Posted on 1st August 2026
This September, Wildwoods Riding Centre in Surrey will celebrate a very special milestone as it marks 50 years of inspiring riders, alongside the 100th birthday of Anthea’s mother, who has been an important part of the centre’s story from the very beginning.
For five decades, Wildwoods has been much more than a riding school. As an ABRS+ Approved Centre, British Horse Society Training Centre, Accessibility Mark Centre and Pony Club Centre, it has welcomed thousands of riders, helping people of all ages and abilities develop confidence, skills and a lifelong love of horses.
Founded by Anthea, whose passion for horses began when she was just four years old, Wildwoods started as a family dream. Anthea and her family moved to the site in 1971 with five horses, when the land was little more than scrub, weeds and old fencing. Through years of hard work, determination and family support, it grew into the thriving equestrian centre it is today.
“I have lived and breathed horses for over 60 years,” says Anthea. “So many riding schools have sadly fallen by the wayside, and Wildwoods has touched the lives of so many people over the years. I have been incredibly lucky to have had the support of my parents and so many wonderful people who have shared this journey with me.”
Anthea’s commitment to horses began at an early age. As a teenager, she worked at riding schools in exchange for lessons, saved for her first pony, Caprice, and later turned down a place at the Royal College of Music to follow her dream of a career with horses.
Anthea’s passion for horses has also taken her around the world, from riding in Botswana and Rajasthan to completing a 400 kilometre journey across the Namib Desert. Wherever she rides, the same connection between horse and human remains at the heart of everything she does.
This year’s celebrations are made even more special by Anthea’s mother reaching her 100th birthday. A constant source of encouragement throughout Wildwoods’ history, she has supported Anthea and the centre through every stage of its journey.
Saturday 26 September
11.00am to 7.00pm
Everyone is invited to join Wildwoods in celebrating 50 years of horses, memories and friendships. Come along to meet the horses, reconnect with old friends and celebrate the remarkable journey of a riding centre that has touched the lives of so many.
ABRS+ would like to congratulate Anthea, her family and the whole Wildwoods team on this incredible achievement.
