Liz Austin has been a dressage competitor since 1989 (she was five). She began riding sales horses for her mother, Madeleine Austin, when she was twelve, the same year she started her first horse under saddle. At sixteen she competed in her first Prix St. Georges on a horse she trained herself and by twenty-two she made her Grand Prix dressage debut in Europe riding Olivier, her mother’s home bred stallion.
Liz has had the unique opportunity to work with some of the greatest riders and trainers in the world. In the spring of 2013 she had the chance to spend two months in England training with Carl Hester which she calls, “the most inspirational riding adventure of my life.” Other trainers Liz has also worked extensively with Debbie McDonald, Kathy Connelly, Michael Barisone, Lendon Gray, Robert Dover, Oded Shimoni, Tuny Page and Jennifer Baumert. As a Young Rider Liz participated in the Advanced Young Rider clinics with Conrad Schumacher and she credits him with giving her the basis for much of her training today.
Competitive Highlights
-Competed in Two Grand Prix National Championships
-Competed in two World Dressage Masters (youngest competitor ever) including a 3rd place finish in Grand Prix Special
-Long Listed for 2010 World Equestrian Games
-Reserve Rider for 2011 FEI World Cup Final
-Two Time National Champion (Brentina Cup)
-Individual Silver Medalist at North American Young Rider Championships
-Competed successfully at Adequan Global Dressage