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Friday, December 04 2020 / Published in Weekly Feature

Julia Stone: Exceptional Horsewoman, Exceptional Young Woman

By Britney Grover

Portraits by Lori Ovanessian

Julia Stone has always loved learning and horses. While attending a college preparatory high school, she commuted each week to horse shows — including flying from her home in California to Florida every Thursday and back each Sunday during the Winter Equestrian Festival.

While juggling AP and honors courses, Julia approached one of her teachers to discuss homework before leaving for an upcoming show. Though well-meaning, the teacher told Julia she had to choose between being an equestrian and a serious academic.

“I’d always been striving to be class valedictorian, and hearing her say I had to make a choice was disheartening,” Julia said.

She still wanted to be both. On her flight to WEF, she continued contemplating the question. Her conclusion?

“I thought the idea that you had to choose between being a competitive equestrian and being a serious student was limited at best,” she shared. “Striving for excellence in both worlds became a challenge I was determined to overcome.”

As not just class valedictorian but having also finished her junior career winning the ASPCA Maclay Region 8 Final and excelling at national competitions, Julia has certainly overcome the challenge — and was well-deservedly named 2019 US Equestrian Junior Equestrian of the Year.

A Love for Learning

Julia’s passion for horses had a grassroots beginning that started when she was 6 years old and began attending many summer horse camps. “I was definitely the horse-crazy kid who collected Breyer horses and always wanted to arrive early and stay late at the barn, and simply spend as much time around these amazing animals as possible,” she said.

At 10, Julia decided she wanted to compete and began training with Courtney Cochran at Ridgewood Farm near her home in Santa Barbara, California. Julia’s love for learning and her pursuit of excellence took over from there — supported by her family.

“I am beyond grateful and have my parents to thank for the opportunities I had and the memories I cherish from this sport,” she said. “Like many horse show moms and dads have done in the past, my mom was by my side throughout the constant travel and the countless hours at the ring, being my rock and biggest fan, encouraging me and helping me keep things in perspective. With their help and sacrifice, of both time and money, I’ve experienced the best of both worlds! They gave me the opportunity to make my dreams a reality.”

Her parents always encouraged her to keep her grades up through the constant travel and time-consuming nature of the sport. Though it became more challenging as the years went on, it was always what Julia wanted, too.

“Learning has always been at the root of who I am,” she said. “From my first memories, I’ve loved to learn: from traveling to learning new languages — my favorite! — to reading every plaque in the museum because I didn’t want to miss any information, I’m almost obsessed with acquiring new knowledge.”

That love of learning naturally extended to her love of horses. She hung around the barn, learning about supplements and talking to vets and farriers, learning absolutely everything she could. After finding success at shows in California, she wanted to do more — and she would need more than pure knowledge to get there.

An Amazing Journey

The summer she turned 16, Julia began training with Jim Hagman and Elvenstar Farm with the goal of competing in the medal and Maclay Finals. Jim could tell right away that Julia was incredibly bright and academically intelligent. She had talent, drive and supportive parents, but would she be able to learn the feel necessary to take her to the next level?

The first test was to see if she could adapt to a new horse. Jim had imported Let’s Go, known as Pedro, as a 6-year-old, and thought he might prove a good match for Julia, though they were both new to the level of competition they would be pursuing.

Their first show together was also the first WEF for each of them. “I still remember the day I walked onto the show grounds for the first time,” Julia said. “Everything was immaculate and I was so impressed by it all. Not only did I learn so much from my time competing there, I also found it so inspiring to see the sport’s greatest athletes — horse and human — and trainers sitting next to me eating lunch, as well as being able to watch them compete firsthand.”

Julia would fly in late at night and be on a horse by 6 the next morning, working with Jim day after day through the circuit. Though things didn’t go particularly smoothly right out of the gate, by the end of the season, Pedro and Julia had formed a winning bond and ended the year by winning the 2018 USHJA 3’3″ Jumping Seat Medal Finals – West.

“The most special part of our relationship was that we learned so much together, really becoming a team, and we were able to develop a deep connection through our many shared firsts,” Julia said. “Pedro taught me so much about what it means to be a true rider, as well as how to train a horse, have patience and trust the process, all important milestones to learn in riding.”

The first year showing was successful; the second year was remarkable. In 2019, Julia and Pedro claimed the competitive Region 8 Maclay Championship, with hopes of putting in good rounds at the national finals. More remarkable than any result was Julia’s show of character.

