Barbara Strawson
- FEI Dressage Competitor
- Head Trainer, Barbara Strawson, LLC
- Instructor
Barbara Strawson has trained and competed horses from USDF Training Level through FEI Grand Prix. Barbara brings 20 years of experience to her business, Barbara Strawson, LLC, which she began in 2005 after her return from Germany.
Barbara’s skills and sensitivity allow her to bring out the potential in a variety of horse types and personalities. In addition, her philosophy, that each client is an individual with a unique learning style, results in her ability to help each horse and client to connect to the power of their own potential.
From
2001 to the end of 2004, Barbara trained in Germany with Nicole
Uphoff, 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist. While in Germany,
Barbara trained and competed through Grand Prix while riding as Nicole’s
assistant. Barbara began her FEI career training with Scott
Hassler, USEF National Young
Horse Dressage Coach. She was the Assistant trainer at Hilltop Farm in Colora,
MD from 1990 to 2003.
She is also an experienced instructor, co-authored My Riding Goals Journal and contributed to Equestrian Instruction. Both books are dedicated to improving personal performance in riding and instruction methods. Further, Barbara is a Balimo™ Graduate Core Instructor.
Barbara has been blessed with horses in her life from the time she was three years old. "Horse people" know what an honor it is to have horses in your life. Horses are a source of friendship, inspiration, knowledge and growth. Having such a partnership with horses can be a most rewarding experience.
Along the way in her career, Barbara received a lot of help, support, and inspiration from others. One of Barbara's goals is to return this generosity by finding ways to encourage and support others along the same path. Another goal is to share the beauty and power of horses with others, inspiring them with the art of horses and as a benefit to worthy causes. One such worth cause is the Jill Hassler-Scoop Memorial Dancing Horse Challenge, part of the PVDA Ride For Life dressage show to benefit breast cancer research.
Her accomplishments include USDF Bronze and Silver
Medals. For her most recent accomplishments, visit the News page.