Congratulations to Laura Backus, Area IX’s First ICP Level III-Certified Instructor!

In March of this year, Laura Backus completed the requirements to become Area IX’s first ICP Level III-certified instructor. Laura, co-owner of Pendragon Stud Equestrian Center in Larkspur, Colorado, has been teaching and training eventing and dressage horses and their riders for over 25 years. She has coached students to successfully compete at the American Eventing Championships, North American Junior and Young Rider Championships, Area Championships in Eventing and Dressage and at the FEI levels in Eventing. She was awarded the American Riding Instructors’ Association (ARIA) National Instructor of the Year, the International Craig Ferrell, MD. Equestrian Safety Award and was chosen by the Colorado Horse Council as the 2015 Colorado Horseperson of the Year. She is an H-A level graduate of The United States Pony Club and was awarded the United States Pony Clubs "20+ Year Local Legend Award" for giving 20 years or more valued service as a volunteer dedicated to developing horsemanship, sportsmanship and leadership among Pony Club members. Area IX is lucky to have such a qualified, dedicated horse professional right here in our own “back yard.”