North American Western Dressage Judge Barbara Soukup

    Prior to Western Dressage, Barbara has practiced many disciplines. She has shown on Appaloosas, Quarterhorses and Arabians in various divisions. She is currently focused in dressage as a trainer, instructor, competitor and schooling show judge. She also shows her own Holsteiner gelding and is hoping to present him at Prix St. George in 2018.

    • USDF Silver and Bronze medalist
    • Graduate with distinction from the USDF L judge program
    • Coached Lake Erie College’s Intercollegiate Dressage team to a National Championship in 2011
    • Has trained horses and students to qualify for Regional and Local Championships
    • Member of USEF, USDF, NODA (Northern Ohio Dressage Assoc.) and now NAWD
    • Current USDF Participating Member Delegate for her region
    • President of GMO NODA 
    • USDF Platinum Diploma for continuing education

    “I believe every horse and rider deserve my full attention and help no matter what the breed of horse or level of rider. As a teacher I believe it is my job to create a knowledgeable, independent rider-not a dependent rider. As a trainer I believe I must develop the horses in a system that creates a happy, willing and strong horse that will be capable of a long working life. As a coach I believe my job is to help students/competitors be prepared, relaxed and confident in the arena. As a judge I believe I owe the competitor and horse an honest unbiased assessment of their training progress based on the combinations individual qualities and competency.

    Barbara’s goal is to help riders understand dressage as simply a training guide to develop a willing partner that they can enjoy for a long working life. She teaches the same quality education to all riders, whether they just want to ride for fun or compete to higher levels.  She believes Western Dressage is in it’s infancy and is excited to be part of it’s growth and popularity.

    Barbara has competed up to Prix St. George level, and has achieved scores of greater than 65% in Traditional dressage on different horses.

    12121 Old State Rd
    Chardon, Ohio 44024
    Phone number: 440-339-3980
    Email: barbsoukup@aol.com