Not Just a Good Rider

At the 2019 Maclay Finals, Julia didn’t even get over the first jump. At the last moment, they discovered an infection under Pedro’s skin that would take eight weeks to rehab.

“I felt terrible,” Jim said. “That never happens — my kids don’t go to nationals and not jump around. She was a solid winner at Regionals, which is really hard. But she and her mother stayed there the entire day, watching their barnmates.”

At that point, Julia’s mother approached Jim and said, “I just want you to know, we don’t look at it from today: We look at the journey, and it’s been incredible.”

“And she meant it,” Jim said with awe. “This young lady is so quality, you can’t believe it. But it’s real, and I’ve taught lots of kids — more than many, all over the country. Julia’s mentality is so sincerely, outstandingly unique and special, I can’t even describe it. Julia has the emotional intelligence to know what matters most and put it in the proper perspective, and she was able to learn and climb the ladder quickly because of that capability.”

“In my equestrian experience, and especially training with Jim, it’s always been about seeing the possibilities in life instead of the limitations,” Julia said. “Jim has been encouraging about setting my standards high in all parts of life and always having an ambitious vision, be that in education or riding. For me specifically, this included overcoming the reality of fixed resources — in both time and money.

“I gained strength in knowing that the fact that I had an opportunity to ride a horse of Pedro’s quality, to learn and compete at WEF and on top of it to be competitive, was — for me — accomplishing the impossible. I thought that if I could accomplish this with one horse, then there was no reason I couldn’t strive to be the very best in academics as well.”

After graduating from high school as valedictorian and winning the Los Angeles Hunter Jumper Association’s Horse Mastership Scholarship competition, Julia’s last year as a junior rider ended with the national equitation finals at indoors — while she was attending Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

In January, Julia moved the entire audience at the US Equestrian 2020 Annual Meeting with her heartfelt and eloquent Junior Equestrian of the Year acceptance speech. Julia felt the award recognized her passion for horsemanship, putting the horses first as well as the importance of grassroots or local equestrian education.

“It was the proudest moment of my life!” she said. “I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. I felt excited, grateful and humbled all at the same time. Being recognized for my equestrian experiences outside of the show ring on top of those inside validated my continual emphasis on education, and encouraged me to keep reaching out and inspiring younger riders to be more than just competitors.”

In speaking about the award, as with any other success she’s had, Julia is quick to genuinely thank those who have helped her along the way, from her parents and the Elvenstar team to the trainers, grooms, show officials, organizers, volunteers, vets, farriers, breeders, announcers, stewards, judges and more.

“Recognizing Julia as Junior Equestrian of the Year was so appropriate because she has it all — she’s the real deal,” Jim said. “The whole collective journey with her and her parents is something I’ll treasure the rest of my life. It certainly will never be outdone.”

But the journey is only beginning.

Still Learning

When Julia came home early from Georgetown due to COVID-19 and wanted to ride at Elvenstar again, Jim had a special opportunity for her. Show jumper Georgina Bloomberg had sent a few of her homebred jumpers that needed riders, and Julia accepted the challenge.

“Julia had never ridden jumpers, and I put her on a horse that’s a jumper jumper — blood, sensitive,” Jim said. “He loved her, and I was so proud of her adaptability — she wasn’t just thinking, she was really feeling. To see her work with that horse gave me real joy, to see she’s come to the point in her life that she’s a really good, well-rounded horsewoman.”

She’s also well-rounded when it comes to disciplines, competing in Western events, where she enjoys the vastly differing cultures. “I enjoy being around horses as much as possible, and the different disciplines translate into more time with horses!” she said.

When she’s not in a saddle of one type or another, Julia is usually found studying. She’s majoring in international political economy at Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service, which fits her love of languages and her desire to make an impact on the world for good.

What does the future hold for Julia?

“Horses will definitely stay in my life, that’s for sure!” she said. “I want to strike a balance between my professional life, potentially in international finance and sustainable economic growth in developing nations, and maintaining my passion for horses and competitions. I’d also like to give back to the sport in some way, perhaps supporting USHJA and US Equestrian’s efforts to mentor and educate the younger generations of riders.”

Just as he’s always encouraged her to pursue high standards, Jim wouldn’t be surprised if Julia’s impact goes far beyond the equestrian community.

“I say that she’s the Future President of the United States, and I mean it because that incredible potential is there,” he said. “She’s just exceptional.”

