Anita was born in Colchester, England. After a career as an exercise and work rider in England and France where she specialized in the early starting and training of young Thoroughbreds she emigrated to the US with her future husband Graham whom she met while on a summer internship as pupil assistant to Alain De Royer Dupre.

Her riding career ended after a back injury so she now concentrates on the business aspects of Herringswell Stables.

Anita is passionate about Thoroughbred aftercare, rehabilitation and retraining and currently serves on the board of The Retired Racehorse Project, The National Museum of Racing and TERF. Anita founded the popular event The Real Rider Cup which has raised over $100,000 for Thoroughbred Aftercare.

She is married to Kentucky Derby winning trainer, Graham Motion and has two children, Jane and Marcus.