Equestrian coach at 18 and getting even busier
COACH'S CORNER
TAMMY Bondfield has coached at pony club level since the age of 18.
She joined the Warwick Hack and Pony Club at age four and won ribbons galore at state and national level.
Bondfield won a Daily News/Warwick Credit Union Junior Sports Star of the Year award.
She is now an equestrian coach and graphic designer but still helps out at the Warwick Hack and Pony Club.
Bondfield lists her priorities as a coach: My motto is "perfect practice makes perfect”.
If you don't practice well, you are not going to perfect the discipline.
"I have coached a lot of showjumping and dressage but have moved more into eventing which also includes cross country,” she said.
"Anyone keen on competing should try to ride their horse at least four times a week.
"If you get good work after 15 minutes, call it a day. Don't keep working until something goes wrong.
"Depending on the age and experience of a horse, riders can get most horses to concentrate for 30 minutes with short breaks.”.
She says it is the same with the riders as fitness is a key to concentration.
"Patience is an essential part of riding. Riders must be prepared to accept criticism.
"I have been inspired by my mother Sue to be a coach.”
