Lydia started her equestrian career, after classes and on weekends working with Paddy Boal and Bob Ross at the hunter/jumper stables in Southlands, Vancouver,BC. 

After graduating in 1971, she traveled for the next five years in the United States working Polo horses in California, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida and ending in Illinois. 

Starting in 1978, she worked for three years as an assistant trainer to Bob Grimshaw in Langley, BC.   Lydia said "We worked everything from halter, trail, western and English pleasure, working cowhorse, hunter hack to equitation. During this time she trained and showed several horses. 

In 1981, when the Grimshaws moved to Alberta, Lydia formed M&M Stables with a partner averaging thirty horses in training. In addition, she gave lessons, maintained the facilities, and was active in showing and in promotions and advertising. 

In 1983, Lydia passed her Canadian Equestrian Federation Western Level l coaches exam and completed her St. Johns First Aid. Her students have ranged from beginning adults and children to accomplished riders wanting help getting and keeping their mount polished and consistent for show ring competition. During this time, Lydia has also judged shows from 4H to Breed. 

In 1994, Lydia passed her CEF Level 2 Western Coaches exam with the highest marks. Some of the notable instructors that Lydia has ridden with are Doug Stroud, Vem Sapergia, Brett Stone, Doug Milholland and Bob Avila.  After reining for a few years, she became interested in cutting and received help from Curt Storbakken, Joe Jones, Les Timmons and Rick Hook. 

In 1999, Lydia was voted Coach of the Year with the Horse Council of British Columbia. she also became a Equine Canada Course Conductor in 2001. During this time, she showed numerous horses that she broke and showed to winning many year-end buckle awards in cutting. During her show career, Lydia also was Region 17 Half Arab Ladies Sidesaddle, AQHA World Show Top Ten Contender, Superslide Top 5 Ladies Reining and buckle winner. During 2001 2002  B.C. Ranch Cutting Association buckle winner. She has shown and coached numerous amateurs in reining, trail and pleasure.