“Lilli Barlow was my student of mine from 2015 until Fall of 2021. She began on school horses, then bought a pony, and finally owned two other horses.
Lilli’s first horse purchased after the lesson horses and pony was Bomber (who was was true to his barn name). Lilli had to learn many things; humility, patience, perseverance, advanced riding skills, how to deal with disappointment and not always success. Lilli had been separated from him more times than she would like, but through the process her equitation and overall riding skills made huge progress! Kind of like “sink or swim” and each time, sometimes through fear she made the decision to push through. She had to sit out some competitions and fun rides because the timing wasn’t right, or her horse wasn’t ready.
I feel Bomber was a turning point in her ability to process and begin to apply the theories she had been learning all those years. Lilli seemed to mature overnight, becoming extremely focused. She was able to take all her struggles and direct them to riding her horse as well as other horses with more skill than in the past. Also, with the confidence of riding came her strength to work with the younger or less experienced students and help those riders to grow as well.
Her next horse Posh, had a lot of experience and allowed Lilli to finally shine as the rider she had become riding Bomber. She took her determination and drive to the larger rated shows and her aspirations to ride on a collegiate team grew stronger.
As an equestrienne she is an active competitor in local and larger rated shows, rode for several years on the Ozark Legends IEA team, served as a Junior Board member on the local Hunter Jumper club and is always willing to participate in local foxhunts, trail rides or cross country outings!
Lilli is also active outside of riding attending youth group regularly on Wednesday’s, has a dog sitting business, is always free to babysit as well, and periodically does cross fit with her
mother as well as various fun runs.Please reach out to me if you have any questions, or need further details about Lilli.”
~ Heather Swope; Legends Equestrian Center, Owner/Instructor, Decatur, AR
“I have had the pleasure of being on the Northwest Arkansas Hunter Jumper Association board of directors with Lilli. She was one of our junior board members and was so fully dedicated & consistently proactive. I have always enjoyed this young lady’s kindness and spirit! She is a wonderful, passionate rider and puts in the work! She is definitely a team player, and I must say, an outstanding human being.”
~ Jen Sweeney; NW AR Hunter Jumper Association, Fayetteville, AR
“After knowing Lilli for many years I can say you will be hard pressed to find someone with a better work ethic. When Lilli puts her mind to something she will not quit until it is accomplished. She is also quick to reach out to someone in need and help them on the path to success.”
~ Emily Needham – Family Friend