Barry Bland / Barcroft Media
Amazing Lizzy Traband is a very special little girl whose mastery of horses lets her perform some of the most complex tricks known to riders – despite having just one hand.
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In a stunning display of courage and skill the unique 11-year-old cooly executes stunts and dangerous tricks most adults wouldn’t dare to.
Her prowess on horseback has become so polished she has even started competing in prestigious regional and state competitions.
Barry Bland / Barcroft Media
And against unusual odds – battling against rivals who boast two hands and are often several years older – Lizzy is now winning ribbons regularly.
In a further heart-warming twist to her tale – she does it all because it’s what she loves to do best.
Just some of her vast repertoire of tricks includes riding standing up while twirling a lasso like a little cowgirl and spinning two hula-hoops around her torso while standing in the saddle.
Barry Bland / Barcroft Media
Just some of her vast repertoire of tricks includes riding standing up while twirling a lasso like a little cowgirl and spinning two hula-hoops around her torso while standing in the saddle.
She can even leap flaming jumps and now tours America performing her amazing stunts in shows throughout the year.
The modest schoolgirl said: “I can’t say if riding with just one hand is any more difficult because that’s all I’ve known.”
Little Lizzy was born with an under-developed left arm meaning her limb didn’t form properly below the elbow.
While in mum Annette’s womb, protein banding near her elbow stunted growth below the joint.
But parents Mark, 46, and Annette, both accomplished riders who breed and train horses on their 105-acre Carousel Farm, never doubted their little lady would one-day share in their passion.
Real estate worker Annette, 44, said: “I never even considered her little arm would be an obstacle if she wanted to ride.
“Being so involved in the world of horses, I wasn’t going to push it on her because I know how challenging a world it can be.
“But even as a toddler it was pretty clear she loved the animals and wanted to get involved.”
Barry Bland / Barcroft Media
And determined Lizzy says having just one hand will never stop her from doing anything she wants.
“I believe that I can do anything that I set out to do,” she said. “Maybe I just have to work a little harder or smarter, but this isn’t such a bad thing.”
At just two-years-old – before she could barely walk – Lizzy had her first pony and learned to ride safely on a lunge line.
The system uses a rope attached to the horse’s bridle which mum or dad held while standing in the centre of a circular arena, giving them control over the animal rather than the inexperienced rider.
And unbelievably, just two years later at four-years-old Lizzy was riding solo had started performing her first tricks.
“Her little arm didn’t matter at all to her development as a rider,” said Annette.
“The most important thing was mastering balance and Lizzy learning to remain calm and comfortable.
“It’s like when you have someone on your shoulders. If they are wriggling around and making a lot of noise, it’s much harder to stay on your feet. It’s exactly the same with horse riding. The horse needs you to be calm and collected up there.”
Now, years later, the awe-inspiring tweenager trains her own horses for competitions – something almost unheard. She is also a star attraction at some of the largest festivals in horse country Kentucky, and this July became the youngest ever rider to headline at Breyerfest
Barry Bland / Barcroft Media
Her startling ability to bond with her horses means they will literally bow to her command. She can instruct them to lie down, sit and even bow just by telling them to.
But telling horses what to do and having them obey comes at a high price.
“I like bridle-less riding best because it can only be done well if you have spent time to really train and build a bond with your horse or pony,” she said.
“I like the bridle-less riding best because it is like the reward at the end of lots of hours of working with my animals.
“If you have done a good job training, it is easy and safe. But if you have not done a good job training, it is not easy at all.
“It is also a reward to my horses. Once we get to the point of being able to ride bridle-less, I take the bridle off at the end of each training session for the cool down as sort of reward.
“The horse thinks it is great, like putting on comfortable pyjamas and sitting down to milk and cookies.”
Words by Liam Miller
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