Aisling Byrne: International Showjumper and Businesswoman on Surviving a Devastating Riding Accident and Defying the Odds to Walk and Compete Again
- xtinecruzat
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
In this powerful episode, we meet Aisling Byrne — an international showjumper, successful businesswoman, and an extraordinary example of resilience in the face of life-altering adversity. After a devastating horse riding accident left her with multiple broken bones, internal injuries, and the prognosis that she would never walk again, Aisling refused to accept defeat.
Over the course of a gruelling three-year recovery, she not only walked again — she returned to the international showjumping circuit, proving that mindset, grit, and determination can overcome even the most impossible odds.
In our conversation, Aisling shares her journey from a small-town Irish girl discovering horses for the first time to the elite competitive showjumping stage, and the mindset strategies that carried her through her darkest moments. We also dive into her life as a business owner, how she balances her entrepreneurial ventures with her sporting goals, and her advice for women navigating setbacks of any kind.
Whether you’re facing a personal challenge, working toward a big goal, or simply in need of some serious inspiration, this episode will remind you of what’s possible when you choose to keep moving forward — no matter the obstacle.
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Listen to Aisling Now!
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Show notes
Who is Aisling
Born and raised in Ireland
Being passionate about showjumping
Running a funding company and a travel company
Growing up in Ireland
Having 1 brother and supportive parents
Not growing up around horses
Going to the local equestrian centre
Riding the neighbours ponies
Getting her own pony at 11
Transitioning from riding ponies to horses
Enjoying the partnership with the horse
How showjumping works
Competition time and doing a course walk
What does it take to make a great show jumper
Needing determination and tenacity
The ability to work hard and learning from different people
Building a partnership with a horse
Figuring out what makes your horse tick
Making your horses as happy as possible
Having a near death experience
Breaking multiple bones and damaging internal organs
Being in a Portuguese hospital and people not realising the severity of the injury
Bleeding internally
Being able to detach herself from the situation
Calmness during emergency situations
Being very practical and level headed
The recovery journey - 3 years
Taking a long time to get off crutches
Staying positive (even if you have to fake it)
How mindset can speed up your physical recovery
Practical tips to manage levels of positivity so not to go to a dark place
Walking for the first time
Going to a specialist sports physio
Being told she would never be able to ride a horse again
First time getting back on a pony after the accident in 2018
Being lifted onto the pony with a forklift truck
Getting back into showjumping and competing again
Not sweating the small stuff
Not looking for perfection and how everything goes a little bit smoother
How the travel company works
Lending money to law firms
Advice for women who want to get into the world of showjumping
Wanting to get back to world ranking jumping
No age limit on showjumping
How to connect on social media
Words of advice for women who are dealing with a setback
Staying positive for others
Not having to do things - but getting to do things
Social Media
Instagram: @aislingbyrne1
TikTok: @asheyb1
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