Julie moved to Rochester, MN in the summer of 2024 from Michigan.  After a few years off dealing with her own health issues, she stated showing again in 2023 and 2024. She is looking forward to continuing to show her horse Monty at appaloosa and open shows in all around events.  Pattern classes are favorites for her and Monty. Julie enjoys taking lessons with Lita and being a part of the barn family. Lita is very talented in her teaching ability.  She can help the new rider just getting started to coaching seasoned competitors for open show championships and breed show competition. Because she is an approved judge for multiple breed associations, she is able to share her knowledge on what judges are looking for in the show pen. Lita is also kind and understanding while still getting results from riders and horses. The barn family is friendly and helpful.  Everyone works together to ensure a great experience for people and horses. 

 

Julie started riding before she could walk on her family’s farm.  She started showing at 4H and local open shows at age 12.  She progressed from placing in frequently to winning open show classes and gold medals at the state 4H show.  In high school, Julie rode on the equestrian team and she was a member of the state championship team her senior year.  While at Michigan State University, Julie participated on the horse judging team.  She learned about showing from the judge’s viewpoint while attending and competing at several large breed show events around the country. 

 

Julie grew up riding and showing quarter horses, but she was also interested in paints and appaloosas. A few years after college she bought her first appaloosa and started showing at Michigan Appaloosa shows in addition to open shows. Several appaloosas brought her success with ApHC and on the Michigan circuit (MApHA) with multiple year end top six awards over the last couple of decades. Highlights include:

2010 ApHC 7th in the nation Novice Non-Pro Hunt Seat Equitation with Headline Story (Linus)

2011 MApHA High Point Novice Non-Pro with Headline Story (Linus) 

2012 ApHC 5th in the nation Novice Non-Pro Western Pleasure with Zippy Monte Rockin M

2016 ApHC 6th in the nation Open Ranch Trail with Zippy Monte Rockin M

2016 ApHC World Show 7th Novice Non-Pro Hunt Seat Equitation with Zippy Monte Rockin M 

2018 MApHA Reserve High Point Select & Masters Non-Pro with Zippy Monte Rockin M