The 11-year-old Lake Albert rider has autism. That coupled with his lifelong history around horses has made Jordan a fearless rider.

“Jordan’s thing is he’s not afraid of anything,” said Jordan’s mother Kathy Irons. 

“It’s an advantage for him. When the horse does a jolt or something, Jordan doesn’t hesitate, he just thinks it’s funny.”

Due to his autism, Jordan only became verbal three years ago, when he was eight.

“It’s really improved his speech because he just loves talking about the horses now,” said Mrs Irons.

Now, a member of the Wagga and Bidgee District Pony Club, Jordan managed to take away a swag of honours at the recent Lake Albert gymkhana.

“He won about 10 ribbons all up,” said Mrs Irons.

“He just has a natural affinity with horses, they seem to really like him too.”

Nevertheless, Jordan remains non-nonchalant to his apparent grand success.

“He doesn’t get excited about things like that,” said Mrs Irons.

“That’s one of the things I love about Jordan, his complete lack of ego.

“He’s not affected by all that, the ribbons are nice but he’s just happy and calm.”

Among the awards he collected, Jordan and his horse Dee also claimed second place in the pair rider division.

It was not an event he was expecting to enter, but when fellow rider 12-year-old Lila Taylor was left without a partner, Jordan filled the vacancy.

“When the partners were called, and Lila didn’t have one, Jordan was just sitting there, so she asked him,” said Mrs Irons.

“I was thinking ‘oh will he be able to follow the instructions?’ but he did very well.

“Lila actually said afterwards that he was the easiest partner she’s ever had. He just follows her and doesn’t say she’s bossy!”

Although he had never competed in a partner event before, Jordan has had experience following the lead of well-practiced female riders.

“Jordan’s younger sister Bridget is also on the way up as a rider,” said Mrs Irons.

“She’s his best teacher. He just follows her and copies what she does, she’d definitely be his biggest influence.

“She’s only 10, so it’s a hard job being the near-age sibling of someone with autism.

“Bridget is an excellent rider with a lot of patience for her brother. I’m very proud of how she helps him.”