Casey Brook – adult amateur student since 2020
- What was the reason to go to Juliana and take lessons?
I heard of Juliana through a friend. I had been riding pretty much my whole life, had gone to
college and rode on a team there. When I came back from college I wanted to continue riding as much as I had in school and become a more confident and knowledgeable rider. - What was the biggest breakthrough in her program for you?
My biggest breakthrough was learning intention. I remember a lesson when Juliana told me that if I did not believe I could do it, what was going to make my horse believe it? I needed to change my thought process to “I don’t know if I can do this” to “I know I can do this”, and then to just get it done. If whatever it is we are working on doesn’t go as planned, then you assess and fix the problem, you don’t go in already thinking that you are going to mess up. The confidence that that little mind shift gave me makes all the difference when I am riding. You must come in with the mindset and intent that you can do it, otherwise you don’t even believe in yourself. You must show up for yourself and your horse. - Why would you recommend Julian as a coach or trainer?
I would recommend Juliana as a trainer because she doesn’t just throw you on a horse. She
assesses where you are in your riding, and customizes lessons/clinics to what you need. She explains the why behind everything and goes deeper than just surface level. She is so good at relating riding to other things to help it make sense and to help you remember the tools she teaches you. She has a unique way of teaching you how to ride and helping you learn the tools you need to take with you.
Catherine Ludwig – adult amateur student since 2018
- What was the reason to go to Juliana and take lessons?
Honestly, one of the main things that appealed to me about Juliana’s program – before knowing anything else – was that Juliana was highly qualified but it wasn’t a “show program.” It seemed like an opportunity to have access to training and experience that otherwise is mostly offered to people whose goals are to horse show and built around a specific show schedule – and in my opinion, that can influence the training methodology to become tailored to being successful at horse shows. I wanted to be able to be successful at horse shows, sure, but my goals don’t center around that success in a show environment – they center around can I ride my horse, any horse, effectively, fairly, empathetically, and can I build my toolbox. - What was the biggest breakthrough in her program for you?
There are probably a number of ways I could approach this question, and one of the most important things I’ve taken away probably isn’t even a “breakthrough” because it isn’t a challenge that I’ve fully overcome yet. For me the emphasis on holding myself 100% accountable and being nonnegotiable in my expectations for myself has been a key message that I’ve taken away from Juliana’s program. I’ve become more aware of when I’m giving up too easily or moving my goal post because of challenges encountered. - Why would you recommend Julian as a coach or trainer?
I’d recommend Juliana has a coach and trainer because her program doesn’t focus on checkboxes – she expects that you develop comprehensive, foundational knowledge to build on, and encompasses the mental and problem-solving aspects of riding into her lessons. She doesn’t just tell you to put your heels down, shoulders back, do a leg yield now, canter that line in six – she pushes you to understand what you need to do based on an understanding of why you need to do it.
Dr. Miranda Ertel – adult amateur student
- What was the reason to go to Juliana and take lessons?
The reason I went to Juliana’s to take lesson is that other instructors were not working for Colten and I. I did work with Jim Thomas before going to Juliana’s to rebuild his foundation, and he recommended I meet with her to continue my learning. I have owned, ridden, and successfully shown other horses before Colten, but Colten was different. Colten lacked confidence trust and connection with people which left him nervous and reactive. It was hard to do just about anything with him; bathe, blanket saddle, mount, ride, apply protective boots, trailer, put in a stall, spay on fly spray, pretty much you name it and it was a struggle. I had never been with a horse quite like this, so I did not have the tools necessary to help him through. Colten was so disconnected that he was even difficult to catch from the pasture for anyone trying to get him. I knew there was something very special about Colten and that we could work through it together somehow. The first time Colten met Juliana at her house he started to open up to her, so I knew I had made the right decision for us. - What was the biggest breakthrough in her program for you?
It is hard to break it down to just one biggest breakthrough. The tension that I developed riding him completely put me out of balance and made it difficult for me to think clearly and make sound decisions. By correcting my position one step at a time and giving me tools over many lessons I am much better equipped to show up mentally and physically for us as a team. This has put us on a path to achieve great things. My tension is something I continue to work on, which has further developed me as a person. - Why would you recommend Julian as a coach or trainer?
I would and have recommended Juliana as a coach and trainer. She really cares about the horse and teaches you how to communicate and connect with them. If you are truly looking for someone to help you navigate the journey with your horse you will be very happy.
Juliana Zunde 