21 Questions with Katie Reilly

21 Questions with...

Katie Reilly

Which is your favourite event to compete at?

Hartpury as this was where I did my first international and where I did my first Championships with the RDA!

What are 3 things you don’t go to a competition without?

Gloves, helmet and rescue remedy!!

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?

Winning my first free style and hearing my National Anthem play out over the speaker.  That was a moment I will never forget. I was only 13 years of age.

If you were to choose another discipline, which would you chose?

Jumping for sure. My family are show jumpers.

What is one thing you wished you knew, earlier in your equestrian career?

I am still learning every day. But I guess taking my time and enjoying every moment.

Do you get nervous or anxious before a competition? How do you cope with it?

Yes, I sure do. One of my must haves is Rescue Remedy.

Which is your favourite Equine America supplement for your horses?

Currently as Equine America keep coming up with new and amazing products it would have to be Kentucky Joint Super Strength Powder.

If you could invite 3 famous guests to a dinner party, who would you invite?

Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher

If you had to pick another career, what would you choose to do?

I would love to become a psychologist.

Do you have a trick or a ‘life hack’ either at home/yard or at competitions that you don’t know how you coped without?

My hay net holder. Due to my Disability, I am unable to hold the net and fill it so this very handy tool helps me greatly!

Can you name 3 things on your bucket list – horsey or otherwise!

Jump out of a plane (doing this for my 16th birthday next year) Go on a ridden safari and compete my first home bred filly internationally.

How do you spend your time outside the yard/competing?

Going to theatres I love watching plays and musicals.

What is your favourite food?

I am Irish, so a good old Irish Cottage Pie.

Which is your favourite sport other, than equestrian, to watch?

Not really into other sports only equestrian!!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Tunisia

Who has inspired you in your life and riding career?

Michael Murphy Irish grade 1 rider. What he achieved this past year winning 2 bronze medals in WEG was amazing.  He made Irish history as a para rider gaining theses medals!

How old were you when you started riding?

I think I was about 2 years old.

Do you have a standout embarrassing moment in your equestrian career?

When I competed my first Freestyle in Hartpury I completely blanked and forgot my whole test leaving me cantering around for about 80% of the test. I still can’t listen to that song!!

What did you win your first rosette for?

Showing when I was very small on my little pony Bingo

Who would your horse be if they were a person?

Derek Zoolander, anyone who has seen the film will know how he acts!

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the equestrian world?

I guess as I am young, I think you need to know it’s hard work and you need to be ready to give all free time. If you love it, you wouldn’t find it as work it’s a passion.