From Chalkboards to Championships: Jessica Burke’s Rise in Show Jumping

Jessica Burke’s journey in equestrian sports is nothing short of inspiring. Recently competing at the Morocco Royal Tour, the Irish international show jumper has carved out a remarkable path to success. From a childhood spent riding in the fields of Ireland to becoming a professional athlete on the global stage, Burke’s story is one of grit, ambition, and an unrelenting passion for the sport.

A Different Start in Show Jumping

“I started riding when I was very young, at six years old, and I had a very good pony career,” Burke recalls.

Competing at the European Championships for four years, her early success hinted at a bright future. However, unlike many professional riders, Burke’s journey wasn’t linear.

“I grew up hunting in Ireland and then took a kind of break from show jumping to go to college,” she explains. After training to be a school teacher, Burke worked in the classroom for six years while continuing to ride and produce young horses on the side. One of those horses was Express Trend, now her Nations Cup mount. “I produced him while I was a school teacher in Ireland, and then I just decided to make the change and go professional.”

The Decision to Go Professional

The choice to leave teaching wasn’t easy, but Burke saw an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. “I didn’t come from a family with loads of money to instantly get to the top,” she says. “I really enjoyed teaching, but when I started producing young horses and jumping at world championships and two-star shows during summers, I realized how much I loved the sport.”

Encouraged by her success and the support of her owners, Burke took the leap. “My Irish owner, Liam Nicholls, supported my decision to go professional, investing in horses and helping me along the way,” she says. Another pivotal moment came when British owner Louisa Church offered her a job. “She heard I was going professional and gave me the opportunity to move to the UK with my horses. Once I decided to take the career break, the doors just opened.”

Adapting to Life in the UK

Moving from Ireland to the UK in 2019 was a challenge, especially with the onset of COVID-19 in 2020. “I’m quite a home person, so it was difficult,” Burke admits. “It was hard to meet people during COVID with no shows, but I was very lucky to have Roger McRae, who still trains me.”

Despite the isolation, the downtime proved valuable. “We put a lot of effort into training and improving my riding. It was probably the best thing for my career because I learned a more professional system,” she says. Now, five years later, the UK feels like a second home.

A Rider’s Evolution

Reflecting on her growth, Burke describes herself as a disciplined and competitive rider. “Like a lot of Irish riders, I grew up needing to win to pay the bills, so that competitiveness never leaves you,” she says. Early on, her riding style wasn’t the most polished. “I wasn’t very tidy in my pony days, but I’ve worked hard on my flatwork and discipline with my dressage trainer.”

While she continues to perfect her craft, her natural competitiveness and instinctive feel for horses remain her greatest strengths.

Achievements That Stand Out

Over the years, Burke has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments. “One of my greatest memories is my first Nations Cup two years ago in Lisbon, where we won,” she shares. “It’s actually very hard to win a Nations Cup, so that was really special.”

Other highlights include winning the prestigious Queen’s Cup in England this year and multiple Grand Prix victories. However, she has her sights set higher: “I still need to win a five-star Grand Prix. That’s my next short-term goal.”

Safety in the Saddle: A Partnership with KEP Italia

For Burke, safety is paramount, especially given the demands of riding multiple horses daily. “Years ago, people used to ride without helmets, but now everyone is looking for the best safety equipment,” she notes. As a proud ambassador for KEP Italia, Burke emphasizes the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation.

“I spent time in Italy last year with Giulia Martinengo and met the two women who own KEP Italia. It was fascinating to visit the factory and see the safety standards they uphold,” she says. “I think they make the best helmets in the world, and I’m very lucky to have them.”

In addition to their safety features, KEP Italia helmets offer riders the chance to express their personal style. “You can customize them as you want, which is fantastic,” Burke says. Her favorite is the Cromo Style helmet with a diamond shell, which she has adorned with the Irish flag for her Nations Cup rides.

Looking Ahead

Jessica Burke’s journey from schoolteacher to international show jumper is a testament to her determination and love for the sport. Whether she’s representing Ireland on the world stage or training for her next big win, Burke’s dedication shines through. With a five-star Grand Prix victory on the horizon, her story is far from over. “Home will always be Ireland,” she says, “but the UK has become a second home, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Valentina Sozzi Senn

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