LIZA Landau of Moneystown, Roundwood, Wicklow, passed away on January 4th, aged 62. Liza was a well-known rider and instructor, who famously survived a horrendous car accident the night of October 19th, 2002, when she was 39.

The crash involved her car becoming almost fully submerged upside-down in a boghole in Wicklow, where she survived for two days by wedging her head between the pedals and breathing using a pocket of air in the footwell. Liza endured incredible pain in her struggle to stay alive and was suffering from hallucinations and hypothermia when she was eventually rescued.

She was hospitalised for 11 weeks and it was a year before she could even begin to walk. Landau was left with severe nerve damage in both legs, both arms also suffered nerve damage and her left wrist and the fingers of her right hand were paralysed.

Despite her extensive physical challenges, just before Christmas 2003 Landau was back in the saddle again and set about becoming a successful para dressage rider.

Liza died peacefully and without pain at Wicklow Hospice. Liza will be sorely missed by brother Marcus and nephews Sam and Jacob, along with her much-loved friends. A cremation service to celebrate Liza’s life will take place on Saturday, January 18th, at 12 noon in McCrea’s Cremation Chapel, Dublin Road, Wicklow Town.

Donal O’Beirne of Hoofprints Innovations paid tribute to Liza, saying: “You were one of the most talented riders we ever met. Fun, giddy, wild and free. A true fighter and a free spirit - you fought so hard and lived our dreams. You were remarkable. Ride free and high - ‘Butt now’ is waiting for you! RIP, Liza, you are free at last from all the hardships.”