

What in store next for you both?

Unfortunately, Tina is for sale as I have already purchased a 3-year-old for next year. We adore her so much so will definitely be very fussy about where she goes!