Riding Warehouse Stage
Friday 2:00pm
Growing up in the ‘60s on a small horse farm in central Florida, Julie had a connection with horses from a young age. Little did she know that her childhood affinity would blossom into a remarkable career with horses. Now an internationally renowned trainer and clinician, Julie is a rarity in that she has ridden and trained extensively in multiple disciplines, both English and western, working with multiple breeds. Her focus is on classical horsemanship and developing the horse and rider’s relationship.
Following a successful run as a youth rider on jumping horses, Goodnight headed west to fulfill her dreams of skiing, mountain climbing, and white-water paddling. She galloped her way through college on the backs of Thoroughbred race horses, graduating from the University of New Mexico with Magna Cum Laude distinction. After graduation, Julie moved to southern Colorado, where she started her horse training business in 1985.
It wasn’t long before Goodnight was known for having a special touch with horses and a gift for teaching people. Her reputation grew, and she began traveling the world to share her unique approach to horse training.
In 2008, Julie began producing the popular TV series Horse Master with Julie Goodnight, a how-to horse-training series that aired weekly on RFD-TV for 11 years. After producing and starring in 260 episodes, Julie has now set her sights on sharing the magical world of horses with a broader audience through 2Horse Productions, an equine, nature, and adventure lifestyle production company.
Julie is a member of the prestigious Horse & Rider team and offers guidance to horse enthusiasts through articles, clinics, and appearances worldwide. Goodnight is a frequent contributor to top horse publications such as Horse & Rider and Horse Illustrated, and the author of a syndicated column reaching more than 20 regional horse publications monthly. She also produces a monthly audio podcast on horse training, offers online educational programs, and her On-Demand Videos are among the top go-to training tools for horse owners everywhere.
Goodnight travels both domestically and internationally to teach horsemanship, and she was named Exceptional Equestrian Educator by Equine Affaire – one of only three such awards ever given. Goodnight is Spokesperson for the Certified Horsemanship Association, an organization focused on promoting safety and excellence in horsemanship, and she holds their highest level of certification, Master Clinic Instructor.
Goodnight and her husband, Rich Moorhead, a ski-industry professional, reside near Salida, Colorado. In their spare time, they enjoy skiing, boating, and riding cow horses.
Cue With Clarity: Install the Easy Buttons
The fastest way to improve any horse is to improve the rider’s timing and clarity. Julie demonstrates the cueing “language” horses understand—pressure/release, reinforcement and reward—then shows you how to install the core buttons: go, stop, turn, back, yield, and bend.
Horses/Riders: 3 pairs (English & Western, green/pushy, anxious, steady example horse), plus horse for Julie to ride
Canter Basics: From Cues to Collection
Description: Julie shows the canter checklist: cueing, leads, departures, smooth riding, control, bending and collection, with special attention to the most common mistakes riders make.
Horses/Riders: 3-4 pairs (learning canter, too fast, lead confusion, steady); plus horse for Julie to ride.
Canter Troubleshooting: Fix Rushing, Breaking & Wrong Leads
Description: Julie demonstrates the “why” behind common canter issues and applies simple, repeatable fixes—without over-riding or drilling. Focus: straightness, rate, and transitions that rebalance.
Horses/Riders: 3-4 pairs (rusher, swapper/wrong lead tendency, breaks gait, steady); plus horse for Julie to ride.
De-Escalating Behavior Under Saddle: Calm the Brain, Train the Body
Description: When horses escalate (spook, brace, rush, freeze), riders often escalate too. Julie teaches riders how to “bring the horse back” by riding proactively, using patterns, redirection, and softer focus—then return to the task.
Horses/Riders: 3–4 pairs (looky, tense/bracey, forward when worried, etc.)
Converting Fear to Curiosity: De-Spooking that Actually Works
Description: Spooking is a confidence gap. Julie demonstrates progressive exposure (approach/retreat), confidence patterns, and how to reward bravery and encourage curiosity without “babying” or trapping the horse.
Horses/Riders: 3–4 pairs (spooky/looky, tense, rushes when worried, optional steady); plus horse for Julie to ride.
The Forever Rider: How to Stay Safe in the Saddle for Decades
Description: In this mounted clinic, Julie shares the real secrets to riding for a lifetime: balance over strength, strategy over speed, and training habits that keep horses quieter and riders safer. Learn the small, high-impact adjustments that reduce wear-and-tear on your body, improve communication, and prevent the “little problems” that turn into big wrecks. Riders of every age will leave with practical exercises, safety systems, and a confidence-first plan to keep riding for decades. Ride for life… without scaring your family!
Horses/Riders: 2–3 pairs (minimum age 50, older is better, inspiring to audience); plus horse for Julie to ride.
June 5-7, 2026
Friday June 5th 9:00 AM – 6: 00 PM
Saturday June 6th 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday June 7th 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM