Training and Showing
Barbara Jarboe:
A PASSION FOR DRESSAGE
Barbara Jarboe has loved horses since her first lesson in Chicago as a little girl. "I lived in the city and thought any horse was great!" She started riding Saddlebred horses in that riding stable but for the last 20 plus years, the passion has been dressage!
"The natural movement of the horse is just so beautiful. The connection of the horse and rider is just so enhanced with dressage. You can really feel a connect" says Barbara. And she would know, Barbara has many accolades to her name. Her most memorable are her 1980 German Bronze Metal, a 2004 United States Dressage Federation Bronze Metal and a 2005 Freestyle Dressage Bronze Metal.
Yes, a freestyle dressage metal. "Most people don't know of Freestyle of Dressage. But it is a great way to share how fun dressage can be" shared Barbara. "Phoenix (her 19 year old Thoroughbred) and I have two routines, one where he is Superman and one where he is Simba of the Lion King." She adds proudly. "The kids really love it"
Barbara and her husband Dean have more than just a love for horses, they live for horses. On their 200 acre farm in Lincoln County, they have ten (10) horses and several cats and dogs that call Quintessence Farm home. "We just love the piece and quite and the animals. It is so relaxing" she says with a smile.
Phoenix is her baby, you can tell they share a special connection. But she does have another dressage horse in the works. Gilda is a 16 + hand Hanoverian Warm blood. "She is a little temperamental but she is still a baby" she shares. Gilda is only 4 but learning fast.
Their other horses are Quarter Horses. "Dean loves Dun Quarter Horses," says Barbara. "He just enjoys trail riding them and we have room for that."
Barbara was the recipient of the 2006 Region 2 Volunteer of the Year Award for USDF. She was the Kentucky Representative at the National Convention that year in Kansas City. Along with donating her time to USDF, she is also the President of the Kentucky Dressage Association.
When asked if she wanted to share anything with those reading this she responded, "I just want to share how much I support what KEEP is doing in the promotion of the horse. We (KY) are the Horse Capital of the World and NOT Florida. We need to all support and promote that no matter the breed or disciple."