Now hear some thoughts from Liz's clients, friends and employers!
"When I first moved to the USEA Area 4 in 2004, Liz immediately caught my eye as a talented but gracious young rider and competitor. It didn’t take long for me to realize that she represents what I think this sport should embody: dedication and hard work, positive relationships with her horses, a desire to further her own knowledge and then pass it on through excellent teaching and mentoring. These are the reasons I chose to support Liz professionally through a veterinary sponsorship. Personally, this was one of the best decisions I could have made for I gained a great friend, trainer and mentor. Liz is the consummate horsewoman; it’s not just about the ride for her, but the care and the relationship too. She is involved in every facet of her horse’s lives and I respect her for this. In this age of “fast track to the top”, I enjoy watching Liz take time out for a mental health break and go for a hack if that’s what her mount needs. She puts in the time, sweat, effort and energy into training her horses, creating a solid foundation for success. I have enjoyed watching Liz compete at the upper levels, and I admire that she always has time for a beginner novice course walk if that’s what a student needs. I have been fortunate enough to work with Liz with my own horse and she has given me the confidence and skills to make a successful move up to training with a potential eye on prelim! Liz is an extremely talented, professional and gracious rider and I look forward to watching her successes and achievements in the years to come."
-Jennifer Johnson DVM, MS Diplomate ACVIM (LA)
"Liz is both an amazing trainer and a talented rider. Training with her for the past two years has been an incredible journey, and with her help I have grown so much as a rider and a horsewoman. Liz is patient and understanding, but still always encourages me to do my best and meet new challenges. Her passion for horses, riding, and teaching is incredible; she clearly loves what she does and transfers this limitless enthusiasm and dedication to the sport on to her students. Every lesson is challenging and fun, and every time I come away having learned something new. Liz has an amazing eye and always notices things immediately about my horse and me that other people have overlooked. She helped me look for a horse for almost a year, and encouraged me to stay focused and never settle for anything less than I wanted. In the end, this patience and persistence on her part was what allowed me to find my dream horse. Around the barn, Liz is always responsible and helpful; She sets a great example by taking immaculate care of her own horse and cheerfully lends a hand in whatever needs to done. She is one of the most amazing people I have ever met and I am the luckiest girl in the world to have her as my trainer! "
-Maria Filsinger, Friend & Student
"I was fortunate enough to meet Liz while competing with her in the Central States area. We have known each other for years now and grown very close. I have seen Liz on many different mounts in the time that I have known her. She surly has the natural ability to ride any kind of horse. I have watched Liz take her current horse, Hannah, from a horse that wasn’t supposed to be an event horse, to the successful upper level horse she is today. Liz has been a great friend and trainer to me over the years, whether in the barn or not Liz is always there for people and horses. Liz is always willing to help anyone in any way that she can. It is evident that she cares more about helping people succeed, have fun, be safe than anything else. Liz is a great equestrian and trainer at all levels."
-Nicole Zullo, Friend and Equine Science Major at the University of Kentucky
"I have seen Liz grow from a horse-crazy teenager to a confident and knowledgeable horsewoman. She has a wide range of experiences and has worked with a variety of horses, from the buckers to the rank thoroughbreds to the highly-trained. What impresses me most about Liz is her ability to understand the horse she's sitting on. If the horse has been misbehaving for the owner, Liz is able to approach the horse without being judgemental, and this approach is highly successful. Horses that frustrate people or ones that people have given up on are Liz's specialty. She understands these horses and is able to build a positive relationship with them, giving them the confidence and the skills to be successful. For Liz, the horse is the first priority. Her professional experience is in high demand, but her wisdom from the horse's point of view is priceless."
-Ayla Turnquist, Graduate from Johns Hopkins, currently attending UPenn Vet School
"I have had the opportunity and privilege to work with Liz during the past few years. She is a very hard working and dedicated individual, always willing and enthusiastic to further her equine knowledge and understanding. She enjoys the challenges that come with horse ownership, riding, training, competition, and the inherent never ending educational process. One of the most endearing assets which Liz possesses is her enthusiasm, and endless ability to have fun. At times working with horses can be very stressful and frustrating which requires great patience and persistence. Liz, in her equestrian career has learned a lot about horses and life in general and rarely will you encounter her without a bounce in her step and a smile on her face. As an equestrian athlete and horsewoman, Liz has the qualities and spirit to follow her dreams and to reach her goals.
"I have had the opportunity and privilege to work with Liz during the past few years. She is a very hard working and dedicated individual, always willing and enthusiastic to further her equine knowledge and understanding. She enjoys the challenges that come with horse ownership, riding, training, competition, and the inherent never ending educational process. One of the most endearing assets which Liz possesses is her enthusiasm, and endless ability to have fun. At times working with horses can be very stressful and frustrating which requires great patience and persistence. Liz, in her equestrian career has learned a lot about horses and life in general and rarely will you encounter her without a bounce in her step and a smile on her face. As an equestrian athlete and horsewoman, Liz has the qualities and spirit to follow her dreams and to reach her goals.
-Liz Turnquist, T-Oaks Farm Hamel, MN
"I wanted to let you know that we watched all of the Intermediate riders go through the sunken road and water and you were by far had one of the best rides. You are a talented rider"
-Jenna Brown, Algonquin, IO
Liz & Hannah's first horse trial at Wayne DuPage in 2005 at Training Level.
Liz & Too Late for the News, a client's horse in Newsy's first year of eventing.
