Chatting with Liz Diegutis

This week I’m chatting with British international Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Liz Diegutis. Based in Hamphire, Liz has enjoyed considerable success producing her Grand Prix horse, Diesel and looks set for even more success with Diesel’s half brother, Konig.  Read on to learn more about Liz, her ambitions, and top tips for success

Tell us about you and your horses

I currently have my 9yr old Diesel I bought inside his mother Saskia it was risky but I liked his breeding Deniro x Sandro Hit and the risk paid off as I have produced him all the way up to Grand Prix. I then bred from Saskia again to Negro and have the half brother 8 year old Konig who so far I have produced to PSG and he is Schooling the Grand Prix work.   I also ride a 9 year old gelding owned by Mark Philpott called Papou by Totals training at advance level I also have two youngsters a 2 yr old Revolution colt part owned by Mark and a yearling filly by Franklin part owned by Stuart Lark both are out of my now retired Grand Prix mare Ruby.

 

How did your horses come into your life?

I’ve had ponies and horses in my life since I was born, we lived in a caravan on a welsh farm for a bit while waiting for our house to be ready to move into and on the farm were ponies that my non horsey parents introduced me to and as they say the rest was history.

 

When and where do you ride?

  I ride everyday and I am currently based at a livery yard in Medstead near Alton Hampshire.  

 

How did you start riding?

I started riding by being plonked on a pony at a few months old and I have memories of riding a very cheeky Shetland called kitty when I was 4 yrs old on a welsh farm where we lived near by.  

 

What you and your horses currently working on?

  Diesel and I are currently working on improving the Grand Prix movements and working on his suppleness and strength.   Konig is also working on his strength and suppleness and also the movements required for the small tour level and I’m also teaching him the beginnings of the Grand Prix movements i.e piaffe/passage.   Papou is working on the changes and the canter pirouette work towards the advanced level.

   

What do you love about riding?

  I think its the partnership you develop over the years of training with the horses the trust you gain with each other is like nothing else. Obviously also the time out in the countryside hacking them is just lovely it can be a real release from the world (only if they behave mind you!)

What you would you like to be doing in the future and do you have any goals?

In the future I would love to be competing again internationally, oh my that’s such a buzz I really love it and that also answers the goal question which is to be competing internationally again.

 

Have you ever had to deal with nerves in riding?

  I’m lucky the nerves I get are pure excited nerves so I’m happy to have them because they make me perform at my best.

Do you have any rituals before competing?

A quiet 5 mins to visualise the test in my head.

What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?

  When you go around the outside of the arena before you enter that’s your first impression to the judge so make it a good one.

Your Top Tip

  Top Tip is focus on your own journey and not to be pressured by others pushing you faster than what you or your horses are ready for.  

 

Down the Centre Line

     

Who would be your dream horse to ride?

  Milton (show jumper) or Diva Royal Olympic mare ridden by Dorethee Schneider  

 

Who is your equestrian rider hero?

  Isabel Werth  

 

If you could have 5 people to dinner, who would they be?

  Sylvester Stallone, Tom Cruise, Isabell Werth, Elvis Presley, Jon Bon Jovi  

 

Favourite colour horse?

    Palomino

Favourite horse event?

  Olympics  

 

Favourite food?

  My Friend Caroline makes the most amazing Chocolate mousse  

 

Favourite way to relax?

  Sit with the dog and watch a movie  

 

Favourite film?

  Rocky IV

Want More?

If you enjoyed meeting Liz you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here    You can keep up with Liz’s progress and check out her instagram page here