Corona Times: Hit & Run with Lisa Wilcox

Interviews

Hit & Run

In corona times we are all ordered to stay at home, self quarantine, and do social distancing. With more time on your hands to spend online, Eurodressage launches a "Hit & Run" interview series so that you get to know the world's most famous dressage riders and personalities more closely.

American Grand Prix rider Lisa Wilcox made her claim to fame while working as head rider for Gestut Vorwerk in Germany. Based in Europe from 1997 till 2006, Wilcox rode Vorwerk's stallion Rohdiamant in the 2002 World Cup Final, but her biggest success was aboard Relevant. They finished 5th and got team silver at the 2002 World Equestrian Games, a 2nd place in the 2003 Open European Championships and team bronze at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. In 2005 she quit her job at Vorwerk and relocated to Switzerland to work for Samuel Schatzmann. In 2006 she returned home to the U.S.A and based herself in Florida. In 2007 she returned to the international arena on Naomi and competed Denzello, Pikko del Cerro, and Galant at international Grand Prix level. Her last international start was in March 2017.

Hit & Run - Lisa Wilcox

What is your earliest memory?

The birth of my sister, Andrea - I was 4 years old.

Which person alive do you admire the most and why?

My long-time trainer & mentor, Ernst Hoyos. We’ve been developing & training horses (together) for over 20 years - From the stallions of Gestüt Vorwerk to the current up-and-coming horses in my program. I admire his approach to the training of the horses. Ernst is always very conscientious of their mental and physical being while he trains.

When were you the happiest?

When I am home with my husband, David.

What is your biggest fear?

I am not a fearful person by nature.

What was your first thought today?

Well, I start my day at 4:45 a.m. — So I was likely mulling over my schedule, whilst enjoying my morning coffee.

What is your most annoying character trait?

Some may say I’m anal retentive. I grew up in a military household. The attention is in the details ;

Which trait do you dislike the most in other people?

Arrogance and ignorance.

What is your dearest possession?

Technically they are not a possession, but close friends & family are more important than anything.

If you look into the future, what do you see?

Hopefully, a COVID free world.

What makes you unhappy?

Witnessing divisiness & partisanship, both in our sport & in politics.

What is the love of your life?

My husband, David.

What was the best choice you ever took in life?

I would have to say that every choice and decision I have made was/has been in my best interest(s) — both in sport, as well as in my personal life.

What's your guilty pleasure?

Currently, I am craving my favorite pizza ‘Quattro Carni’ from Elisabetta’s Ristorante, here in Delray.

What do you owe your parents?

Everything. Growing-up in a military household, a sense of civic responsibility, discipline, honesty, respect, & humility were instilled in each of us (we were seven kids, in total) at an early age. These are values that I have held throughout my life & career.

Who can sit next to you at your dream dinner table?

My closest friends & family.

What was the worst job you ever did?

Probably snow shoveling my neighbors' driveways (with my brother Seth) in Colorado.

What was your biggest disappointment in life?

Losing my parents & brother far before their time.

What would you change if you can go back into the past?

While living and competing in Europe I would have made more time to travel back (to the States) to visit my parents — I would have spent more time with my mother before she passed.

Name one thing that would improve your quality of life?

Currently, I wouldn’t change a thing.

What is your biggest achievement?

In my personal life: Marrying ‘the love of my life’, David.
In sport: Winning the Stuttgart German Masters with Relevant, & being ranked No. 2 on World Dressage Ranking list.

What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?

Patience & Being Present

Where would you like to be right now?

Exactly where I am

What's your favourite scent?

My perfume, Bond’s No. 9 ‘Coney Island’

Which character would you dress up in for Halloween?

I don’t ‘Do’ Halloween

To whom would you like to say sorry?

My mother. If I knew then what I know now, I would have been more understanding and set aside more time to be with her (before she passed away).

What does love feel like for you?

Fulfillment

When are you most relaxed?

On my day off. No Schedule! It looks a little different, now, given the circumstances — Mornings at the gym have been replaced with runs/walks along the A1A, but evenings are still spent at home, curled up on the couch with David.

What super power would you like to have?

The power to heal.

When did you last cry, and why?

I can’t recall (specifically), but anything that involves the suffering of innocent people and/or animals pulls at my heart strings.

When were you closest to death?

‘Thank the Lord’, I have been spared from one of those experiences.

How do you want to be remembered?

I would like to be remembered as humble, kind, generous & compassionate.