How much experience do I need?

None! Whether you are a first time rider, getting back into the swing of things, or an experienced rider seeking to overcome problems or try a new discipline, you are welcome at Westwood!

How old or young should I be?

There is no age limit. Whether you are 6 or 60, it's never too late to start riding! Children younger than 5 may ride, but their mount must be on a lead line.

Can I use my own horse?

Yes! Bringing your own horse is a great way to overcome problems or strengthen your bond with your horse to improve your teamwork. You are more than welcome to bring your own horse. However, you must show a current negative coggins, proof of vaccinations, and de-worming records on your first visit.

Do I have to have my own horse?

No! We can provide a smooth-riding Tennessee Walking Horse for you. Julie will help you select the horse that will best suit your riding ability. We have a great group of lesson horses that are suitable for almost any level rider: Taxi , Beamer, Hope, Gambler, Bella and Dixie.

When are lessons given?

Most lessons take place on Saturday morning between 9am and noon. However, if you have a schedule to work around, Julie can make individual appointments. Lessons and visits are by appointment only. For more information e-mail Julie or call 508-726-7052.

What equipment do I need?

• Helmet: All riders must wear an ASTM approved riding helmet. If you do not have a helmet, we have a few helmets that may be worn until you can purchase your own. Helmets are available for purchase at the Culpeper Tractor Supply, Culpeper Co-op, and Crawford Saddlery in Ruckersville.

• Pants: All riders must wear long pants.

• Shoes: Riders must wear shoes with a slight heel. Paddock boots, riding boots, cowboy boots, and other similar shoes are fine.

• Waivers: All riders and visitors must sign our liability waiver. NO EXCEPTIONS.

What do lessons cost?

• Private/Individual lesson $45 per hour or $25 per half hour (focus on dressage -- hunt seat or western by request)

• Group lessons $25/person (1 hour)

• On-farm training & board fee available upon request. Please direct all training inquiries to Julie by email or by phone: 508-726-7052

How big are groups?

Lessons are usually given in groups of 2 - 3. This ensures that each rider gets individual attention and instruction.

Who do I contact for more information?

For more information e-mail Julie or call 508-726-7052.

What is Julie's background?

More than 30 years of riding, training, & competing have given Julie varied experience with numerous horse breeds and riding styles.  The following saying rightly applies to the world of horses, “The more you know about riding & training, the more you realize how much you don’t know!” Julie has studied, implemented and researched riding and training methods that span the range from Classical & Competition Dressage, to traditional Hunt Seat & Western, through a variety of Natural Horsemanship methods.  She incorporates various principles from these and other methods into her training and teaching, however, each horse and rider are unique and training is tailored to what works best for each.

Julie focuses on putting a solid foundation on a horse before progressing too quickly to the next level of training. She knows that rushing a horse’s early training will only cause the weaknesses to appear later on. The horse needs to develop proper muscling and understanding of the aids (without force) before being asked for more advanced maneuvers.

“I like the challenge of working with non typical breeds in dressage. Arabians are my favorite breed and at the time in my riding career when I was still competing in dressage & eventing, Warmbloods were the 'in' thing and Thoroughbreds were the typical mount. I was determined to show people that a non-typical breed could hold its own. A year’s search enabled me to find, a young 16+ h. purebred Arabian gelding with a sturdy build and lovely movement. 'Walkers' presented a unique challenge to me, a firm dressage enthusiast, due to the lack of a traditional trot. I am enjoying the variety of their natural gaits and the challenge of working with the unique training requirements of the various horses at Westwood Farms.” - Julie

Julie on Hope.

Sarah (12) on Gambler.

Brenda on Shadow.

Elizabeth on Beamer.

Julie on Gambler.