44 SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Paul Rohrbach may live in the beautiful state of Colorado; but
his riding career began in another gorgeous location - he started
riding as a child in Oahu, Hawaii. He showed successfully in
Hawaii before leaving for North Carolina State University to study
business and then returned to the University of Hawaii to continue
his studies.
At the age of 20, Paul became an apprentice with Rudy Leone
of Leone Equestrians, Inc. of Sacramento, California. As a young
professional, Paul travelled to Axxel, Holland to work and ride for
a premiere horse show and sales stable. Throughout his career,
Paul has competed successfully on the national and international
grand prix show jumping circuit and reached the World Cup
Qualifying level.
Paul has numerous awards to his credit from the United States
Equestrian Federation, United States Hunter Jumper Association
and World Champion Hunter Rider organization. Paul became the
frst recipient of the “Setting the Standard” award; an award given
by the Langer Equestrian Group in memory of fellow professional
rider Keri Kaneps.
What do you consider the highlight of your career so far?
Riding in many World Cup Qualifers and purchasing our farm
in Parker, Colorado with my wife Dorothy and business partner of
25 years, Corky Shaha.
You are from Hawaii originally, how did you end up in
Colorado?
I came to Colorado to ride and train at BARA Farms outside
of Colorado Springs. I was given the opportunity to work with
Corky Shaha and we went into partnership together very soon
after. I love Colorado - the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, the
atmosphere and people of Colorado and the fact that it is sunny
most of the year!
Do you have family members that ride?
My oldest daughter Hannah rides. Corky is her primary
trainer. Occasionally, I teach her as well. My daughter Quincy is
also starting to ride. She rides with our assistant or with Corky as
well.
Paul Rohrbach Sets The Standard High
The National Western Stock Show is a big event in Colorado.
What do you like about it?
The National Western Stock Show (NWSS) is like no other
horse show we go to. The excitement of riding in front of a
hometown crowd is a one-of-a-kind experience. During the
NWSS, I will compete in just about every professional hunter
jumper division – from the hunters to the grand prix. Many of our
students compete as well - amateurs and juniors - in the hunter,
jumper and equitation divisions. We had an excellent horse show
last year with Championships and/or Reserve Championships in
many divisions. I look forward to competing in the grand prix again
as I have for many, many years. I have won every color ribbon in
the grand prix except blue!
What are your goals?
My goals for the future are to continue to build our farm, Wells
Bridge Farm, into a premiere equestrian training facility and to
develop our students and their horses to compete at the top levels
of the sport.
Who or what do you consider the greatest love of your life?
My family is the greatest love of my life - my wife Dorothy and
our children Hannah, Quincy, Aiden and Cort.
If you could have a different career, what would it be?
I would be a farmer. I love working on the land.
Do you have a motto?
My motto is “Nothing comes from nothing.” If you are not willing
to move forward, work for your dreams and take risks, you will
achieve nothing.
Paul shows off his love for horses – and a few winning ribbons!
Photo by Lili Weik
Paul Rohrbach and business partner Corky Shaha.
Photo courtesy of Paul Rohrbach
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Colorado