12/09/2025
— Liz Parkman —
Owner & Head Trainer, Liz Parkman Performance Horses LLC
My journey with horses began when I was eight years old, when my grandmother gifted me riding lessons for Christmas—a gift that changed the entire trajectory of my life. What started as a childhood joy quickly became a lifelong obsession, one that has shaped every step of my career and personal mission as a horsewoman.
I pursued my passion formally at the Butler Professional Farrier School in Chadron, Nebraska, completing both the basic and advanced programs. I later earned my Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Studies with a concentration in equitation and training from Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Montana. Throughout my education and travels, I was fortunate to learn from an incredible lineup of horsemen and professionals who each left a unique mark on the trainer I’ve become.
My earliest mentors set a strong foundation—teaching me the importance of true horsemanship, responsible care, and high standards. At Rocky Mountain College, I expanded my knowledge under respected professionals including Marilyn Randall (AQHA judge and professional), Scott and Amy Neuman (AQHA Director of Competition; AQHA, APHA, NSBA, WCHA judges), and AQHA professional Christi Brown.
During an internship, I met NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Brandon Buttars, and the first time I swung a leg over one of his horses and cut a cow out of the herd, I was hooked. That moment lit a fire in me for cow horse work that has never gone out. Since then, I’ve been privileged to work with or learn from many top industry professionals, including:
NRCHA Hall of Famer Benny Guitron with Kelley Engel (CA)
NRCHA professional Amy Kurtz (Steamboat Springs, CO)
NRCHA $2 Million Riders Chris & Sarah Dawson (TX)
AQHA, NRHA, and NRCHA professionals Steve & Carol Metcalf (TX)
Before becoming a full-time trainer, I worked several “normal” jobs—small animal veterinary assistant, UPS package handler and floor supervisor, and later as a vet assistant in a 24-hour emergency hospital in Indianapolis. But every time I tried to make horses a hobby instead of a career, I found myself right back where my heart lived: studying, riding, reading, watching, and chasing every bit of horsemanship knowledge I could find.
After riding some incredible reiner's and cow horses in California, I realized I wanted to understand how to create a horse like that myself. So, I went back to working for trainers, sharpening my skills until circumstances finally lined up for me to step out on my own. That’s when Liz Parkman Performance Horses LLC was born.
My goals are simple but powerful:
*Be better than I was yesterday.
*Listen to my horses.
*Never stop learning.
*Practice good horsemanship—always putting the horse first.
I’m endlessly fascinated by the process of developing a horse—understanding how they think, how they learn, and how to help them become confident, capable partners. Training isn’t just my job; it’s the thing I can’t not do.
I owe a tremendous amount to the people who stood by me along the way and have supported me on this incredible journey.
