Meet our Team Rider Amanda Barnestam
Amanda Barnestam is currently working as a groom for Emma Jönsson at Särö Stable. One of her greatest memories in the sport is winning an individual Swedish Championship gold medal with Jarno RP 145 – an unforgettable moment!
Tell us a little about yourself
My name is Amanda Barnestam, I’m 22 years old, and I’m a happy and positive person who loves training, competing, and constantly improving—both with my horses and within myself!
How long have you been riding?
I’ve been riding for as long as I can remember—since I was about six years old.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day starts at 6:30 AM in the stable, where I clean one of the barns at Särö Stable, turn out the horses, prepare hay and feed, and make sure everything looks neat and tidy. At 8:00 AM, we have breakfast together and go through the day’s schedule. Then I start preparing horses for one of the riders, who usually rides until around 1:00 PM.
At 1:00 PM, it’s time for lunch, and we all eat together, which I love—it’s such a nice break in the day! After lunch, around 2:00 PM, we bring the horses back in, tidy up the stable areas, and give them their afternoon feed. By 3:30 PM, I finish work and head straight to my own horse, Frappa, for training or a ride.
After that, I head up to my apartment—also on the farm—where I cook dinner and relax on the sofa.
What has been your biggest personal achievement in equestrian sports?
Winning Swedish Championship gold in the individual competition with Jarno RP 145, a pony I borrowed from Karin Levin. A memory I will treasure forever!
What motivates you in the sport?
The drive to improve every single day. The best feeling is seeing real progress after all the hard work—and, of course, when that progress shows in the competition arena!
What’s your best advice for someone dreaming of a successful career in equestrian sports?
Surround yourself with people who love horses and riding as much as you do, who are just as dedicated and passionate. Being around like-minded people is incredibly inspiring, and you’ll naturally push each other to improve.
For me, moving to Särö Stable has been a game-changer in my development as an athlete. I’ve gained so much confidence in myself as a rider, and when I step into the arena, I feel nothing but gratitude and joy. It’s just so much fun—I love every second of it!
What are your future goals and dreams?
To always strive to be the best version of myself, to become the best rider I can be, and to develop young horses into top-level competitors.
How do you prepare for a competition?
Lots of training, staying focused, and surrounding myself with positive energy from friends and trainers.
What’s your favorite Uhip product?
Definitely the Frost Coat 2.0! It’s not only super warm but also looks amazing!
