After parting ways with the Cockeriels, Barb found herself – and her Saddlebred – at an Arabian barn. She recalled a story about her parents visiting her there. She rubbed the head of her Saddlebred and then patted an Arabian she had been riding. “My Saddlebred got really angry,” she chuckled. “And my parents couldn’t understand what I was doing at an Arab barn.” But her love affair with Arabians began.
Betty Weber brought Barb back to the hunter jumper world when she saw the need for knowledgeable stewards. Barb had been engaged with all-breed shows in that capacity so the fit was natural. In turn, Barb brought Betty into the all-breed world.
As Barb returned to her roots, she was a little surprised at how many people she recognized from her formative years. But that’s the thing about our world – it can be small.
But it wasn’t all about the horses for Barb. As an English teacher, she taught at Hill Junior High School, George Washington High School and East High School before she “retired.” She now works as a substitute teacher with Jefferson County Public Schools and often subs at Arvada West High School, near her home. In fact when presenting Barb with her award, CHJA member Rachel Benson noted how Barb not only influenced her riding but also in the classroom at A-West.
In recent years, Barb has been a familiar face at shows as a USEF steward. She has been an active member of the CHJA Board of Directors and with Val Williams, has managed the CHJA Medal Finals.
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