Annastasia Neale Athlete Profile

HI i am 18 and a group 2 dressage rider. I started riding when i was 8 and after four years of showing , jumping and pony clubbing i started training in dressage following a visit to somerford premier league where i was mesmerised by a beautiful lady passaging on a gorgeous black horse and from that day i have been totally focused on training so i could also compete at that level .
The first part of my journey was to join BYRDS north west and with them i recieved great training and guidance and also experiance of competeing in friendly internationals which proved invaluable when i qualified for the national championships in 2007 and was reserve champion in the prelim and overall highest placed u21 of the show . After five years working hard on my position i mannaged to work my way up to A squad and i was also lucky to be included in the national training scheme where i recieved training from international judge and trainer . This then gave me the confidence to take up an opportunity to go and train in germany through the winter with the german junior and young rider trainer oliver olerich who gave me my fist experiance of riding an advanced horse with an engine .
When i came home i campaigned at junior level and after being well placed at the summer premier leagues i was over joyed to be selected as a junior team member for the hickstead international gaining my first flag .
Next year i move up to young riders and my aim is to represent GB again at this level