Born in Southampton, England, on June 26th 1964 Liz Hopps was one of the Canadian Team members competing at the 1998 World Equestrian Games in Rome. With a bright new training facility in the heart of beautiful British Columbia Liz hopes to attrack new opportunities
which could help develop her and her students' career. Her training approach emphasizes a correct, harmonious way of going with the horse working in a light contact, being energetic and responsive to aids, which is reflected on her top horse Elymas.
Liz has trained in Germany and Sweden at Flyinge Stud. Under Kyra Kyrklund's supervision she and her Dutch warmblood Elymas (by Vanitas x Thijs) made great improvement, making her international debut in 1995 and resulting in a double victory at two American CDI-W's and a participation at the World Equestrian Games in Rome.
In 1996 Liz was a member of the team which competed in the Can-Am Challenge in California and led the team to a bronze medal by finishing second in both the Intermediare I and Prix St. Georges. As greatest reward in riding, Hopps thanks her wonderful horse " I love him, and I love riding him. I trained him to grand prix on my own, with some very good help. He is a pleasure to ride, active from my leg, and light in my hand. I ride him in a thick snaffle, and spurs but no whip. To me this is what I want riding to be."
Image of Hopps courtesy Bob Langrish
Related Link: Scores 1998 World Equestrian Games