Photo taken by Gold Horse Media
Meet Free Ride Sponsored Rider Lizzy:
I am currently based in Ocala, Florida in the winter months and Upperville, Virginia in the summer months. I have a small business developing jumpers for a variety of owners and clients. Generally we get the horses when they are between 4 and 6 years old with the goal of developing them through the levels. I grew up on my family’s working farm in Central Pennsylvania. When I was a kid riding with one hand was pretty difficult so I didn’t do a lot of competing or showing. I was more interested in just hanging out and having fun with the horses. It led to a bit of a unique start because I would ride my pony bareback and bridle-less and eventually taught him some tricks, which ended us up on the road with the night of amazing horses traveling and performing all over the country. My pony Toby also become a Breyer model which I still think today was one of the coolest things ever.
What’s the most important lesson your trainer and horses have taught you?
Horses gave me the gift of unconditional acceptance. Growing up with a disability and a limb difference definitely had its complications, and horses are just the most honest creatures to work with. They didn’t care that I was different.
I think one of the most important lessons that a trainer taught me was that it’s never the horse’s fault. Horses give us so much, and it’s truly incredible what they allow us to do with them. We can never take that for granted.
The same trainer, Mr. Joe Fargis, also taught me that “hope is not a strategy,” and I have definitely carried that throughout my career. It’s a simple saying, but it carries over into all aspects of the sport. Whether it’s training, planning, managing, or anything else, it’s a reminder that you must be clear with your intentions. In order to be successful, you have to practice having purpose and positive intentions every day.
Do you have a routine or item for good luck before a competition? If so, what is it?
I tend to keep myself pretty busy and I am not the superstitious type, but I do always recite my course in detail out loud, no matter if its a 1.0m young jumper class or a big grand prix. I find it helps me visualize my plan and get ready to go in and deliver a great round!
If you weren't a pro rider, what would you be doing?
I studied finance in college and while many of the principles have served me well in my own business now, I did not love my studies haha. I could imagine being an event planner or an organizer of some sort. I love solving problems, creating fun experiences, and juggling lots of balls so I could see myself working in that space within the horse world.
Who inspires you to push further, show up more, and to keep striving to the next level?
This is going to sound cheesy, but at the end of the day, it is the horses that have always pushed me forward and encourage me to keep striving and show up more. I’ve always been so appreciative for what they’ve given to me and I feel the responsibility to give them my best self and to continue to get better and do right by them. I think that’s been the driving factor behind my success so far.
What are your Favorite Free Ride Pieces?
The Sarah Sun Shirt is a personal favorite. It is so buttery soft and so comfortable to wear yet has such a flattering fit. I have ridden in so many different shirts over the years and it is my all-time favorite shirt to wear.
Second favorite would have to be the Pro Breeches in Navy and Black. They fit so well and are so comfortable to wear all day. I always get so many compliments and they are the pants I am always reaching for!
I personally love Free Ride for their comfort and fit. I am always reaching for from Free Ride gear because it fits so well, it is so comfortable, and soft.
