10 SIDELINES SEPTEMBER 2012
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
By Lisa Engel
L
aura Linback and her husband Troy work out
of the family farm, Woodrun, in Mundelein,
Illinois. They are fxtures at horse shows
throughout the country and Laura is one of the most
successful amateur riders in the country. Sidelines
caught up with the dynamic family to fnd out about life
in Illinois and what life is like after surviving a horrifc
car accident.
How did you get involved with riding?
My maiden name is Gorman and my family has always been
involved with horses. My mother, Nancy Gorman, owns and
rides some of the top hunter horses in the country. I started off
in the pony hunters, then junior hunters and am fortunate to have
a championship string of grand prix horses that I compete year
round.
You are a formidable force in the grand prix ring -- what’s
your secret?
I was raised around horses, so I would say it is a combination of
my work ethic and commitment to the sport. In all honesty though,
it takes a team and my husband Troy’s tireless efforts conditioning
and caring for the horses really contributes to the overall success
of Woodrun. Troy added, “Laura has a unique ability to ride a wide
variety of horses, and often right into the winner’s circle. She has a
great knowledge of riding and a very strong competitive spirit. She
is not a ‘one horse wonder.’ Her skill sets and unique ability set
her apart from a lot of other riders. She is a true horsewoman.”
What are some of your proudest riding accomplishments?
There are many, however, riding in the World Cup fnals in
Milan, Italy, winning the Hall of Fame Series three times and the
National Horse Show Championship title fve times are pretty cool.
I was a Nation’s Cup rider in Europe and South America, and I
had two Amateur-Owner Horse of the Year titles with two different
horses. I’ve had great rides on my horses. And, I know that when
I won those awards, it was actually my team -- my family -- that
won. That gives me my greatest sense of accomplishment.
You were involved in an awful car accident last winter. What
happened?
It was awful. My husband Troy and I were returning to the show
grounds and our camper, after celebrating my birthday over dinner
with friends. A drunk driver crossed the highway and headed
directly at us. The car in front of us dropped into the median and
then suddenly, this car was seconds away from impact. Troy cut
the car hard to the right and by doing so, took the majority of the
hit. Thankfully our son Owen, who is usually with us, happened
to have returned to Mundelein for a school project due that week.
I suffered two broken ribs caused from the seat belt and Troy
suffered a pulverized knee and broken bones in the ankle region.
(Both Troy and Laura were wearing their seatbelts and the airbags
deployed properly.) We were taken in separate ambulances so it
was a couple of hours before we knew of each other’s condition,
which was awful. I didn’t leave Troy’s bedside as he underwent
surgeries and remained in critical condition that week. But, within
e
The Linback family has a little fun
Photo courtesy of the Linback family
a couple of weeks, we were back at the horse show; because
that’s what horsemen do…we keep working. Troy is still healing
but works tirelessly by my side. I am so thankful that we survived
that crash.
What’s next for you?
Besides my life as an equestrian, I am also a dedicated wife
and mother and I value keeping my family together even while on
the road. We enjoy our time together whether we’re at a show or
at home at Woodrun. Our next show will be at Hott Horse Shows
at Mafftt Lake Equestrian Center in Cumming, Iowa. There’s an
example of a horse show that is family friendly—Troy and I are
at the rings while our son Owen is fshing in the pond. The Hott
family really makes us feel at home and offers great horse shows.
As a matter of fact, Troy and I are sponsoring the huge exhibitor
party at Mafftt Lake Equestrian Center on August 12 and will be
serving up a steak cookout. We believe in giving back to shows
that give so much to its exhibitors.
Laura and Sampras at the $200,000 HITS Grand Prix in
Thermal, California
Photo by Todd Sutherland and Flying Horse Photography