
Amanda Vlietstra
Amanda Vlietstra is a freelance writer and editor who’s worked for a number of national magazines and websites. Having thrown herself back rural living with gusto since moving from London to Buckinghamshire in 2012, she juggles her horsey life with work and two small children. She claims to do dressage, but really just potters about having fun on her 14.2hh Belgian Warmblood mare, Roxy. She also enjoys a good gossip over a coffee in the tackroom!
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Lady Gaga — and 7 other surprising celebrities who love to rideThere are a few horse-loving celebs that we all know about, but others are a bit more of a surprise
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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6 eye-wateringly expensive items of tack with price tags you won’t believeIf you think you’re pushing the boat out by splashing out for a few Swarovski crystals on your browband or a matchy-matchy dressage set, then check out this jaw-droppingly expensive tack...
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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‘He gave me the jumping bug’: Meet Bertram Allen’s free-range first ponyHorse & Hound caught up with the top Irish showjumper about his first showjumping pony, who enjoys a free-range retirement on his yard
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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Want to take your dog on holiday? These are the hotels you need…Can’t bear leaving your dog behind? Know the feeling. But don’t worry – take him with you. He’ll have the time of his life in these super-dog-friendly hotels…
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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6 fixes for the ultimate Thelwell addict (and you don’t need to be under the age of 10)If you’re a Thelwell lover (and who isn’t) then check out all this gorgeous merchandise…
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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‘Will only date four-star eventers’ — and other online dating profile blundersLooking for a summer romance? Take a look at our advice for riders braving the world of online dating...
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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Horsily ever after: the romantic proposals with an equestrian spinIf you’re a horse lover, you’ll know they somehow work their way into every important event in your life — and getting engaged is no exception...
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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Wheelie bins eat horses — and other things you need to know before you go hackingSharing your hacking routes with other road users can be challenging. Here's six things you absolutely need to know before venturing out
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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Always dreamed of swimming on horseback? Look no furtherHere are seven of the best places for swimming on horseback plus some vital safety advice
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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The OTHER reasons you know spring is here (we’re not talking about the primroses…)Spring is a blessed relief after months of relentlessly grim weather — but it brings with it a few special horsey challenges as well...
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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‘Horses are miracle workers’: how one gypsy cob saved a woman after she lost her babyBy Amanda Vlietstra Published
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A Thermos flask was your favourite present — and other signs you’re a competition junkieHurrah! The competition season will soon begin in earnest — and the following may well sound familiar to you…
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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15 reasons your colleagues know you’re an equestrianBy Amanda Vlietstra Published
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The perfect horsey Christmas versus… realityGetting excited about having a lovely relaxing Christmas with a load of horsey gifts under the tree? Hmmm. Hate to burst your bubble but the following scenarios may be more likely...
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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5 great games to keep you busy over the Christmas holidaysWhile away the long winter nights this Christmas with these great horsey games — some you can play on your phone and others are proper old school...
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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6 things sure to humiliate every riderJust when you think you’re at the top of your game, something will happen to bring you back down to earth with a bump...
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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6 things you discover when you get two (or more) horsesFor years, he’s been an 'only horse'. Then, for whatever reason, one becomes two, and suddenly everything changes, for him as well as you. Here’s how…
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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‘My husband would divorce me if he knew’: true confessions of a horse addictIt seems some of us aren’t entirely honest with our partners and families about the true extent (and cost!) of our horsey hobby…
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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11 true confessions of a riding school ponyIt’s hard work being a riding school steed but there are ways of livening things up, as our anonymous equine contributor explains…
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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How dressage helped rider recover from breast cancerRachel Constantine, 46, tells H&H about how her drive to make it to the British Dressage regional championships helped her to get back in the saddle while recovering from cancer treatment
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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Spooky! 6 horses that may haunt you…From the legendary highwayman Dick Turpin and his faithful mare Black Bess to Anne Boleyn's headless carriage horses, here are a few equines that may give you the shivers... Happy Halloween!
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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Get ready to find your life crush: 8 of the best equestrian Instagram accountsInstagram is a fast track way to succumbing to life envy — but we reckon it's worth it when you're following these equestrian accounts...
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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10 reasons why buying a new horse might be the most stressful thing everHorse shopping should be fun… But but it can also considerably raise your blood pressure. Here's why...
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
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7 things you’ll know if juggle work with horsesUntil that Lottery dream comes true, chances are you’re financing your horse habit with a job. In which case, some of these might sound familiar
By Amanda Vlietstra Published
