Towen Mountain teen wins the inaugural global Scootboot Young Rider of the Year Award

From a small Queensland town of just 304 people, 17-year-old Aisling Jones has taken out the inaugural global Scootboot Young Rider of the Year Award.

Based in Towen Mountain on the Sunshine Coast, Aisling stood out among more than 1,000 entries from over 50 countries, earning recognition for his deep connection with his rescue horse, Bambi, and his commitment to his riding community.

Currently in his final year at the University of Canberra Southbank Brisbane campus, Aisling is studying a degree in Visual Arts, with the goal of becoming an equine artist.
His win comes in the lead up to ANZAC Day, where he will ride in the Buderim Parade with the Woombye Light Horse Regiment, now carrying the title of global Young Rider of the Year. 

Aisling’s riding journey extends well beyond competition. He trains weekly with the Woombye Light Horse Regiment and is actively involved in tentpegging, Riding for the Disabled, and trail riding, while working towards his Trail Guide Certification.

His achievements include winning both Individual and Team U18 Queensland and New South Wales Tentpegging Championships, as well as earning his King Scout and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Scootboot CEO Cheryl Gray said the judging panel was inspired by the calibre of entries and the values demonstrated by young riders worldwide.

“Aisling stood out for his dedication, his contribution to the groups he represents, and the genuine partnership he has with his horse,” she said.

“He embodies exactly what this award was created to celebrate, and the fact that Bambi is barefoot makes it even more aligned with our values.”

The Scootboot Young Rider Award is a global initiative designed to recognise young riders who demonstrate care, connection, and horsemanship, rather than competitive results, reflecting a broader shift towards welfare-first riding within the equestrian community.

For Aisling, the recognition comes down to the bond he shares with his horse.“Having that strong connection without any restrictions, with Bambi it’s her choice to be with me,” he said.

“We are in sync with everything, even if I breathe out loudly she will do the same.”

As part of the award, Aisling receives a $1,000 scholarship to support his equestrian journey, free Scootboots for a decade, and a Scootboot gift pack, providing long-term support as he continues to develop both as a rider and an artist.

Scootboot, known for its “This is Freedom” philosophy, provides hoof boots designed to support natural movement and hoof health, and is used by riders in more than 100 countries.