Equestrian Expertise...
Amanda started off her competitive career as a member of the VWH Pony Club, achieving success in all disciplines, including the Pony Club Eventing Championships. In 1971, Amanda went on to become a member of the gold medal winning British eventing team at the Junior European Eventing Championships in Wesel, Germany riding Gameel, where the combination were placed 8th individually. The following year, she and Alsedell represented Great Britain at the Junior European Championships, which were held in Eridge and were part of a second gold medal winning team, individually placed 4th. Amanda and Alsedell went on to compete at the Burghley Horse Trials, where they were 9th. For Amanda, one of the highlights of her equestrian career is the feeling of seeing the GB flag being raised and hearing the National Anthem, whilst knowing that she and her horse have been part of the achievement.
Amanda is passionate about helping people with their horses and ponies. Gaining her BHSI qualification at the young age of 21, Amanda has since become recognized as a British Eventing Accredited coach. Amanda’s students frequently comment on her ability to instill confidence (“what is in the brain goes down the rein”), enabling them to achieve success in all equestrian disciplines. Particularly gifted with horses and ponies who are very sensitive, Amanda has a patient approach, leaving no stone unturned. Amanda coaches Pony Clubs and Riding Clubs, Schools and individual students, with a number of her students achieving International success. As part of her desire to encourage young people to remain with the Pony Club into their 20s, Amanda instigated the Area 9 Associates’ Camp in 2005 to give some of the older members the opportunity to meet some high profile riders and coaches, whilst improving their partnerships with their horses, attending demonstrations and forging friendships for the future. Amanda has produced many horses and ponies from the start of their careers through to International success in all equestrian disciplines.
Amanda is currently judging dressage, show jumping and cross country online with video analysis and Zoom feedback. She now holds a qualification in Applied Psychology for Equestrian Coaches, having recently completed their Advanced Programme with Centre10.
For Amanda, the most rewarding part of coaching is the love of sharing knowledge, enthusing people about the joys of riding and seeing partnerships progress. It's for this reason that she launched a new project, Rider Responsibilities, with her daughter, Anna Dangerfield. This new venture draws on their many generations of knowledge and expertise and will help all equestrians to understand and achieve the best from their horses and ponies. Each week there are live sessions as well as question and answer sessions, and monthly Zoom presentations featuring internationally renowned Guest Speakers.