Iben and her Icelandic pony Mimir

We catch up with former European No.1 Iben Tinning, before she heads south for the start of the 2010 LET season at the Pegasus New Zealand Women’s Open hosted by Christchurch, which takes place from 25-28 February, next week.

Tinning: This year, winter has been unusually long and hard in Denmark - and everywhere else it appears. This has meant absolutely no chance of getting a game of golf in since we finished in Dubai – on the other hand, it has presented me with a great opportunity to catch up with all the other things I’ve been falling behind with lately…

Also, it has given way to the pursuit of my hobbies, now that it’s been impossible to work more than some practise sessions now and again at my local indoor centre.

My son Mads has had my undivided attention – it’s absolutely fantastic being able to rekindle our bond, which invariably weakens when Mummy goes away week in, week out during the season. Thank God, children don’t hold a grudge in that department and he’s getting to an age (4) where he understands, I have to travel with my job – even if it means, I leave home for many days at a time.

We take great pleasure in going horseback riding together – we have each our own horse. Mine is called Mimir, he’s a beautiful yellow/sandy Icelandic pony and I try to see him 4-5 times a week. Mads has his own little chocolate coloured Shetland pony called Mulle. They are best friends and just such a gorgeous sight together.

Riding through the woods either alone or with a couple of girlfriends from the stables is a complete energy boost for me.

Mads with his Shetland Mulle

I really treasure spending quality time with my family and obviously, not having to travel somewhere new every week means that I can catch up with friends, who are very understanding towards my line of work and (almost) never complain about not seeing me.

This winter has also meant a fair bit of hard work, though. I have started working out with a new personal trainer called Bettina Borg. She shows no mercy and works me to within an inch of my life twice a week. Apart from that, I work out daily at a gym near my house.

It feels really good to get back in shape (BTW, no, I was never pregnant - to those who were wondering) and one needn’t be a rocket scientist to figure out the positive benefits a healthier and stronger body will have on my game…don’t expect to see Bo Derek out there, but expect a trimmer Tinning for sure.

I hope everyone has had a great winter and enjoyed their ”time off”- I certainly have and feel ready to get out there now that I have recharged my batteries with the love of my friends and family, particularly my “special boys” Mads and my husband Lasse…

See you soon…

All the best,

Iben.