Barbara Lewis started riding when she was in 4th grade and living in Austin. Her parents later moved to Houston where she took up eventing. The height of her junior eventing career came in 1983. First, coached by Walsh Bishop, (USA Olympic team member) she competed at the Kentucky Rolex 3 Day Event. She then spent a month riding with Michael Plumb (USA Olympic team member) in preparation for the Intercontinental Young Riders Championship in Massachusetts where she rode at the FEI Young Rider level and was also coached by Michael Plumb.
After graduating from Sam Houston State University with a degree in ag-business, she moved to Arlington, TX and entered the non-equine 'real world'. With less free time on her hands, she focused on Dressage. She competed her own horse to 4th level which helped complete the requirements to enter the USDF (United States Dressage Federation) "L" judge training program. In 1993 she graduated from the USDF 'L' program for judge training, and is in the process of completing the riding requirements to enter the USA Equestrian program for 'r'-dressage judge. In 2002 Barbara earned her USDF Bronze Medal and is currently working towards the USDF Silver Medal. In addition to judging, teaching and training, she is involved in the USDF at both the region and local levels. Barbara was the USDF Region 9 Adult Education Chair for many years and is now the USDF Sport Horse Chair. For the Dallas Dressage Club, she served as the Recognized Show Chair and is currently the Treasurer.
Barbara has been training both people and horses for over 25 years. She began her career in high school by teaching beginners at summer camps and continues to teach students and train horses today. She has started more horses under saddle than she can count as well as helping riders with on-going training with their horses in dressage and jumping. In 2002, Barbara left the corporate world to train and ride full time for Double V Ranch Rockwall, TX. The highlight of the string of Morgan dressage horses, "Rogue", is currently showing Prix St. George.
The ranch changed focus in 2004, and now is a full care boarding facility. Barbara is the head trainer/instructor for the facility, which is now called the Rockwall Equestrian Center. Rogue is competiting I-1 this year, and is accompanied by Caduceus Panache, morgan stallion competiting at 2nd level. He will also compete in eventing at novice level this year. Panache is available for breeding.