I didn’t win! So I left the BHS Young Instructor of the Year final quite disappointed. Having said that, it was a great experience and I did learn a lot, so overall I am pleased that I entered. It was good to meet other people of my own age, following similar paths and also the judges who were all Fellows of the BHS. It is a fabulous opportunity to take part in such a competition and I will be going back next year for another try.

Last Saturday I visited Oldencraig EC in Surrey to interview for a riding and teaching position and was wowed by the tremendous facilities and rows upon rows of dressage horses! Vicki Thompson-Winfield and her husband Ian have created a 5* hotel for horses and it really is luxurious. No doubt the quality of horses there would be fantastic and guidance from Vicki would be superb for my dressage skills. I wonder if they will call…

It is an interesting time as I am now back in Kent, having been away at University in Sheffield for 3 years, then working in London for 4 years, then in Northants at Brampton for 18 months and then Ireland for 6 months. So I am having to rebuild a network and relearn about the opportunities in the area. I have some school friends remaining here and of course my family but it will take time to feel established in work and life.

I have the BHS SM exam in a couple of weeks and I have been training with Tessa Martin-Bird FBHS at her Sussex home. She is great and has given me lots more confidence. I will do my best and hope for the best. I also went up to Ingestre earlier in the month for a day with Rob Lovatt FBHS and Tim Downes FBHS who were excellent. I need to speak more and make sure my points are clear, in order to show the examiners that I am confident and knowledgeable.

Good news – I am teaching at Deepdene Stables in Badlesmere near Faversham on a Monday and Wednesday evening, which is a great start to my working life in Kent. This time next year I hope to be very busy with teaching, training students, riding and competing. I realise it will take time for my profile to build and for demand to grow. I feel ‘out in the real world’ now, having spent a long time training to get to this point. Plenty more to learn but ready to get stuck in.

www.annatrinder.com +44 (0)7796 958341
Anna is available for teaching, training and riding in the SE of England.

Follow Anna: www.twitter.com/annatrinder

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Comment by Maria C on October 15, 2009 at 3:35am
Hi Anna, What a fantastic achievement just to get to the final of the BHS Young Instructor of the Year. Well done you. Good luck with your BHS SM exam later this month - and fingers crossed re the Oldencraig job if it's what you really want. I've enjoyed reading your blog about your journey towards the BHSI (and beyond?).The pictures of you, Sophie, Puck, Tim and My Sam at RSF bring back lovely memories.
Comment by Anna Trinder on October 10, 2009 at 1:55pm
thanks for the advice William - I would like to give the E&T a good crack in 2010, so need to stay as broad as poss rather than specialising do you think? Maybe an event rider so that I can gain experience in all 3 disciplines...
Comment by William Micklem on October 10, 2009 at 1:49pm
Well done Anna...you have determination and an open mind...you have a real future...but you should look to the best...so yes you are starting another stage of your life and look forward to earning money, but, if you can, go and spend 3 or 6 months with someone at the very top of the tree in whatever discipline you feel will be most use to you...this is important...William
Comment by Anna Trinder on October 10, 2009 at 12:23pm
thank you!
Comment by Barbara F. on October 10, 2009 at 11:35am
Anna, it sounds like you are doing incredibly well with your career, despite not winning. Hope you have tons of success and look forward to hearing from you as things progress! :)

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