Let me introduce myself, I'm Anna Bailey and I'm based in Tidebrook which is between Wadhurst and Mayfield in East Sussex. I teach, break and school horses as well as event my own horses and a few for owners throughout the season.
For me, riding was inevitable as my mum always had horses and my Stepfather was a Master of the New Forest Fox Hounds. Hunting as a child was a great way to learn to be gutsy and, most importantly, stay on!
Having joined the New Forest Pony Club at a very early age, I took part in most activities. It was here I developed an interest in show jumping after taking part in unaffiliated shows then progressing to International JA level with 148cm ponies. After finishing on ponies I went to Bedgebury School to study A levels and completed my BHSAI.
Teaching has become a huge part of my every day life and I train all levels from beginners to competition riders. For me the most satisfying part of teaching is seeing the riders improve. I am currently working towards becoming a BE Accredited trainer, something I am very excited about.
I switched to Eventing in 2004 with a horse I was show jumping. I fancied a change and have never looked back. In fact last year I produced two of my own horses up to Novice level with the aim of competing in a CIC* in the summer and hopefully a CIC** by the end of the season.
The horse in the picture had never seen a cross country fence until last summer. He had show jumped in Holland and did not understand the concept of dressage but he is so brave and tries so hard I had to give him a chance! His first event was at Stratford Hills last June and after a very tense dressage test, but staying in the arena, he went on to have just one down in the show jumping and then cleared every fence on the cross country like it was a Grand National hedge! And I wondered why I got time faults!
We had a mixed season but he showed improvement in all three phases as the year went on. He finished this season with the 1* at South Of England. There's still plenty of room for improvement so watch this space. Next season I hope to run him in a few more 1*s before trying a 2* at the end of the summer.
I have a lovely four year old who will make his eventing debut next summer. He looks just like Timmy but a slightly bigger frame – lets hope I get the right one out of the field for the 2*!! I will keep you updated with his progress.
I am also very lucky to be competing a few horses for Johanna Hedberg at Angley Stud. Cairo Z is a 5 year old stunning warmblood who after a winter of show jumping and dressage will make his eventing debut in March. I will keep you posted on the other horses when they are back in work!
Until next time
Anna
