You can read more about the ethos of EquiTeam and how it all began in our blog, ‘One friendship created so many more’.
Liz is a UKCC Level 2 coach and one of the founders of EquiTeam Confidence camps alongside Louise Gillings. Liz regularly coaches riders of all ages and abilities at clinic days and for Riding Clubs and Pony Clubs.
In addition to being an equestrian coach Liz previously worked as a professional groom, most notably grooming for Olympic showjumper, Geoff Billington.
This has led to many exciting opportunities including being an ‘Ask the Expert’ in Horse magazine, a regular demonstrator at Your Horse Live in the Turnout and Clipping Zone, and a regular contributor for Horse Tribe.
In her day job Liz also works in equestrian marketing, social media and PR. Liz has competed for many years and is currently enjoying working with her horse Cianti.
Louise has a long history in professional grooming, which led her to travel all around the UK and Europe as a show jumping groom.
After her years as a professional groom Lou spent time working for an arena building company and a competition centre, before developing her existing skills to become an equestrian events organiser.
Lou also works miracles in the kitchen and is well-known for her amazing home cooking and tray bakes. Although currently in between horses Lou is a very talented rider and hopes to be back in the saddle when her small person is a little bigger and time allows.
Prior to a career as a professional eventing groom, Liz completed a degree in Equine Science at Writtle College which led her to work for a nation wide feed and supplement company.
Several years later Liz relocated to Scotland to set up and build an equine veterinary practice alongside her husband Hugh.
As Practice Manager Liz has developed many skills from equine nursing to accounting and her experiences led her to achieving a post graduate Certificate in Veterinary Business Management.
Liz has been an active competitive rider for many years, focussing on eventing before turning and flicking her toes very successfully in the dressage arena with her dancing partner, Splash.
We are passionate about providing content which is really useful to riders which is why we teamed up with Equestrian Fitness Scotland’s Lauren Semple to provide rider fitness videos, plans and advice.
Lauren is a Level 4 strength and conditioning coach and holds many specific exercise class qualifications too. Alongside EquiTeam, she also works with horsescotland and British Horse Society helping riders with their strength and fitness.
Lauren is a regular rider and creates her workouts and plans to help equestrians improve both in and out of the saddle.
Because I was very fast running in a straight line and struggled at school but loved PE I found a lot of pleasure in exercise and what it can do for you physically and mentally
Level 4 Strength and conditioning coach Lots of specific exercise class qualifications Spin/metafit/Clubbercise to name a few.
HorseScotland EquiTeam British Horse Society
HIIT is my favourite My least favourite is anything over 35 minutes lol
Beer
I love that EquiTeam reaches 95% of the demographic in the equestrian world and strives to make an educational, supportive and motivational platform and group to inspire and encourage everyone
Balance and mobility
Consistency is key & making yourself a priority Do not try to make drastic changes too quickly make realistic positive changes that you will want to sustain & do for yourself (& your pony)
Be realistic, honest and kind to yourself You can do it you are just on your own path don’t fallow someone else’s
Our horses are one of the many things that bond us as a community and they are most certainly great levellers! You will see our own horses featuring in some of our videos, so it is only right that they have their space on the website too!
Cianti is a 16.2hh bay mare belonging to Liz D. Liz purchased Cianti in July 2021 and the pair have been having lots of fun together focussing on their dressage journey and enjoying some non-competitive jumping.
Favourite things: Food and jumping
Least favourite: There are many – new things and pigs!
Nickname: Pie
Betsy is a 14.2hh liver chestnut mare belonging to Liz’s daughter Eloise who describes Betsy as ‘her best friend’. Betsy is the ultimate in teaching, safe, capable but most certainly not push button. Eloise and Betsy love jumping and hacking.
Favourite things: Jumping, hacking and Eloise
Least favourite: Being asked to work in an outline
Nickname: Betsy Legend
Splash is a flashy 16.2hh coloured gelding belonging to Liz S. Splash and Liz have had an exciting and varied career having jumped very competitively up to BE100, to Discovery at BS and are currently competing at British Dressage at Medium level.
Favourite things: Cuddles and playing with his friends in the field
Least favourite: Sheep
Nickname: Gorg