Hectic time for Norwich show jumper India Bussey ahead of first European viewing trials

India Bussey in action. (Image: Submitted)

The 15-year-old Norwich School pupil has already taken her first steps on the international scene and, in the latest of our monthly updates with YNSA athletes, the Norwich youngster gives us an insight into her recent progress.

I started riding from a very young age, following in the footsteps of my mother, Louise. My international debut was in 2015 when I was a part of the silver medal winning Children On Horses (COH) team at the European Championships in Austria with my current top horse Westwinds Ego, after jumping the only double clear for Great Britain on the Nations Cup team in Holland.

I have recently been competing at the Pony of the Year Show over the Easter weekend. I came fourth and sixth in the COH Grand Prix, and ninth in the JC Grand Prix.

India Bussey in action. (Image: Submitted)

My little sister Atiya, who is only 11, also came third in the Novice Grand Prix and third in the COH Prelim. We have just started the outdoor season and this is a busy time of year for us. We are building up to the first viewing trials for the European team selections at Chepstow International CSI** at the end of April.

After being on the COH team last year, I have moved up to Junior level for 2016. This is an exciting yet challenging prospect and I can't wait to get going.

After joining the YNSA at the end of last year, I have benefitted greatly from the weekly lectures and from being in such a focused environment with a group of such excellent sports men and women. The lectures have helped me to channel my energy and prioritise things in my busy lifestyle, looking after myself and my string of horses.

I have found the psychology lectures particularly interesting; it is really important for me to stay confident and positive in my riding so that only that energy feeds through to the horse.

Thanks to the YNSA, I have started strength and conditioning sessions with Ashley Cook after a screening with Lisa Hayward, using the facilities at Norwich School. From this I have already seen improvement in my performance and look forward to seeing more benefits in the long run.

I am so grateful to the YNSA for their support which has already seen such a benefit for my performance. I would also like to thank my sponsors and owners; without these I would not be able to continue competing at this level and for this reason I am always looking for new owners for horses and sponsors to join our team.

I would also like to thank my parents and everyone behind the scenes at Wodehouse Stud, I am so privileged to have these facilities and a positive team of people behind me. Team work makes the dream work!

What is the YNSA?

The Young Norfolk Sports Academy (YNSA) is an initiative led by Norwich School, with an aim to develop Norfolk's sporting stars of the future.

The academy is funded by contributions from Norwich School and the support of 10 local businesses.

YNSA offers the athletes support and mentoring on a one-to-one basis and group sessions. It also gives them the opportunity to meet others of a top standard and to share experiences and ideas.

Applicants for YNSA are between 15 and 18 years old and ranked in the top 10 of their chosen sport in their home country in their age group.

Such has been the success of the first year, that the University of East Anglia, a YNSA sponsor, is embarking on a similar programme for athletes aged between 18-23.

For more information, go to www.ynsa.org.uk.