Elizabeth Tietbohl, Cape’s equestrian rider, heading to Lynchburg University

Editor's note: Running down the bridle path over hill and dale attempting to assimilate all the information and intricacies on the competitive sport of equestrian, Dave Frederick posed questions to Cape athlete Elizabeth Tietbohl, who signed a national letter of intent to attend Lynchburg University and join the equestrian team. Here is her response. 

I live on a 10-acre horse farm in Milton and am mostly focused on my horse, Sky, who I’ve had for about one-and-a-half years. She’s still relatively young/green and it’s been fun working with my trainer to bring her along. My coach/trainer is Kirstin Marzbanian and she’s been my coach since I was 7. Kirstin is originally from New England, but has showed and trained in Florida and South Carolina before settling in Delaware. I’m very lucky to have trained with someone as experienced and supportive as Kirstin. She’s awesome! I mostly train at my house, but I go to other local venues just to expose Sky to other settings. Sky and I are currently showing at 3 feet in the Hunter/jumpers, and we’ll continue to move up as she matures. 

Last year, Kirstin recommended I go to some college camps. When I went to Lynchburg last December, I really liked the coaches and team members that helped with camp. I’ve since been back twice to hang out with the team and watch a show. I fell in love with it and it just feels like where I belong. 

The Lynchburg coaches have only been there for two years, but they have accomplished a lot in two years. Last year, Lynchburg purchased its own land and built its own equestrian center. Prior to that, they leased space at Liberty University. Lynchburg has two very competitive teams and won the national title last year for single discipline (English). Lynchburg has school horses for lessons and shows, and provides options for riders to bring their own horses also. I plan on taking Sky with me in the fall. 

I don’t have time for another sport with riding and taking care of the horses at home. I participated in Interscholastic Equestrian Association for many years, which is like a travel team. I rode with Autumn Grove Stables out of Berlin, Md. IEA is different from traditional showing, where you bring your own horse. You basically draw horses in a lottery system and you have to get on a horse you know nothing about and jump a course. I think it really built my confidence and is a great way for riders to get involved without having to make the investment in their own horse. 

I take all honors and AP courses, and am a member of the National Honor Society. I’m not sure what I want to do yet, but I’m interested in teaching and environmental science. 

My sister Maryann graduated from Cape and is a student at University of Delaware. My dad is a vice president at Chesapeake Utilities Corp. in Dover, and my mom is currently running the farm. 

I guess if there is something I could share about my sport, it would be to tell people it is a sport, and that riders work out and train like any other athlete. It’s our job to keep our horses in shape along with ourselves, and it requires a lot of work in all weather conditions. I’m proud of being an equestrian and all that I’ve learned from being responsible for caring for my horses.