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International Three-Day Eventer and race Car Driver |
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Liz Halliday is a native Californian and a unique sportswoman. Now based in Surrey, England, Liz is both an international equestrian in Three-Day Eventing as well as a international motor racing driver in GT endurance racing.
Since I pursue both eventing and motor sports, the seasons of which run simultaneously from May-October, each day begins differently. I may be traveling from one venue to another. If not, a semi-routine day would begin early on the computer occupied with activities pertaining to eventing or racing. I ride my three horses, Harry, Oscar and my advanced horse, Fox, and two or three of Joe Meyer’s horses.
What is your training regimen for you and your horses? The fitness training for the horses varies depending on the level at which they are competing, the time of year, and other factors. Normally, the intermediate/advanced horses will gallop every 4th day, starting with slower and longer sets of canter work (i.e. three eight minute sets) and then they will do a bit more fast work on a proper racing gallop when they are closer to an event. Our horses then always hack the day after galloping. We usually don’t jump more than once or twice a week, dependent on what the horse needs. Schooling work will be done for about 45 minutes and the horses also go on the walker every day for about 30 minutes. Since eventing and endurance racing demand physical strength, stamina and balance, I work with my personal trainer three days a week for about two hours. Other days I will run, scull or kick-box to improve my cardiovascular conditioning. I believe that the more physically fit I am will determine how mentally prepared I will be. The balance of the day is spent in the barn and after diner, it is back to the computer, then bed!
How did you become interested in Eventing? Horses are my first love and I starting riding at eight. I joined a Pony Club and since eventing was the most challenging and dangerous discipline, I had to try it! I knew right away it was for me. I trained in the U.S. and six years ago moved to England to train with William Fox-Pitt. I was able to ride his best horses and he helped to move me through the levels and has given me a base line for event-horse training and has made me realize what commitment it takes to compete at the high levels. Joe Meyer has helped me to get to my first 3* level event and has improved my jumping and general riding tremendously. In Dressage, Pammy Hutton has taught me so much about upper-level Dressage and training methods for my horses that it is now my strongest phase.
What advice do you have for someone wishing to be a professional rider? Be ready for a big commitment in any horse related occupation. It’s a job that rarely takes a day off, even if you would like to have one. I also think that you need to really love what you are doing and have an ultimate goal in mind. Most importantly, always keep your word and give your employer the confidence to trust that you will always follow through and be 100 percent committed to the job at hand. |
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Eques Horse & Rider Magazine |
How
does your day begin?