Current Profile:
Queen of Dressage
By Blair C. Conard: staff writer
"Dressage Queen" is a label often misconstrued as a way of describing dressage divas, but Barbara Strawson, 42, truly is a Queen of Dressage. She is a professional rider and trainer, competing through FEI Prix St. George, a task, fit for a queen.
For Strawson, involvement with horses began in childhood. Originally hailing from Rockville, MD, her parents moved the family to what was then deep country, Darnestown, MD. The move facilitated any child's dream: to have horses in the backyard.
Now, deeply entwined in dressage, Strawson bases her training expertise at two local farms. Randy Johnson's Greener Pastures and Lori Larson's Wyndham Oaks are home to Strawson's clients and competition mounts. On work and horses, Strawson says, "I am so lucky that my passion is how I make my living. It's pretty ideal."
The main obstacle in Strawson's career is mastering the finesse it takes to maintain a working relationship with another creature. "You need to make sure they are up to what we ask of them," Strawson says of her horse and human partnerships. "I take it one day at a time with each horse." Luck is also important. "You make your luck," she says.
In her career, Strawson was lucky enough to spend three years in Germany studying under four-time Olympic gold medallist, Nicole Uphoff. A Westphalian gelding named Persecco accompanied Strawson back to the U.S., where they continue to compete. The pair dominated the BLM Prix St. George regional competition in 2005.
Strawson's equestrian dreams have evolved greatly from her backyard beginnings. Her highest aspiration is to represent the U.S. at the Olympic games. She is pleased to have the support of renowned equestrian apparel company, Kerrits. As a team rider, Strawson is sponsored by Kerrits with clothing from their distinctive lines.
Her current Kerrits favorite comes from the new winter collection. Designed to "transition through the seasons," the Precip jacket has a waterproof shell with the inner, removable Quilted K Jacket for added warmth. It is a wonderful coat. "I have received a huge amount of compliments [on the jacket]," she says.
Strawson's career is flourishing. With all of her plans for the coming year and the terrific sponsorship from Kerrits, she is well on her way to achieving her highest equestrian goals. Strawson continues her unique training, keeping the horses' needs at the forefront of her techniques as she takes her career one day at a time.
Archived Profiles
|
