About
Junior Rider
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.
Professional
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, a thoroughbred mare, to 4th level which helped complete the requirements to enter the USDF (United States Dressage Federation) “L” judge training program. 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.
Trainer
Barbara has been training both people and horses for almost 30 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 ranch, now called Rockwall Equestrian Center, changed focus in 2004, and was sold to become a full care boarding facility until Oct 2008. The equestrian center is now owned and managed by Lisa and Jackie Blackmon of Black Star Sport Horses. Barbara is still instructing at Rockwall Equestrian Center with the team at Black Star.
Competitor
Barbara is an active FEI dressage competitor on her own horse, and also has several other horses of her own and clients that she actively competes in dressage and eventing. Caduceus Panache who is competing at 2nd level, is also available for breeding.
For boarding information at Rockwall Equestrian Center and information about the Black Star team, please visit Black Star Sport Horses.