The Sivewright Heritage
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
From the renowned Talland School of Equitation to International competition, the Sivewright name has been synonymous with equestrian excellence for generations.
This is the story of a family devoted to the art and discipline of horsemanship, and my journey through competitive riding to coaching.
Amanda's Story
Born Amanda Sivewright in St Ives, Cornwall, I grew up immersed in the world created by my grandmother, Pamela Kennedy Ryder-Richardson, and my parents, Molly and Charles Sivewright. Together, they founded the Talland School of Equitation, originally named after Talland Bay.
When I was five, my father, a former Colonel in the 11th Hussars, moved our family to Church Farm, Siddington, Cirencester, where the dairy herd quickly gave way to horses, ponies, and students. My mother, Molly, competed internationally in dressage and authored three highly regarded equestrian books:
Thinking Riding – Books 1 & 2 and
Lessons on the Lunge for Horse & Rider.
She coached actively until her passing in 2013.
Amanda's own competitive career began with the VWH Pony Club, achieving success across all disciplines, including the Pony Club Eventing Championships. Her international career highlights include representing Great Britain at the Junior European Eventing Championships, where she was a member of two consecutive gold medal-winning teams: in 1971, riding Gameel in Wesel, Germany (finishing 8th individually), and in 1972 with Alsedell at Eridge (placing 4th individually). Amanda and Alsedell went on to compete at the prestigious Burghley Horse Trials, achieving 9th place.
Beyond her competitive success, Amanda gained her BHSI qualification at just 21 years of age and has since become a British Eventing Accredited coach, producing numerous horses and ponies from the start of their careers through to international success across all equestrian disciplines.
Amanda's sister, Pamela, is a former International eventing and dressage rider, a Horse & Hound columnist, and now runs the family business, Talland. My younger sister, Sarah, competed internationally in dressage and is now a coach and qualified equestrian expert witness. Out of five family members, four of us competed internationally. Equestrian excellence runs through generations of Sivewright.
Amanda's Equestrian Achievement
1971: Junior European Championships – First Gold
My competitive career began as a member of the VWH Pony Club, achieving success across all disciplines, including the Pony Club Eventing Championships. In 1971, riding Gameel, I became part of the gold medal-winning British eventing team at the Junior European Eventing Championships in Wesel, Germany, placing 8th individually.
1972: Junior European Championships – Second Gold
The following year, Alsedell and I represented Great Britain at the Junior European Championships held in Eridge. We were part of a second gold medal-winning team and finished 4th individually. One of the highlights of my career remains the feeling of seeing the GB flag raised and hearing the National Anthem, knowing that my horse and I contributed to that achievement.
Burghley Horse Trials & 5* Competitions
Alsedell and I went on to compete at the prestigious Burghley Horse Trials, finishing 9th.
My competitive career culminated in competing at International
5* level, the pinnacle of equestrian eventing.
Transition to Coaching
At the age of 21, I gained my BHSI qualification, one of the youngest to do so. I've since become recognised as a British Eventing Accredited Coach, building a coaching career spanning over 45 years. My students frequently comment on my ability to instil confidence, understanding that "what is in the brain goes down the rein". Many of my students have gone on to achieve International success across all equestrian disciplines.
I'm particularly gifted with horses and ponies who are very sensitive, taking a patient approach and leaving no stone unturned. Throughout my coaching career, I've produced many horses and ponies from the start of their careers through to International success.
Today
Based in the North Cotswolds, I now accept selective coaching enquiries based on availability and suitability, focusing on confidence-building in both horse and rider. My passion for equestrianism extends to capturing the beauty and spirit of horses through my artwork, creating pieces that celebrate the elegance of the equestrian world.
"The most rewarding part of coaching is the love and passion of sharing knowledge, learning and experience whilst enthusing people about the joys of riding, training and learning, and seeing partnerships develop and progress."
A Legacy of Equestrian Excellence
Project name her
This is the text area for this paragraph. To change it, simply click and start typing.
HRH Queen Elizabeth II - Windsor Horse Trials
This is the text area for this paragraph. To change it, simply click and start typing.
Project name here
This is the text area for this paragraph. To change it, simply click and start typing.
Project name here
This is the text area for this paragraph. To change it, simply click and start typing.
