Despite her young age, Jessica Burke has been making a serious impact on the showjumping circuit, both in Ireland and abroad, for years. Set to make history by becoming the first person to enter the European Championships for four consecutive years, Jessica is now eyeing up her latest challenge.

From an early age, Jessica Burke knew she had an affinity for horses. Growing up, there was "always horses around" and once she was old enough, Jessica was determined to begin riding ponies at her home in Gort. She started riding at the age of five and hunting at six years old, with her father Francis and the Galway Blazers. Soon after, she began show jumping in Ralph Conroy's Milchem Equestrian Centre.

Jessica has gone on to have a very successful pony jumping career, qualifying for her first RDS Dublin Horse Show in 2003. She has since reached the final phase in the main arena every year, with numerous placings. A rising star in the equestrian world, she has won many Pony Grand Prix throughout Ireland, including Millstreet Derby, Cavan Grand Prix, National Championships in Tullamore, Starfinder Final at Millstreet and one of her favourites, the Banteer Show.

And she shows no signs of slowing down; this year she has entered the National Premier Pony League for the first time. With ten points being awarded for a win, Jessica has 53 points from the six shows and with only three shows left, she is ahead in the League table by 33 points from her nearest rival Richard Howley from Sligo.

Jessica's success has continued on the international circuit and she has been selected on seven Nations Cup Teams, two winning teams and numerous places across France, Germany, Belgium, Holland and the UK. She has also had seven international wins in the last three years, with the Grand Prix in Fontainebleau, France being one of her favourites.

According to Jessica, the pinnacle of pony riding is representing your country at the European Championship and this year, she travels to Switzerland to represent Ireland for the fourth consecutive year, a feat that has not been achieved thus far. Jessica thrives on pressure occasions and loves Nations Cup Competitions. As a result, she has always been selected as the fourth and anchor rider when she jumps for Ireland. She travels to Switzerland this week with the hope of improving on her two bronze medals as a team and individual. Jessica says her biggest ambition is to win the gold medal and she has her fingers crossed that this may be the year.

As well as her blossoming horseriding career, Jessica is about to enter her Leaving Certificate year at Seamount College in Kinvara. While she admits that the last year has been tough due to the amount of travelling, she says that she generally doesn't have any problems juggling her hectic training schedule with her studies.

"I am away a good bit but I don't really mind because I love the shows. I don't really get nervous, just excited. I start to get a little edgy when going in the gate before I begin but other that that, I don't mind the pressure. I have great support from my family and my trainers as well, which is a great help."