Mike Austin   Photo By Kelly Graphics My life with horses has always been a major influence in providing me with direction and purpose as well as a unique sensitivity that has always given me guidance,strength and focus. My passion for a horse’s life began very early in my life under the careful eyes of very loving and supportive parents, who started me with riding lessons and hacks at six years old at Brendon Riding Establishment by the South Downs. At nine years old my father surprised me for my birthday, with my very own first pony called 'Arrow'. We moved him to Brendon Stables, which was easily accessible from our home in Hove. It was here that the basic principles of maintaining a horse were instilled. We heard about through recommendations and then decided to move to Captain Large's facility at Keymer (trainer of H. Lewellyn and Foxhunter) as this was more condusive to my individualism. The farm was very much a working environment, which introduced me to the complexities of farm life in all its forms. Captain large was responsible in providing a very sound and stable ground training, that was to be of major benefit in my future development. The essence of balance, co-ordination, safety and understanding of horses were frequent lessons that were drilled into me in no uncertain terms. This first pony 'Arrow' proved to be a rig but he taught me a valuable lesson in regard to incorrectly gelded horses. My parents decided that Arrow was too much for me to handle at this point, and so he was sold on for my next pony (to this day I still have all the brushes and equipment that my father had handgraved arrows into, as a memorial to my father, as much as to my first pony experience). 'Thelwell' came next and he aptly fitted his name. I regained my assurance and composure and progressed onto my next pony Laramie. I learnt to have fun and games with my animal especially being involved with the Pony Club. The South Downs proved to be an excellent area with which I could ride out and learn and hone my knowledge. Laramie was absolutely adorable and taught me a lot about horse behaviour and movement. It was at the Maslin’s Training centre in Billingshurst, that i found my next horse'Blue Steel'(half Connemara), which proved to have a huge impact in my progression as a rider. Jabina Maslin inspired in me the competitiveness and drive to learn and improve myself along with humility in working with horses, with reasonable success at shows. Due to the Maslin’s farm being sold we moved to the Porters farm at Falking. Hilary Porter was a very understanding and patient teacher who gave me insight into the advantages of good groundwork and preparation of both horse and rider. Blue Steel was fantastic to learn the freedom and excitement of Cross Country along with the control and eloquence of Dressage. This was a very special period of time for me. It was at the Porters establishment that I found my love for The Thoroughbred horse in a young 16.2 chestnut Thoroughbred called 'Always Hopeful' This was a very special animal to me and one that I really will never forget. 'Always Hopeful' was a major step for me to take and I learnt patience and understanding of the young horse under the careful advice and guidance of Hilary Porter and Family with whom I shall always be very grateful to. Unfortunately due to academic and college pressures I had to move Ali closer to me but this proved even too much, and I had to sell him to some very good friends. A home where I knew he would be looked after the way he truly deserved. Even in college I frequently escaped to study in the tranquillity of the New Forest and the horses that roam freely there. It was educational to view these horses in a relatively free existence and to observe the interaction of the herd mentality. At 26 years old,I left to travel the world and expand my experience and self- awareness. During these visits to many countries, I explored how other people lived and worked their horses. I worked on working ranches, helping people to understand and co-operate with their horses. In New Zealand I even worked with the Head of the Hunt Association, in preparation for the forthcoming Hunting and competition season. From New Zealand I then travelled to Maui, Hawaii, where I stayed in a wooden built house in a rain forest on the North Shore with some very good friends. I worked with young and old horses of varying standards and as a trail guide I took riding excursions through the West Maui Mountains. It was on this ranch that I first met Sandi, who had been brought in by the owner of the ranch, to work with the unbroken and problem horses. Sandi gave me a unique look into both myself and my approach to equine behaviour and skills. My learning curve rose again abruptly to cover all the new information and skills that she possessed. We began our liaison together on purely a friendship basis but this however progressed further as we began to respect each other and we fell in love and that was when my life took another twist. I visited her home in Snohomish, Washington State, just close to Seattle. Our interests and ambitions were the same and this proved too exciting a proposition to refuse.    Now, as a married couple living here in England, our hopes and dreams are to ensure a safe environment for our equine friends, so that people can hopefully learn to enjoy and benefit from the vast untapped spirit of the HORSE. Having purchased Ailby we have through hard work and strength of conviction, created a lovely and versitile facility, for all our clients and horses to enjoy and a great place for us to develope and expand as we get older. I have a keen knowledge of business through an extensive educational  and business background, and through our partnership today we will continue to steer our company to success. It is my belief, passion and drive, that our experienced and dedicated team  will be always be able to help and support all our clients in both Austin's Equine, and European Horse Breeders.