JULIE WELLES

Julie Welles, a talented equitation rider who this fall won both the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search-East (N.J) and the Washington (D.C.) International Equitation Classic Finals, and placed third in the USEF Medal Finals (Pa.) and fifth in the ASPCA Maclay Finals (N.Y.), answers your questions.  

A working student for trainer Missy Clark, Julie has worked hard for her success, riding sales horses, working long hours in the barn, and maximizing her time in the ring. 

Claire, Southampton, N.Y.
Do you feel a lot of pressure heading into the finals, or are you calm and collected? Is it easier once you have won ribbons in a final to compete in it next year, or is there more pressure?

Dear Claire,
There is always some sense of pressure going into all of the finals. I don’t think it’s easier going back to finals after winning a ribbon the year before. I feel that if you’ve done well the year before, you’re expected to do as well or even better the next year. It’s as though you’re being held to a different standard. If I’m to make the tiniest mistake, I feel that it would have a bigger effect on me than someone who hasn’t had the same success. I believe just being consistent with your performance is the true key to success.

Jamie, Wellington, Fla.
How much of a challenge was it for you to not have unlimited financial resources in your showing? Did you ever get frustrated about it?

Dear Jamie,
I can’t say I’ve ever been frustrated about not having unlimited financial resources. Sure, I’ve wished for certain types of horses over my junior career that I know we couldn’t afford—a high junior jumper was on my list for a long time. But, I’ve been very lucky to ride many different types of horses, both good and challenging, that have helped me become the rider that I am now. I’ve always been willing to ride any horse that Linda Langmeier or Missy Clark has asked me to ride, knowing that I will learn something from each one of them.

Mary, Boston, Mass.
Do you ride lots of different horses to get ready to switch horses in the finals? Or do you just watch lots of your competitors to know how to ride their horses?

Dear Mary,
I do both! I don’t have a string of my own horses, so I’m always happy to ride any horse that’s offered to me. I love to ride and feel that each horse enhances my riding in some way. By riding many different horses, I feel I’m prepared to switch horses in the finals. I also watch my competitors ride, both to cheer them on and to observe their horses, especially during finals time!

Sarah, Bedford, N.Y.
Which do you think is the hardest final to win?

Dear Sarah,
I think all of the finals are hard to win. Each final asks different questions of the horse and rider. If I had to pick one, I would choose the USET Finals as the hardest to win because of all the different phases that are spread over two days. You really never know who’s going to win until the last person has completed their round. This is true at all the finals, but having to ride three different horses in the last round makes it much more difficult.

Danielle, Toronto, Ont.
Do you get nervous at competitions and if so how do you deal with those nerves?

Dear Danielle,
I do tend to get nervous at some of the shows I compete in. Mainly I’m nervous at the shows I have never been to before, and I tend to relax more at the shows I have been going to for a while. When I get nervous I just make myself think about other things to take my mind off the task at hand for a moment. Sometimes at the in-gate or while warming up, I’ll think of a focus word, which helps me stay confident and positive before going into the ring.

Robin, Columbia, Md.
First of all, congratulations, Julie! I saw your accurate, lovely ride at the Washington International. What is the name of the horse/horses that you rode in each of the finals? How did their strengths or weaknesses compliment your own? What challenges did you most prepare for?

Dear Robin,
The horse I rode at all four of the major finals was Lando. I was leasing him from Gabby Slome, and I’m so thankful to her for letting me have the opportunity to ride him. Lando is an amazing horse because he has such a nice stride, which enabled me to make it down the forward lines easily and to collect down the shorter lines smoothly. He’s just so adjustable. All you have to do is think something, and he pretty much does it automatically. He was so nice to ride because once I got going in that forward rhythm, the distances to the jumps were right there.

Danielle, Toronto, Ont.
What would you say is the best riding exercise that you do to work on your position?

Dear Danielle,
When I’m at home, I have a lot of no-stirrup lessons, which helps keep my leg strong. I also tend to ride a lot in the two-point position, which helps me get weight in my heels. Sometimes when I’m doing two-point work, I’ll ride with a crop behind my back to correct my posture.

Constance, Woodinvale, Wash..
What exercises do you find most helpful while warming up your horse before going into the ring? What exercises do you do at home before going to a show?

Dear Constance,
When I’m warming up my horse before going into the ring, I make sure that they’re in front of my leg, soft in the corners of their mouth, and relaxed. Showing them different distances in the schooling ring can help to keep them alert and ready. When I’m not at a show, I spend my time training with Linda Langmeier, who teaches at my school. It’s difficult to get to Missy Clark’s barn when I’m attending classes. Before we leave for a show, Linda normally gives me lessons on a bunch of different school horses to get ready to show. We school over courses with obstacles that could be at the next show, such as liverpools, brush jumps, bounces and fences without wings.

Delanie, Mendham, N.J.
Do you think that your (not you specifically, but in general) height or body build can affect your success in the big-time equitation? For example, if you were slight but very short, would there be any chance of doing well in large competitions? Or if you were tall, yet of a heavier build?

Dear Delanie,
I think anyone can do well in equitation as long as they’re mounted on a horse that compliments their strong points and body type. Staying consistent and sharp are the keys.

Hillary, Kingville, Md.
I am 14 years old. I’ve been riding for five years and have competed locally in equitation. In the future I would like to take on riding as an occupation. What do you think would be the best thing for me to do to advance myself to college-level showing and to take the next step toward my goals?

Dear Hillary,
I compete on The Ethel Walker School Riding Team at the high school level. This program is modeled after the intercollegiate program and offers classes for riders at all levels in equitation. I would encourage you to stick with the equitation and to look for colleges with strong intercollegiate riding programs and a major in equine studies.

Laurel, Tampa, Fla.
How important is the horse in equitation if it’s the rider who’s being judged?

Dear Laurel,
I believe that the horse is very important in equitation. The rider should have a horse that compliments their style and shows off their strong points. Even though the rider is the one being judged, the overall picture is clearly taken into consideration by the judges.

Annie, Charlottesville, Va.
How does equitation figure into your future plans as a rider?

Dear Annie,
I feel the discipline of equitation is preparing me for a future in the jumpers. What you learn in the equitation ring must be carried over into the jumper ring in order to have a clear and fast round. You can’t win in the jumpers without having your horse balanced and in front of your leg.