Lizz McKinnon is the young horse trainer at Hyperion Stud in Virginia. Her role includes starting horses under saddle at age 3 1/2 and training them during their most formative years to age five. As well as assisting with some of the more seasoned horses in the training barn.
Lizz grew up in Boston MA and discovered her passion for horses at a young age, starting to ride since before she could walk. She grew up in the hunter/jumper world as a kid, and then switched over to the eventing world for quite a few years. Lizz has done everything from grooming for 4* riders, coaching both event riders and Hunter/Jumper riders, to competing up to the preliminary level, 3’3 performance hunter, & 1.10 Jumpers.
Lizz switched back primarily to the hunter/jumper world when she moved to Lexington, Kentucky in 2022, to be an assistant trainer although still dabbles in eventing from time to time.
Lizz has always had a specific love for the young and more challenging horses. Whether it’s the first rides, to first horse shows, learning the right routine for a quirkier ride, to seeing the young ones off succeeding in their new homes. It is one of the most rewarding experiences.
Lizz also currently campaigns her 6 year old mare, Amara, towards achieving their upper-level jumper goals together!
Lizz is excited for the future with Hyperion and to see all our horses, young or seasoned, succeed with us in the show ring, and eventually succeeding with their new partners in the ring.
