Blenheim equestrian coach Amanda Bashford played a significant role in New Zealand's outstanding success at the recent Special Olympics World Summer games at Athens, Greece.

The 52-strong New Zealand team, which included coaches and officials, won 15 gold, 10 silver and nine bronze medals at the games in the 2004 Olympic Games venue.

More than 7500 athletes with disabilities from throughout the world competed.

Despite being just 21 years old, Amanda had the considerable responsibility of being manager and coach of the two-person equestrian team, comprising Tom Sutton from Christchurch and Devon Tretheway from Te Aroha.

Tom won a bronze and a silver medal, while Devon, competing against men and women, was right up there with the best women riders, taking out gold and silver medals.

While Amanda thoroughly enjoyed the experience, it certainly was not a holiday.

"My day would start about 5am and we would be back home at 2pm but I would then start preparing for the next day and wouldn't finish up until around 5pm.

"I enjoyed it. [It was] pretty stressful at times but all in all, a great experience.

"It was an amazing experience for the athletes. They were away from their families. A lot of them don't go away from their families but some of them are more independent than others."

The equestrian event included quite a bit of travel, with towns hosting teams in the days leading up to the main event.

Looking after and coaching these athletes had its challenges, Amanda says.

"You have got to have patience. If you haven't, you learn it pretty quickly. You still coach the same stuff but you make it basic and allow more time for the athletes to get the hang of it before you move on."

The horses were supplied at the games and were generally very good. Arriving groomed and ready for competition, they would be taken away immediately after competing to be tended to.

Working with horses is something Amanda loves. She works full-time at the Marlborough Riding for the Disabled, starting there as a volunteer when she was just 13 years old. She is now the assistant head coach and horse manager and works with disabled people all year round at the facility, along with four other paid staff and several volunteers.

"I love horses. I've always been keen on them," Amanda says.

"Mum and Dad always had something to do with horses. Granddad was a race horse trainer and Mum helped him. My aunties in Christchurch breed and sell them. It's always been in my blood.

"I love kids and helping people achieve goals and do things they wouldn't ordinarily be able to do.

"Disabled athletes get a big thrill out of riding."

The Marlborough Riding for Disabled centre off Taylor Pass Rd is outstanding with a standard-sized indoor riding arena measuring 60 metres by 20m, providing shelter in winter and shade in the hot summer months.

There are about 18 horses which the staff, including Amanda, look after. Most horses are between six and 17 years old.

The amenity not only caters for people with disabilities but is open to anyone who wants lessons.

Anyone wanting more information can contact Amanda on 5783051 or drop into the office and have a chat to one of the staff members.

- The Marlborough Express

Sourced from: http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/community-papers/5288496/Horsing-around