By Suellen Hogue
In 2019, Region 9 trainer Lisa Blackmon had five of her students, who are members of the Dallas Dressage Club, qualify for the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®. Education and experience are the foundation on which Lisa trains her students.
Lisa Blackmon, owner/trainer of Black Star Sport Horses in Rockwall, Texas, is a fourth-generation equestrian who grew up riding and competing. She won many national titles while showing as a young rider. Born in Charleston, South Carolina and raised in Texas, Lisa has spent her life studying and showing horses. For the last 18 years, her focus has remained on International Sport Horses. Traveling extensively through Europe, she has had the opportunity to train with some of the best American and European trainers such as Harry Bolt, Reiner Klimke, Conrad Schumacher, Ernst Hoyos, Uwe Steiner, Scott Hassler, and others. Lisa currently trains with Johann Hinnemann. She earned her USDF Bronze and Silver Medals in 1998 followed by her USDF Gold Medal in 2000.
Lisa has trained and shown many horses, from young green prospects to seven Grand Prix horses. She has competed successfully, having won multiple USDF and USEF Horse of the Year Awards, in addition to Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships, having qualified for Regional Championships on over 30 horses. Her education in the sport is evident with graduating with distinction from the USDF L Education Program, as well as earning a USDF University Diploma in the study of dressage. To further her knowledge, in addition to attending conventions, symposiums, and educational seminars, she gives freely of her time and resources to promote the sport of dressage through demonstrations, sponsorships, and serving on boards where needed.
Lisa’s passion lies with training and teaching. Her students include USDF bronze, silver and gold medalists along with national champions and two advanced young riders. Lisa takes great pride in her students and their accomplishments; she feels riders greatly benefit from a strong support team and an understanding of the horse.
“As a student of classical training, I feel training of the horse must come in stages following the German scale of progression. Showing and awards are only the result of a well-trained, happy, confident horse and rider team. Horses in my training program are treated as top athletes with attention to diet, health and soundness, conditioning and endurance building.” The students that went on from the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships to the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® are four adult amateurs and one young professional trainer. The adult amateurs are Misty Moyes and Conan Star (Intermediate II), Mary Mallory and Di Mi Tambe (Fourth Level, Fourth Freestyle), Delinda Ruffino and Elysian (Third Level, Third Freestyle),and Suellen Hogue and Quatertan (Third Level). The young professional trainer is Katelyn Kok on Land Star and Disco Divo (Intermediate I and Third Level Freestyle, respectively).
Comments from these riders regarding the training and work with Lisa:
“Her dedication to getting the harmony between horse and rider is most evident; consideration of the horse and his freedom of movement within the gaits are emphasized.”
“Lisa has cultivated a culture that brings together all types and level of riders, elevating them in their skill and confidence.”
“As a trainer, she pushes her students and horses to their maximum potential. She supports the riders through their highs and lows, and tailors the training accordingly. She sincerely cares about the success and happiness of each of her students and their horses.”
These particular students of Lisa’s have been training with her from as few as 3 years to 10 years, had several horses, and have also been competing regularly.
This was a first time attendance to the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® for these riders. Asked if they would go again…. the response was “Absolutely!! It was a blast!”
