Halter Profile – Dawn Strohecker
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366 – July/August, 2023
By Rachel Kooiker
Amateur Dawn Strohecker and her gelding, Illicit Intention, earned top honors in 2022 as 3-time AQHA National High Point Champions. They earned their place at the top of the year-end list for the highly competitive Level 3 Open Geldings, Open Junior Geldings, and Level 3 Amateur Geldings classes. In fact, as of May 2023 Illicit Intention is now My Intention’s highest point earning progeny according to Q Stallions.
Strohecker’s feats are made even more impressive when you factor in that she’s a DIY exhibitor who does it all herself–you name it; she does it. The Equine Chronicle grabbed a bit of Strohecker’s time, so read on to learn more about this dynamic exhibitor and her great horse.
Key Accomplishments
In 2022, Strohecker–who is also a CDL-licensed truck driver–hauled her horse approximately 22,000 miles. These trips took her to 28 show circuits which earned her 3 national high-point titles, 607 points, and a whopping 174 Grand and 50 Reserves with Illicit Intention aka ‘Spanky’. As she says, “Initially, I was just shooting for the Amateur high point; getting all three was a surprise! He hauls really well, so I’m fortunate.”
How did you get started in horses? “I grew up in a horse family. My grandparents had Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds that they raised. I got my first pony at two years old and never looked back.”
How did you get started in Halter? “I used to jump, barrel race, and do the all-around, but I started having back problems and that’s when I started showing Halter horses. I love that there is a lot of attention to detail with Halter. I actually used to detail cars and I think those skills translate to my love of grooming, clipping, and banding.” She notes that the other aspect she loves about Halter is the balance of being able to show in the morning and be done early, as opposed to waiting until midnight to compete.
Click here to read the complete article
366 – July/August, 2023
