Professional show jumping rider and Back on Track sponsored athlete Lizzy Traband has built her career through patience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the process. From learning hard lessons on her first pony to competing in Grand Prix competition, her journey in the equestrian sport has been shaped by resilience, self-belief, and a deep appreciation for the horses that have helped her along the way.
Growing up on her family's farm in Pennsylvania, horses were simply part of everyday life. With a trainer for a mother and horses always nearby, Traband doesn't remember a specific moment when riding entered her life — it was always there.
What she does remember is her first pony, Toby.
Purchased as an $800 cart pony from an Amish auction, Toby wasn't the hunter pony her family had envisioned. Traband spent plenty of time falling off, struggling with her confidence, and learning through trial and error. Looking back, those early experiences taught her one of the most important lessons of her career: every horse is an individual.
"It's really important that you figure out what the horses like to do best," Traband says. "It's easy to say a horse is supposed to be this or supposed to do that, but it's our job to listen to them."
For Toby, that meant tricks, bareback rides, and bridleless adventures rather than a traditional show ring career. The experience helped shape the horse-first philosophy that still guides Traband's approach to horse training and show jumping today.
Toby also played an important role in building her confidence. Born without a left hand, Traband often faced challenges that made her feel different growing up. Around horses, she found acceptance and perspective.
"They just see how you treat them," she says.
That mindset stayed with her as she developed both as a rider and a horsewoman.
A visit to the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky marked a turning point. Watching the world's best riders compete inspired twelve-year-old Traband to pursue show jumping more seriously and begin setting bigger goals for herself.
The years that followed required patience.
"I don't think I won a class at a rated horse show until I was seventeen or eighteen," she recalls.
Like many equestrians, Traband often questioned whether she was progressing quickly enough. Over time, she learned to focus on steady improvement and appreciate the daily process of developing both horses and riders.
Today, her business centers on producing young jumpers and helping them reach their potential. Some of her greatest satisfaction comes from watching horses progress through the levels, find the right homes, and continue succeeding with future riders.
"I just love it," she says. "Those are the moments that I absolutely love."
One competition memory stands out as an example of how her mindset has evolved. During her victory in the Grand Prix at the Devon Fall Classic aboard Eddie Blue, Traband found herself facing a packed crowd, a tremendous amount of pressure, and plenty of nerves.
Instead of allowing those nerves to dictate the outcome, she focused on her preparation.
"I remember sitting at the ring thinking, I'm going to take a deep breath, stick to my plan, and enjoy being here."
Everything came together that evening, but what stayed with her most was the confidence she gained from trusting her preparation. The experience reinforced a lesson she continues to carry into every competition: stay present, trust the work, and focus on the next fence.
Looking back on her journey, Traband knows exactly what she would tell her younger self.
"It's all going to be okay," she says with a laugh.
She still believes in working hard, pushing forward, and staying ambitious. She also understands the importance of appreciating each stage of the journey and recognizing how far she's come.
For young riders navigating their own path in equestrian sport, Traband's story serves as a reminder that progress rarely happens overnight. Confidence is built one ride at a time, success comes from consistent effort, and the lessons learned along the way often become the most valuable achievements of all.