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Julia Walker

Program Director & Lead Instructor

1996 - Western Recreational Riding

2000 - English Hunter

2003 -  Competitive Hunter

2008-Rescue/Rehab Equine Psychology

2010- Professional Groom

2011 - Miniature Horses

2012- English Pleasure Instructor at Flying W

2014-Cart Driving

2012-Working Western & Reining

A.R.I.A Certified Instructor - March 2018

2024 -Ranch Riding & Intro to Team Roping

2025- Ranch Roping

2026-(Presently) Freedom Forward Equine Body Work Certifications

I'm Julia and W.A Riding Academy is my classroom...

Since the tender age of 2, I was always in love with horses. By the time I turned 5, my parents enrolled me in the usual summer camp programs unknowingly solidifying a love that would fuel the fire to a lifelong career. Between executive level jobs, college classes, and building a family, I never stopped finding time for the horses. I continued to further my experiences over the years with professionals in varied disciplines in an effort to broaden my own horizon and continue my quest to soak up all things pony. I decided to take the plunge and follow my horse career full-time in 2018 following my first certification. From there, I have continued to attend clinics and workshops all the pursuit of finding a "better way" for my horses. Today, I have a healthy love and appreciation for all disciplines and often overlap techniques in my own training. As a student myself, I make huge efforts to reconstruct the coach/student dynamic - condescending commentary and mindless coaching is not my cup of tea any more than forceful riding techniques that frighten pony into submission. My preference of horsemanship technique instead understands the psychology of both human and horse and how to work with our nature(s) and forge a partnership through discussion rather than domination. I am proud to be a horseman who puts the love of the animal before the love of the sport and look forward to sharing my years of golden nuggets with others hungry for more than the average riding lesson.

Meet my Team

The Academy serves not only as a classroom but also as our home!

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W.A Lesson Horse

Butterscotch

Butter was adopted in Feb. 2020 as a "green broke" filly. Coming to us from a place of love and hope for her future, Ms. Butter is most often the first horse everyone meets or gets to work with. Her calm and friendly personality makes her a barn favorite. She has spent the last few years refining her tutoring skills and unlike the vast majority of lesson horses, Butterscotch is always welcoming towards new students. 

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W.A Lesson Horse 

Twist

Twist joined our training program in July 2025. She is now an active part of our classroom, and her favorite riding partner is one ready to offer "snuggle parties". Her gentle personality is a crowd favorite. He loves long grooming sessions, rewarding snuggles, & anything to do with water! She is a rising star in our program full of wonder, effort, and sweet sugar for anyone willing to accept her love. She is the definition of mama's dream horse.

Meet the Welcoming Committee

These two often join us during classes & events!

boujee

President of the Welcoming Commitee

Boujee 

Boujee is a Blue Heeler pup that was born and bred right here at W.A. Unlike most working dogs, this girl has a snuggly personality. She greets all our guests with endless kisses and booty wiggles. Boujee is still very young and playful. She occasionally offers to play ball with guests in the barn yard. While playing ball is optional for her, the petting tax is not and all guests are required to get at least one Boujess snuggle in before you leave.

winny

Head of security

Winnifred Meow-Meow Sanderson

Our resident barn kitty is often seen prowling the grounds looking for easy prey. While she is a talented huntress, she is also a very friendly personality and loves attention. Sometimes she even curls up in guests laps while they watch their riders during classes. 

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