Tanya Bridgeman
As someone who grew up in a non horsey family, I developed my passion for all things equine at the local riding school in Wimbledon, London. I was a typical weekend "helper" doing as many hours as possible in the hope of a free ride. I walked three miles each way to get to the stables and at weekends did do at 5.30am. I lived and dreamed horses from as long as can remember and learned to value every moment with them, whether being near them, caring for or getting to actually ride them. As long as a pony was around, all way well.
In my teens I worked with various yards in the racing community and developed a lifelong adoration for thoroughbreds, which I still hold today. My first "owned" horses were failed racehorses as they were all I could afford and they taught the foundations of everything I continue to build on today: patience, treating them as individuals and feeling privileged to work these trusting, inspirational animals. I can see good in every horse and pony and my greatest thrill is seeing one become confident and happy in whatever he or she does.
Over the years and alongside non horse careers, I managed to keep up my horse ownership and develop my learning with them. I have been fortunate enough through my 20's and until the present to have great partner support and as such been able to become an established competition rider and coach across the disciplines with spectacularly awesome horses. I have as a result competed in eventing at the highest levels as well as being very active in showjumping and dressage, the latter of which has become an unexpected passion as opposed to the annoying phase at the start of a horse trial!
I have become a senior coach, listed dressage judge and over the years grown a great family of pupils and owners as well as being lucky enough to be trained by the very best in the world.
Nowadays, I like to focus on the correct, careful production of young horses (usually from the age of 3) and to take them through their foundation years until they are 5 or 6. However, I am terrible at selling my "babies" and often end up keeping them much longer than I promised to my incredible, ever supportive husband. When I do let them go (if!), it is to the very best of riders and homes and as a result I am lucky enough to follow their on-going careers, often at international level. I have even been fortunate enough to see one go forward for Olympic selection.
I have neither the emotional resilience or desire to buy and sell horses quickly but I do enjoy helping people either find the perfect horse or pony. To facilitate this, I have access to a small, carefully evaluated number of high quality horses through breeders and sellers who I can assess and match riders to. I also continue to re-train racehorses for second careers and although this never even breaks even in reality, it is an absolute pleasure to be involved with.
My coaching commitments continue to grow across all disciplines and I have or have had a range of clients from grassroots levels up to 3 star level.
I have a small, private establishment for my horses based at home and I occasionally take in full, competition and schooling horses.
I am a BHS Senior Accredited Coach (Fully Insured & Enhanced DBS), BHSII, BD Trainer, RoR Trainer, BD Listed Judge and hold my DTLLS as well as MBA, MSc and an LLB.