Julia trains horses and riders for the sport of dressage. In the 60 years she has spent in the saddle, she has had the good fortune to learn from some of the masters of equestrian sport, including Molly Sivewright FBHS as well as Hubert Rohrer and Karl Mikolka, both from the Spanish Riding School. A believer in lifelong learning, she actively engages in regular instruction for herself as well, most recently from 5x Olympian Cindy Ishoy.

For more than four decades, Julia has worked as barn owner, breeder, and dressage trainer, creating programs for her students that allow them to achieve their goals while maintaining the health and happiness of the horses. While her focus lies in the dressage arena, she encourages cross-training for fun and fitness, with an emphasis on jumping, galloping, and trail riding for the horses and gym workouts for the riders.

Julia’s focus is on developing sport riders and sport horses (regardless of breed) that can remain sound and happy while excelling in the physical and mental rigors of gymnastic dressage development. As a lifelong athlete and licensed massage therapist, Julia understands the need for every horse to develop a balanced, sound body and a healthy mind. 

Julia’s background as an educator, a riding instructor, and trainer has given her the tools to successfully teach a diverse group of personalities and learning styles. Whether you’re just entering the sport, looking to improve your current skill set, or hoping to earn your rider medals, her goal is to help every student enhance the beauty that each horse already possesses.

“My goal is for my students and I to enhance the beauty that our horses already possess.  I never grow tired of watching the transformation that good dressage training can make.”

Certifications

Certifications from the following national and international organizations:

• USDF L Graduate

• British Horse Society

• United States Pony Club

• United States Dressage Federation Instructor

Rider Awards

I have earned the following USDF awards:

• Silver Medal

• Bronze Medal

“Julia is exactly the right person to work with my older, "non traditional" dressage horse. She's patiently pushes both me and my horse out of our comfort zones, setting us up for the little successes that keep us building on our training pyramid. Her knowledge and experience makes me trust that we'll keep my dancing partner fit and comfortable in the best possible way as he ages. And she's a ton a fun to ride with!"

— Suzi H.

“Julia is an amazing trainer. I've had many dressage instructors over time, and all contributed - in some cases, greatly - to my education, but Julia has just taken that and made it all whole! SO Good!"

— Susan B.