Ian Woodheads' enduring career with horses began at an early age having been born into
an established equestrian family. The family business Weelsby Park Riding School was
established in 1947 and very quickly had gained a National reputation for breeding a
variety of Champions as well as successfully showing horses and ponies.
Ian won a scholarship to Talland under the guidance of the gifted Mrs. Seivwright and
it was here that Ian's long association with dressage began. During this period Ian
also competed at International Young Rider level.
Ian's time at Talland ended due to the untimely death of his Aunt Jean Davis that
triggered his return to Wheelsby Park where he worked with another mentor Bill Palmer
who was at that time the yard's Stud Groom. At Weelsby Ian also worked with his
mother Glenis Woodhead breaking, schooling and training young horses.
Ian's training career started at the age of 21. By absorbing influences from his
extensive European travel Ian has created his own system of training.
He has found unrivalled success as the National Pony Team coach a post he has held
for the last ten years producing two silver and eight bronze medals. Ian founded
Pony B.Y.R.D.S. and conceived the Pony Talent spotting scheme. Ian's training
has not been restricted to Ponies or dressage, he has successfully trained many
winning combinations to CDI O level and most recently has developed a talent for
training Event horses and riders at Four Star level.
During 1994 Ian met Andrew Graham and they very quickly realised the business potential
of combining their individual skills, Dressage Horse International was founded that year.
Today serious equestrian professionals across the various disciplines recognise the DHI brand
as a leading force in finding and supplying winners at all levels. So many riders owe their
success to the talent spotting eye of Andrew and the matching and training skills of Ian.
Ian defines his passion as 'a love of quality horses with character' He also finds "teaching
people who love to learn and compete with an enthusiasm to match his own" are his driving force. |
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