Who is Lisa Gorretta?
Lisa Gorretta has had a successful career as a businesswoman, entrepreneur, consultant, professor, president, and official to name a few.
As a child growing up, her love of horses at the former Red Raider Camp in Russell Township, Chagrin Falls is where her passion for horses began. Lisa began riding in the Hunter Jumper discipline as a child through her teen years, enjoying the experience of anything having to do with horses from the days of owning her first horse, eventually developing an interest in the world of Dressage after graduating college at Ohio State University, where she was a member of the class of 1976 College of Agriculture.
Her equestrian knowledge stemmed from her upbringing, and she is passionate about education for all levels of horses and horse people. This is the cornerstone of her own shop of horse products division of her father’s manufacturing company, The Paddock Saddlery, beginning in the late 1980’s which she sold in 2013 acquired by Big Dee’s. After selling that business, she started her consulting firm, The Paddock Group, LLC, specializing in equestrian based businesses.
Lisa specializes in equestrian retail but also works with startup companies bringing new products to the market. Lisa does some career coaching for young professionals finding their pathway as trainers, instructors or officials. She has served as an Entrepreneur in Residence and as an Adjunct Professor teaching Management of Equestrian Activities for Lake Erie College.
Lisa believes learning about horses is a lifelong passion best reinforced through teaching. When in Big Dee’s showroom, she is involved in staff product training and serving our customers in everything from custom boots, show attire, bits and saddle fitting services we offer.
When not at Big Dee’s, Lisa is often away to officiate at a competition. She is a 40-year USEF Dressage Technical Delegate and is also the Co-Chair of the Dressage Sport Committee. She is the past-President of the United States Dressage Federation and was the recipient of the USDF Lifetime Achievement Award.
Lisa is also an International (FEI) Dressage Steward who has been a part of 1 - World Equestrian Games, 3 - Pan American Games and 1 - Olympic Game in 2016, which will change this year. Lisa will be making the trip to Paris this month for the 2024 summer equestrian games on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles officiating the equestrian sport of dressage in her second Olympics. She will also serve as support staff for Eventing and Show Jumping.
Lisa’s passion for horses and her keen skill in relating to them has made her a lifelong horsewoman. Lisa’s current horse, Indy is a Swedish Warmblood she purchased in the early 1990s at the age of 4, now 31. She has been involved with equestrians for more than 6 decades and her passion for it has never diminished. If she can be around a horse, she considers it a privilege.
