Community
PVDA Ride For Life: Dressage Show to Benefit Breast Cancer Research at Johns Hopkins
Barbara began competing as a rider in the Ride for Life (R4L) show beginning in 2005, bringing in rider donations to benefit the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. In 2007, Barbara, working with Pat Artimovich (R4L founder) and Athena Haresign, conceived the idea to host the Jill Hassler-Scoop Dancing Horse Challenge as a part of the R4L. This is an evening of horses dancing to music that honors Barbara's late mentor, Jill Hassler-Scoop, as well as others who have experienced the challenge of breast cancer. Since 2007, Barbara, the Barbara Strawson LLC staff, and supporters have donated their time in supporting this event. In 2008, Barbara took over as Chairman of the Dancing Horse Challenge and continued as Chairman in 2009. Learn more about this event and why it is personal to Barbara.
Please visit the Ride For Life web site.
Chesapeake Dressage Institute Hosts La Fiesta del Verano, the Party of the Summer (August 2008)
Barbara and Prosecco performed their Pirates and Treasures freestyle in this 2008 event, which raised money to benefit the Annapolis Wellness House. Please visit the Chesapeake Dressage web site.
Wyndham Oaks Quadrille Challenge to Benefit the Great and Small Therapeutic Riding Program
In 2007, Barbara and Socrates performed their Ride For Life Freestyle to music by Melissa Etheridge. Hilary and Barbara rode in the 8-horse Instructors Drill Team, riding Jennifer Foulon's Ferrero and Karen Yingst's Kapriole, respectively. Hilary was marketing chair of the Quadrille Challenge Organizational Committee.
Again in 2008, Barbara rode Kapriole in the Instructors Drill Team, and in addition, Barbara and Degas inspired the audience with their Veni Creator freestyle, created by Equichord. Hilary donated her time to helping to organize the event. Please visit the Great and Small web site.
2007 Green Cup Polo Match to Benefit Environmental Organizations
In July 2007, Barbara and Socrates performed their Ride for Life Freestyle during the half time event of this polo match. Learn More about Green Cup Polo.
Horse 'n' Around 4H Club Presentationin Clarksburg, MD
In October 2007, Barbara shared her experiences as a professional trainer and rider, speaking to the 4Hers about the dedication, knowledge and determination it takes to become a professional in her field. She spoke about the importance of education and how to combine getting your education with a love of horses. Barbara herself grew up attending the Bits 'N' Spurs 4H club when she lived in Darnestown, MD.
Horses and Music
Barbara was inspired to the 'art' of dressage when she saw a performance to music by Linda Zang and John Winnett at the Washington International Horse Show many years ago. Prior to this, Barbara did not even know what dressage was, but when she watched this, she just knew that this was what she had to do. Coming forward to the present, Barbara is working with Frank and Cece Maddlone of Equichord who combine years of experience in the performing arts with their love of horses to create musical freestyles. Barbara met Frank and Cece before the 2008 Ride for Life, when they graciously offered to donate the Tribute Freestyle, organize the sound, and help choreograph the evening. Barbara, Frank and Cece, in partnering to combine all their talents, are excited to carry the power, beauty and inspiration of horses and music forward for others to enjoy.