Karla Forrer

When Karla Forrer was a teenager, Helen and Dick Lodwick in southern Ohio helped begin her journey. She studied Animal Science with a specialty in Equine at the Ohio State University. After graduating, she worked on Arabian farms for nine years in Ocala, Florida. She competed in park, English pleasure, costume, western, and halter classes with numerous championship wins. Many of her hours were also spent teaching owners, amateurs, and young riders through the Dressage concepts of rhythm, relaxation, suppleness, contact and collection. 

Back in Northeastern Ohio, at Hidden Hollow Farm, Karla started a Pure Polish gelding in Dressage. This pair won the IAHA Dressage Rider Medals for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th levels, before being sold. An accomplished Dressage trainer competed with this gelding and won Reserve National Champion in PSG. Following this, Karla bred her Arabian Crabbet/Polish mare to pinto Dutch Warmblood stallions producing six talented half Arabian foals that continued winning in Dressage, Sport Horse in Hand and under Saddle classes in Regions 13, 14, and 15. These horses have won a Sport Horse National Championship in 2nd Level, Sport Horse National Champion Top Ten in 3rd Level, Arabian Youth Nationals Reserve National Champion in 1st Level, Arabian Youth Nationals Top Tens, and numerous Regional wins in Open, Amateur, and Youth divisions. 

Continuing her education, Karla has earned her "L" judges card from USDF and judges Dressage schooling shows. She is the Dressage coach for the College of Wooster IDA team and assists in coaching the IHSA teams. She is introducing Western Dressage to her students, the local 4-H groups and her GMO Dressage Club. 

2003 Arabian Sport Horse Nationals Champion Dressage 2nd Level

Karla with her husband, Joe Forrer