John Bedford

My passion for all things equestrian started at an early age.

At ten, I joined the local riding school with the support of my parents. After leaving school I joined the Youth Training Scheme where I studied to become a British Horse Society Assistant Instructor (BHSAI) while working for a number of different venues and showgrounds. A few highlights included working with Sue Bunn at Hickstead, Shaun Marsh at Felbridge and William Funnell at Cobbets Farm (at the very beginning of the Billy Stud).

After gaining my qualification, I spent six months travelling in New Zealand travelling around show jumping yards across the north. And on my return to England I spent a further 6 months working for Morten Assen, before setting up my own yard producing young horses from breaking in to jumping BS up to foxhunter level.

My first foray into Course Building though, wasn’t until about 13 years ago – running club shows at my yard, building the courses myself.

From there, I started assisting other builders at various shows, gradually building experience and recognition.

Some of the highlights for me have included:

• The South of England Show,
• Pyecombe,
• The Royal Highland Show,
• Olympia  (arena  party),
• The Horse of the Year Show,
• Addington,
• Arena UK,
• Academy Show Stoneleigh, and of course
• Keysoe International.

Through all of these opportunities, I have been able to gain a tremendous wealth of experience which I’m able to share as a BS Mentor in Course Building in the Southeast Region.

For more information about John, please visit his Facebook page: www.facebook.com/JohnBedfordEquestrianservices