testimonials
I have known Elizabeth my entire life. She had me on my first horse
when I was three years old. Ever since I could remember I have enjoyed
every moment in the saddle, and I would not be where I am now without
Liz. Liz has never pushed me to do something I wasn't ready for and
has always been patient to make sure I was comfortable doing anything.
She has made me a very diverse rider with the ability to adjust to different
horses and succeed. I have ridden eight horses since I started riding.
Liz has been able to take me and a western pleasure horse and transform
us into a fully capable dressage team. My current horse had not been
ridden or worked in approximately three years. We had a little rocky
start. Two and a half years later we are planning on showing Second
Level, schooling Third Level movements and doing great. Without Liz,
we wouldn't be where we are today. She has taught me to be patient and
realize the little things make all the difference. I am completely satisfied
with all Liz has taught me over the years, and wouldn't want any other
trainer. Because of her I love riding more and more every time I go
to the barn. Now I don't know what I would do without horses in my life.
my husband and I have been working with liz for over three years. we have had nothing but positive experiences. liz has helped me get to third level with my imported warmblood. now she is helping work with my three old irish sport horse, I am hoping to turn into an eventer. she has given myself and my horses the confidence we need to not only compete but be competitive at any show we attend.
my husband had become interested in horses when we started dating. he started taking western dressage lessons with liz. what an experience it was to watch him grow into a confident skillful rider. we just purchased a two old gelding for my husband. if it had not been for liz and her gift in teaching, it would have taken ten years for my husband to gain enough experience with horses to own a two year old.
thank you liz, for all those times you believed in both of us, even though we were not so sure.
i started working with liz autumn of 2013 to fix some holes in my 3' hunter mare. i was looking for someone that could effectively ride, accept my horse's limitations, and respected my opinions and decisions as an owner. i have found everything i was looking for in Liz and a whole lot more. it has been a blessing to work with a trainer that is professional, honest, and communicates. it has been such a relief to know the i have someone to look after my horses well-being as i would, when i am unable.
-angela stajkowski
two years ago I began to take dressage lessons from liz on a lesson horse. since that time I have purchased my own horse and have won some show ribbons! I could not have done any of this without liz. she has guided me through the whole process, from buying my horse to grooming, training and caring for him. she helped me purchase my saddle and made recommendations on riding attire.
liz has been with me every step of the way. she is very knowledgeable about all aspects of riding and she is very patient. she has helped me build my confidence when I was unsure of myself. as a person over 50 who has never owned a horse I am amazed at what we have accomplished!
-suzanne rosencrantz
Elizabeth has done so much to help ensure positive equestrian experiences
for our daughter Annie. She loves to come to the barn and always looks
forward to her lessons. I am so amazed at her confidence on Vern and
how much she has grown since becoming a Grainger Dressage student. A
lesson from Liz can always erase a tough day at school.
Thank you for all you did for Annie leading up to her first dressage
show. The end result was a great experience for the ENTIRE family! And
even though it was Elizabeth’s show, there she was, test reading for
Annie. We notice all of the “extras” she does for Annie and Vern. Thank
you Liz for all that you do.
-Matt Russell and Family
After last night's lesson, I've come to the realization I no longer
have a barrel horse that is learning dressage... I have a dressage horse
that can run barrels!
Thanks Liz for getting us there!
-Jill Behling
Elizabeth has been with our family since Jamie first sat on her
horse at the age of 3 and over the last 13 years she has taught all
of us so much. Elizabeth’s first concern with any of her students/clients
is safety, for both horse and rider. She has instilled in us that when
you take care of your horse, your horse will take care of you. Her training
involves much more than just how to ride. It involves every aspect of
responsible horsemanship! Elizabeth has helped Jamie learn the importance
of developing a partnership with your horse and understanding their
“language”. By listening to your horse you gain the opportunity
to help them understand what you are asking of them. The lessons Elizabeth
has taught Jamie have extended far beyond the horse arena into the rest
of her world. We have been so blessed to have found her and are looking
forward to her experience and guidance as Jamie continues to expand
her passion for the equine world.
I am telling you Liz, you have a gift. I will be forever grateful that our paths crossed. You reached my sweet Ella at a time where we needed you most. You gave her joy and confidence and you were always so loving and patient. Truly a treasure.
-Tanya Zuber
My daughters and I have been working with Elizabeth Grainger for
the past five years. I did not grow up around horses but have been learning
right along with Emily & Audrey. My daughters both ride dressage
and we all became committed to this sport and decided to find a horse
of our own. Elizabeth was invaluable to us as she helped us find the
right horse for our family. It was not a quick process. Elizabeth was
extremely knowledgable and aware of the issues that go along with purchasing
a horse. After six months, several day road trips and beautiful horses
which were not the right fit for us, we found Merlin! Liz provided us
with the critical questions to ask the seller and was our resource and
"go to" person for this process. She continues to be instrumental
in the dressage training and development of not only our daughters but
also Merlin, the new member of our family.
-Cindy Bellina
My very first riding lesson was five years ago with Elizabeth Grainger.
At 55 years old, I am sure I was a challenging student. She has been
the supportive force that has taken me from an excited, tentative student,
through purchasing my own horse, to winning Grand Champion ribbons.
Her skill and patience are exemplary and she is the consummate professional,
expecting nothing less of her students. Liz is extremely well respected
by her colleagues. What I like best about her is that she welcomes other
trainers, whom she respects, to our barn to give clinics (such as Maryal
Barnett) and values their suggestions for her students. I believe offering
us these opportunities shows tremendous maturity and a sincere desire
for us to have every chance to improve our riding skills.
-Cathy Alwine
Thank you so much Liz for all of your help with my “girls”. I’ve
definitely gained confidence working with you and a lot of that is probably
because I finally feel like I am doing it right. Annie’s canter is 100%
better since the second time you sat on her. I am so thankful we found
you.
-Amanda Mink, DVM
Elizabeth has been my trainer for seven years. She is always friendly
and heart -warming to new people. Liz always pushes you to try harder
and makes you work to your fullest potential. She has impacted me in
so many ways. Liz knows how to calm you down when you become overwhelmed
or nervous. I can rely on her for advice; help with my horse and to
give me lessons whenever she has the slightest bit of free time. Not
only does Liz teach lessons, but she organizes shows, rides and trains
for her own shows, trains and coaches many students at shows, and goes
out to other barns.
If I had never met Liz, I would not have become the rider that I
am today.
I feel like Liz’s place of happiness is at the barn with her
horse Guinness, just as mine as well.
-Amanda Maurizi
I've worked with Liz for over three years. I'm an Irish Draught and Irish Sport Horse breeder and have a steady flow of foals. Liz is instrumental in helping get the foals and handlers show ready. She has worked with me and my coming three year old filly, from getting her in- hand show ready to starting her under saddle this year. Liz is very helpful and always willing to lend her expertise. On the rare occasion, when I ride and show dressage, Liz is right there to help me meet my goals.
- Janeen pasquill