FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2014 53
Julia and Rita show off their winning jumping style.
Photo by Shawn McMillen
Pennsylvania National Horse Show and others, coming home with
ribbons every time.
She and Rita were even in the running for the Horse of the Year
Award.
Despite all her critics, the pair has attracted a lot of attention.
Julia has received several offers from individuals interested in
buying the mare with one offer totaling $50,000, enough to pay
her college tuition. “I turned them down and they thought I was
crazy,” she laughed, “but I couldn’t sell her. She puts up with me!”
Though Julia can’t keep Rita in full-time training, she credits
folks who graciously helped her along the way including Rachel
Kennedy, co-owner of ESP Farm in Brookville, Maryland, and
Brittany Tasho, assistant trainer, who coached her at shows and
the zone finals.
“I got really lucky with this pony,” Julia recognized. “Rita has the
best brain and that’s what got us this far. Other horses won’t put
up with that (an inexperienced rider).”
Julia started classes at a local community college in the fall
of 2013 with plans to transfer to a four-year school to major in
psychology and minor in business. While attending school, she
plans to keep Rita and begin training for eventing.
Though others were skeptical, Julia never faltered in her
devotion to riding or to Rita. She benefited from the generosity of
those who wanted to help her develop as a rider and has proven
there are other ways to succeed.
About the writer: Katie Navarra has worked as a freelance writer in the horse
industry for 12 years. She has been a lifelong horse lover and recently purchased a
Quarter Horse mare with hopes of re-entering the show ring in 2014.
