ANITA LEADBETTER BHSAI

Anita has recently returned to the area from Lancashire, where she worked for about 10 years at Myerscough College in the Equine Department. She started there as a member of yard staff, became head girl, progressed to instructor and course tutor for 7 years.

Since returning to Durham, she has set up Park Stables as a schooling and livery yard, and has returned to competing at BSJA shows. Showjumping is her favourite discipline, but Anita has a strong belief that the flatwork and riders' balance must not be overlooked. Some members may know Anita by her maiden name of King, back then she was a successful junior and young rider riding many horses and ponies with the prefix Castle house. In 1993 Anita was lucky enough to be selected for England Under 21's and went on to ride as lead off for the Welsh team winning silver medal. She was selected with a horse called Benson B owned by the late Alice Jackson of Hamsterley. Benson was the best horse she has ever ridden and was retired when Anita moved away.

Further back in time Anita passed her BHSAI whist on a YTS scheme, with her placement at High Garth under the watchful eye of Linda Davis and on college days trained by Marianne Watts. She gained valuable teaching experience at Braes of Derwent Pony Club rallies organised the by the DC Margaret Hedley, and for the one season before she moved away trained the showjumping team, and they won at the area qualifying for Western Park!

Anita passed her Satge IV care in 1999 making her a BHS Intermediate Stable Manager and her Stage IV riding in 2002. Her goals for the future... a second attempt (10 years on) at intermediate Teaching test or possibly my Stable Managers???