Julianna began riding and working with horses at a young age at a recreational and therapeutic riding program in Massachusetts. It was through volunteering with the therapeutic program where she learned the magic and healing of horses for all of us, but especially for those with physical and mental disabilities. She began pursuing Eventing in her teens when she was given the opportunity to rehabilitate her first horse, Phoenix, a Prelim event horse who had struggled with trauma and physical issues brought on by his earlier life. Phoenix inspired Julianna’s search for more knowledge on helping horses be comfortable in their work mentally and physically.

She graduated from University of Vermont with a degree in Athletic Training, which gave her the knowledge and tools to help better understand rider physiology and what we need when in the saddle. She has worked with physiotherapists such as Andy Thomas and Jennifer Mitchell to better understand rider biomechanics. She began focusing on dressage once retiring Phoenix and acquiring her next horse, Mary Jane. She has continued her riding career working towards her bronze medal, starting and training ponies, and teaching riders at home in Vermont.

Throughout her horse experience she has continued to go back to the importance of well fitting equipment for safety and health of the horse and rider. Her goals with Schleese are to inspire horse owners to become more educated on the importance of proper saddle fit for the comfort of their horse as well as to help riders feel more comfortable in their saddles so that they can be the best riders for their horses.