The Easter bunny has brought some good news and, in these strange times, good news is always welcome!
Particularly when the news comes from Liz Halliday, who has posted an update on her social media that she is now riding regularly at home and recently travelled to TerraNova in Florida to be graded as a Para Dressage rider.
Liz, who suffered serious head trauma during a cross country fall at the 2024 American Eventing Championships, returned home to her farm in Kentucky in late December and one of her best friends, Deniro Z, the now 18-year-old horse that was an integral part of Liz’s eventing, has joined her.
“I am now riding at home 3 days a week thanks to my lovely team member Melissa, who looks after my retired horses at the farm. She has graciously allowed me to ride her sweet Brewer, and I can’t tell you how incredible it feels to ride in my own arena again for the first time in so long” says Liz
Above all, my heart is so full because we just welcomed Deniro Z back to the farm. Sitting on him again has been the highlight of my year. You all know how much Niro meant to me in launching my career to the next level, and having him with me makes my life feel a bit more back to normal”
Following her visit to TerraNova, Liz is now officially an FEI Grade 2 Para Dressage rider.
“The Grade 2 FEI tests are based on movements at the walk and trot, and judging is based largely on the quality of the horse and its performance. The tests are long and quite complex, and I’ve started practicing movements at home with the anticipation to dive back into competing this year” explains Liz
“I also met a number of Para Dressage competitors at TerraNova, and they are an impressive group: resilient, friendly, and dedicated horsewomen. It was an amazing feeling to be with elite athletes who are living with and overcoming the same challenges that I am”
“This is an exciting new direction in my career, and I’m so happy to be able to compete again. Onward and upward!”
