Information

For Sale

Services

@2001 Jennie Williams
All rights reserved

From "Crooked Girl" to World Champion

     (The following article was written and published in a company publication regarding a dear friend, Karen.  Not only did Karen take her colt Pirata to the 2007 Grand National show where he won multiple Championships, she topped the mountain with her wins at the Mundial, the World Cup show that is only held every 2 years and rarely in the US.  I feel honored to have been the one who sold Karen her first Paso.  It only goes to show what a good woman and a good horse can do together, no matter what the adversities they may encounter along the way.)  

     Karen Kraushaar, a public affairs specialist for TAS Communications & Liaison, recently won an equestrian world championship event in Jacksonville, Florida.  Riding a breed of horse known as Paso Fino, Karen was able to add a world championship title to her many national championships. 

     Karen is a lifelong horsewoman who was diagnosed at age 21 with scoliosis: a spine with abnormal curves and twists.  After multiple surgeries, physical therapists (who gave Karen the nickname “crooked girl),” helped her learn to manage the pain associated with the condition, and to minimize the limitations on her activities.  She now follows a rigorous exercise plan involving weight training and cardiovascular conditioning.  Karen also has a reasonable accommodation for this disability at work – a special office chair.  “Strange as it may seem, scoliosis makes sitting for hours in a chair a lot harder than walking or riding my horse,” she says with a laugh.

     The jolting and jarring associated with horseback riding, which has been Karen’s passion since the age of 6, initially limited what she was able to achieve.  But once she became involved with the Paso Fino breed, things took off.  “I am grateful that these horses exist for people like me, who otherwise would have no business putting a foot in a stirrup,” she says. “What we have achieved is beyond my wildest dreams.”

     Paso Fino horses are descended from horses brought by Christopher Columbus to the new world more than 500 years ago.  Over the years, they have become famous for their quick-stepping gait, and are known as the smoothest ride in the world.  “I would like everyone who enjoys horses to try riding a Paso Fino,” Karen says.  “Not only are they smooth, but they are sensible and gentle.  When God created the world, He said ‘Horses shall not trot.’  The good horses listened.”

Congratulations to Karen and Pirata!!