BB's Barn is a small private yard on the outskirts of Winchester and is run by myself - Mandy James
I am a lady in my 40's and have owned/ridden horses for 25 years+
I started riding at the tender age of 9 (I didn't have a privileged upbringing so was a relatively late starter) on my friends pony 'Taffy'. Then I progressed to their "bigger" horses 'Marcus' & 'Rain'. I also had regular lessons at Chattis Hill Riding School with the Burtenshaws in my teens and had so much fun in those early years.
I started my working career at a yard in Medstead dealing with Arab Stallions and from there went on the YOP scheme (that shows you how old I am) at a small private yard in Sparsholt, owned by Annie and Casper McDonald Hall. It was at this yard that I bought my first horse 'Just Jackson'. A beautiful Fleabitten Grey Irish TB Gelding ex eventer. After my time at Dean finished we stayed at Sparsholt for a while and then moved to Paul & Fiona Dunnings at Fairoak to continue our education where we finally succeeded at completing a clear round Showjumping (Jackson had a phobia of coloured fences). Sadly for reasons I can't mention (a man) I had to sell my beloved boy and found myself horseless.
My career then took a different direction and I went to work in Bristol at a private event yard where I started training for my AI. Things were looking very good for me, working with and riding a different class of horses all together and learning so much. But once again a man got in the way and I left my perfect job.
I worked at Calcutts Saddlers for about 18 months and this is where I found my second horse 'George' (Calor Blue was his show name) on loan. He was a Grey (yes another one) ID and we had so much fun together doing Showing, Showjumping, Hunter Trials, Horse Trials, One Day Events, Sponsored Rides and lots of hacking. He gave me so much confidence and I owe so much to 'George' and his lovely owner. Sadly we parted company when he developed Asthma and I was heartbroken but we kept in touch for a number of years.
Having 'George' gave me the confidence to produce a youngster - introducing 'Polly'. A stunning 5 yr old Anglo Arab Grey (yep you've noticed I have a passion for greys!!!) Mare. Polly and I stayed together through thick and thin. Blood poisoning was the first major issue and then sadly at age 8 she developed her 1st Melanoma (skin cancer), the outlook was bleak and she was given 8 years. We worked hard and she went from a green 5 yr old to a BHS Stage 3 horse. We had many outings at competitions (nearly every weekend) and were always in the ribbons but over the years her cancer had spread and she had also developed sarcomas. I made the decision to retire her at the age of about 15 as she had worked hard and fought the cancer as much as she could. Sadly her retirement was short and she was put to sleep at the young age of 17 (she'd outlived her prognosis by 3 years). My world fell apart and it took me a long time to get back in the saddle and buy another horse.
My passion for horses has never dwindled and in March 2006 saw the arrival of a 5 yr old, 16.3, Bay TB Gelding.
Introducing 'BB' the horse behind the business name!