Instructor

Our instructor, Laura Backus, teaches students of all ages and levels of ability in all aspects of Eventing. She also takes horses in training and actively competes throughout the United States. She held the positions of coach for the Ball State University Equestrian Team and head trainer and instructor at Hartmeyer's Stable, both in Muncie, Indiana. She then accepted a position as Associate Professor in the equestrian program at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terra Haute, Indiana. She now co-owns and teaches out of Pendragon Stud Equestrian Center, LLC near Larkspur, Colorado.

Her qualifications include:

USEA ECP Level IV Instructor Certification

2019 was inducted into the U.S. Pony Club's Academy of Achievement

Recipient of the 2015 Colorado Horse Council Colorado Horseperson of the Year

Recipient of the 2012 Craig Ferrell, MD. Equestrian Safety Award

Awarded the United States Pony Clubs "20+ Year Local Legend Award" in 2012

Level III-certified instructor by the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) in Eventing and Dressage

2009 ARIA National Instructor of the Year

Is an H-A level graduate of The United States Pony Club

Holds her USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals (all on horses that she produced)

Has taught Eventing and Dressage for over 40 years

Has competed through 3-star level in Eventing

Numerous students on USEF U18 & U25 training squads

Numerous students have received their USDF Bronze and Silver medals

Has trained numerous horses through FEI level in Dressage and Eventing

Laura has been active in Pony Club since 1979, holding many offices and other positions of responsibility. She qualified for the Young Riders Championship and Rocky Mountain Young Riders team. In addition, she founded and was District Commissioner of the Riders Unlimited Pony Club in Indiana. She has trained hundreds of students and horses, many of which went on to receive awards at various levels of Eventing and Dressage within United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), United States Eventing Association (USEA), Mountain States Eventing Association (MSEA) , and United States Dressage Federation (USDF). Laura's personal riding achievements include many local, regional, and national year-end awards. She held the USEA Area IX chair postion from 2021- 2024