Discipline: Dressage
Date of birth: July 17, 1956
Place of birth: Anchorage, Alaska
Height: 5’5
Home: Maitland, ON
Marital status: married; Adam
Coach: Sue Rothgeb

Do you have a favorite author? Who?
Ursula LeGuin who writes science fiction.

What do you do to keep fit?
"I have time to do that???" During lunch Liz walks outside, usually to the mall to run an errand. The riding keeps her fit and she tries to eat properly.

What mentors do you have, in and outside of the horse industry?
Liz has a few. The late Pam Dillingham, Barbara Kemp and her mother, Sue Rothgeb. Outside of the industry she has a lot of admiration for Bill Gates, "who took a crappy product and made a fortune!"

Where do you want to see yourself in five years, not only with regards to horses?
Liz would love to be able to give up her day job and be able to expand her business with the horses. She has started a lot more teaching and really enjoys that a lot.

What was the most memorable/important horse show moment to you? Why?
Her Grand Prix test at the North American Championships in 1997. "I knew I hadn’t let the team down – it was a good performance and really contributed to the team."

Who is the most interesting person that you have had the opportunity of meeting?
Oscar Peterson, a Canadian pianist based in Montreal. While attending Queen’s University Liz helped to organize one of his concerts and had the opportunity to chat with him.

Who is someone that you have never met, in or out of the horse industry that you would like to? Why?
William Gibson – a science fiction writer.

If you could be granted one wish what would you wish for?
"Continued health for my family."

What is something you have done in your life that you truly regret?
Liz didn’t have anything that she regretted doing, just NOT doing. She wishes that she had gone further with her education, especially in the field in which she is currently in.

Did you go to university/college? If so what for?
Liz attended Queens University and took Classical Studies because she wanted to become more educated.

What is your all time favorite movie?
Top Gun – She likes the whole movie but favorite parts include all flying scenes especially when Mavrick buzzes the tower. The scene where Mavrick and
Goose sing in the bar is also one of her favorites!

Do you have a favorite type of music and favorite band?
She likes all types, most of all blues guitar. Artists such as Mark Knoffler and Dire Straits she really enjoys.

What are your biggest pet peeves?
Inattention, pettiness and poor grammar.

What do you do to relieve stress before a big competition?
Three years ago Liz started Tai Chi. She also reads to settle herself.

How do you manage competing at the level you do and maintain your other professional career?
"I don’t get a lot of sleep!" Liz says that organization is key. "You have to make time to do things that you want to do and also get things done you have to do." Focus is another really important aspect, you have to know what you want and go for it.

Is there one song that describes you and your way of life?
Liz really couldn’t think of a song to describe her but she did think of a motivational song. "You are a Superstar" by Supertramp. It is kind of Liz’s theme song – Ally McBeal has one why can’t Liz!!

If someone ran into you on the street, what kind of clothes would you be wearing?
"Well that depends where I was before I was on the street!" Liz is pretty casual so she thinks probably jeans or khakis and a button down shirt.

If you couldn’t ride anymore, what would you do with your life, besides coaching?
She would drive horses.

What has been the most embarrassing moment you have had in riding?
"Being bucked off in a Medium 2 test." The mare was the dam of her Grand Prix horse Maxwell.

What is your favorite quote and who said it?
"There ain’t no Coupe de Ville hiding at the bottom of a Cracker Jack box." Meatloaf

Liz has 3 corgies; Whimsey, Ruffles and Madigan, who are her "constant companions." When possible they go to horse shows with her.

Her words of advice to aspiring equestrians are, "Don’t make your dreams too small – dream big – even if you don’t get there, it’s the journey that is important….hang onto your dream – if it was easy, everyone would do it…don’t take NO for an answer."

Liz is a technical consultant and has her own website. To find out more about her and her farm you can go to www.porcupinehill.com