Living in Hertfordshire, Tahley had not a lot of choice in being horse mad. Her mother and father even went and bought a horse on their wedding day. Her Grandma, Ruby ran a riding school and her love of horses grew as she was surrounded by them.
She would say she had a idyllic childhood a bit like an equestrian Darling Buds of May. Ponies were fun for a time but soon became serious when her showjumping became a little more serious and she was picked to represent uk winning a Bronze medal on Fleetwood Rufus a pony bought for £90.
Then progressing onto horses took on a young stallion called Sharola Rainmaker whom she showjumped and took eventing to intermediate level before turning to pure dressage. Tahley has qualified for National Championships on over 20 horses at levels from Novice to Small tour. 17 of the horses were home bred and or brought on by Tahley from the start and becoming regional champion many times. 2016 became National Champion on homebred Sharola Show Star aka Freddie long legs.
Now having horses at home and helping some talented combinations achieve their ambitions she is enjoying taking each horse as far as they can go. Along the way I have enjoyed fitness of marathon running, duathlons. She loves understanding how the mental attitude can sabotage or create a winning head as at times she felt that was something that she needed to work on so what she created at home could be replicated in the competition arena. She has a thirst for self improvement and enjoying the process.
Now as she has Special a horse She has owned since he was a youngster, competing at small tour gaining good scores but working at home Grand Prix and would love to go abroad and compete. Absolute idols and role models Charlotte du Jardin and Carl Hester both of which She was lucky to have had lessons with. 2016 she is going to make a real push to get up to Grand Prix …… Watch this space!!!
What Tahley says about WEB
“Wolds Exclusive Bling have made an amazing bridle in the Revelation harmony. I tried to find a bridle which looked good but more importantly improved the comfort of my horse. Many horses go better in drop noseband but the lack of choice in style and fit make it difficult to find a nice competition bridle. Lara at WEB has designed the perfect bridle for everyday that carry over to show days.”
Tahley Reeve Smith