Photos by Lori Ovanessian, simpleefocused.com

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Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Ivaro N strike gold in Gre Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Ivaro N strike gold in Great American $300,000 Grand Prix at HITS Ocala!! 🏆🥇

Crowds filled the stands at the HITS Ocala Grand Prix Ring on Sunday afternoon to watch the world’s top athletes compete in the Great American $300,000 Grand Prix. The day concluded with a thrilling five-horse jump-off featuring athletes 
representing four countries. In the end, it was Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA) and Ivaro N who produced the only double clear effort of the day, claiming one of the biggest wins of her career. Scott Keach (AUS) and Noble De La Chapelle earned the second-place prize with the fastest 4-fault jump-off, while Aaron Vale (USA) and Obi Wan placed third as the day’s pathfinders.

“I'm still on cloud nine, I still can't believe it – I’ve used up all my luck for the year,” smiled Goldman-Smolen after her win. “I've been knocking on the door a long time in these bigger classes. I am so proud of my horse – he gave every ounce of effort.”

Sunday’s Great American $300,000 Grand Prix marked the conclusion of the 2023 HITS Ocala circuit. HITS CCO Joe Norick concluded, “We are so excited about the new HITS, with 2023 as the launch. New footing, many new arenas here, and a lot of our facilities across America are getting a lot of love and new footing. Our partnerships with Worldly Martin and others across America including our footing leader Bart Poles overseeing our operations – it really makes a big difference for us. Today is about Ocala and these three riders sitting next to me who supported us this entire winter. We want to be a proud destination for our exhibitors and our friends. We know we have to provide them a beautiful showplace to work from that's horseman friendly, and that's our go goal. 

Congratulations to all of the riders, horses, owners, and groom who participated in this prestigious class!!! 🎉
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It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is. It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is...

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You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

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Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses—in a way, she was born into her career. She grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where her parents ran a farm. Her mother taught, and her father had a jump business and then created one of the first horse show software programs: Ryegate Show Services, Inc.

Riding all her life, Annette spent many years as a groom and loved it, but knew it wasn’t what she wanted to do as a career. After she finished college, Annette’s father recruited her to help process entries at Ryegate. Since her father, Lloyd Longenecker, founded it in 1981, Ryegate has provided show management and office staff for some of the largest shows in the country. Now, Annette has taken over from her father and directed the company as it focuses on managing memberships and rankings for organizations such as the North American League, WIHS Championships and Equitation, Rolex/USEF Computer Ranking and National Medal Series (THIS NCM and Ariat NAM). Ryegate also provides scoring software for use with video walls, and production teams for hunter and jumper shows.

“Besides running Ryegate Show Services and its various organizations, I can be found in the show office, running a scoreboard or judging jumpers at most shows,” Annette said. “I love getting to wear a few different hats at the show.”

When she’s not busy at a show, Annette lives in Annville, Pennsylvania, with her “fur-baby,” Maggie Mae, and enjoys spending time with her many godchildren. Though she doesn’t currently own any horses, Annette rides when she can at Rolling Acres Farm with Patty Foster, Ashley Foster-Worthington and Mary Lisa Leffler.

Read this month unbridled with Annette Longenecker by clicking the link in our bio. Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine! 🦄
📸Photo by Sheryl Sutherby

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A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself The spor A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself 
The sport of eventing is a demanding and mentally challenging discipline that requires a combination of physical and mental fortitude from both the rider and horse. While having a coach can be incredibly beneficial, self-coaching can also play a crucial role in a rider’s success.

I think that given the opportunity, most riders would like to be coached every day. The reality of life in the horse world, however, is that the majority of us need to absorb as much from the lessons we have on a limited basis and then practice those skills at home to improve.

When I am riding, I try to have a plan for the horses each day and focus on what I’m looking to achieve. It’s important to be aware of the steady improvements rather than trying to solve everything all at once. This is especially important when teaching horses new movements or exercises that they might struggle with, and we need to give them time to learn and understand what we are asking for.

I have a couple of quotes that I use regularly when I’m teaching, and these are mottos that I hold myself to in my daily work as well.

The first is, “If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten.” This is a quote that was said to me many years ago when I was still motor racing and I keep it in the back of my mind each day. It’s easy to get stuck doing the same thing every day with your horse and bad habits are hard to break, from both riders and horses!

This leads me to my next quote, which is, “If what you are doing isn’t working, try something else.” It really is as simple as that! Many riders I see keep asking a horse to do something the same way over and over with an ongoing negative response and they wonder why things don’t get better. In these circumstances, I recommend that the rider change something, even if it’s wrong.

Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio! Don’t forget to keep your eye out for our April subscription!
📸Photo by Alex Banks Photography
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