The Horses who shaped Fox Trot Equestrian
Fox Trot
When Vixen (4) came into Lizzy’s (14) life, little did they know all the amazing experiences they would have together over the next 6 and a half years. Vixen was born and bred by TMAC Sport Horses in Alberta, Canada where Lizzy and her dad, Tom, purchased her.
March 1, 2014, Vixen arrived in BC. and from there their journey began.
Lizzy and Vixen spent a lot of time working on various forms of ground work, relationship building, and developing a proper foundation. Which is critical when the horse is young, Lizzy still stands by. As well, Lizzy and Vixen enjoyed hacking out on the trails regularly and travelling to learn from great coaches.
Not every coach Lizzy and Vixen worked with over the years believed Vixen could reach high levels, Vixen was built slightly down-hill and could sometimes have trouble with her “Mare-tude”. Despite the struggles, Lizzy knew Vixen had the heart and drive necessary for an exceptional Eventing horse.
Although Vixen was a very difficult horse to produce, this resulted in Lizzy becoming the trainer and coach she is today- hence the tribute to her honor in the name of this team.
Through the years Lizzy and Vixen not only developed a strong bond, they experienced many great adventures. Travelling as far as Temecula, CA, to Kalispell, MT. Building confidence at the higher levels with a consistent foot-perfect track record on the cross country course.
Sadly, in 2020 Lizzy and Vixen endured a tragic accident that ultimately led to Vixen’s passing.
Vixen will forever be remembered as the horse who taught Lizzy everything about being a trainer herself, as well as opening numerous doors to compete at the upper levels of Eventing and gain confidence cross country.
Vixen’s legacy lives on with Fox Trot Equestrian
Lizzy and Vixen had a very successful competition record, a few Highlights being;
2015 3rd Place BC Championships
2015 3rd Place Provincially Year-End at Novice Level
2016 Mustang Powder Horse Trials Champion- won wire-to-wire with a 18.8 point lead.
2017 3rd Place Provincially Year-End at the Preliminary Level
2018 4th Place Provincially Year-End at the Preliminary Level
CIC2* Aspen Farm 2018
CCI2* Rebecca Farm 2018
8th Place finish at Aspen Farm Intermediate Level Horse Trials.
Fox Trot Documentary by Mast Creative and EquineStraw.
Renovare Kelmore Nu-Thomas
Tom and Gillian purchased Thomas for Lizzy as her first horse when she was 11. Thomas, 8 at the time, was what one would consider to be a perfect all-around schoolmaster. Thomas had had Eventing experience with his previous owner, so he was well equipped to introduce Lizzy to the sport.
Thomas wasn’t just an average schoolmaster! Not only did he coincidentally share the same first name as Lizzy’s dad, he is also the “The National Breed of Canada”. Pure Le Cheval Canadien’s are considered to be an endangered breed, with an estimated only 6000 in the world , and true black ones (like Thomas) are even rarer. Of course at the time, neither Lizzy or her parents realized the significance of the breed; he was safe, sound, and a great match for 11-year old Lizzy!
Thomas went on to take Lizzy to her first 3-day competitions and give her a fantastic foundation as a rider.
Lizzy had great ambitions to ride at top levels, however, and Thomas physically was not meant to be galloping and jumping Advanced courses! Nor did he feel the need to: he was more than happy to eat all day everyday!
Though very difficult at the time, 14 year old Lizzy sold Thomas to a loving home, where he is still to this day, in order to purchase a young upper-level prospect; later turning out to be Vixen!
A fun fact about Thomas: when he was still a colt he jumped a fence and became father to another Canadien, Shadow! He was gelded soon after.
SS Exquizit Bay
Quiz, a registered National Show Horse, first became a client of Fox Trot Equestrian in 2019. Quiz is a striking gelding with a beautiful pinto coat and exquisite movement.
Quiz flourished under Lizzy’s ride as she carefully worked with his tender heart and desire to please his rider. Lizzy introduced Quiz to jumping, which he quite enjoyed! As well they worked on building his strength and confidence to become well schooled in Dressage. They competed at recognized First Level competitions scoring in the 70%’s. Lizzy had plans to move him to Second Level before she moved to New Jersey. Quiz is now owned and loved by a new family at the same facility.
Antler Ridge DejaVu
Voodoo first came to Lizzy as a troubled 3 year old. Suffering from Aural ear plaque and being minimally handled as a baby, Voodoo was quite the challenge at the start- which some may find surprising with her size!
Standing at 13.2hh, Voodoo was by far the smallest competition client Fox Trot Equestrian has had. However, though she was small, she was mighty! Voodoo had always been a very eager forward-thinking mare and Lizzy saw her potential to become a great Event horse.
Lizzy took her time developing trust in Voodoo and figuring out methods to work with her without irritating her ears. Eventually, what was once a horse who couldn’t have her halter taken off, bridled herself!
Voodoo took to jumping like she had been doing it her whole life. She thrived on the cross country course, not batting an eye at anything! Voodoo entered her first mini Event (Pandemic restrictions) placing 3rd with a double clear cross country. In addition, Voodoo also participated in straight Dressage competitions.
In 2020, Voodoo was named the National Pony Cup Champion! Lizzy being six feet tall never thought she would be awarded a Championship with “Pony” in the title!
Voodoo sold to family of one of Lizzy’s best friend’s in 2021. She and her new rider have been learning lots and enjoying small shows and outings together!
Lizzy also trained and sold Voodoo’s younger sister, Tamairi.
