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...
Following a life-long dream...
With over 30 years of formal and informal training under my belt, I often look back and remember what it was like to be the starry eyed kiddo who saw horses in a field and bubbled with excitement.
Today...
I'm a ranch riding instructor with an enthusiasm for all riding disciplines and histories. My heart leaps at the opportunity to learn something new! I am 100% a Ms. Frizzle Kid! For those who don't know, The Frizz was a character from a children's learning program in the 90's/2000's with a love for exploration and a magic school bus. Ms. Frizzle, a 3rd grade science teacher, was excited to "get messy! [and] Make mistakes!" all in the pursuit of new discoveries. I share her welcoming attitude towards the error in the learning process & encourage my own students to embrace that part as well as the "fun" bits. After all, we don't "have" to ride... we "get" to ride & that is magical in it of itself!
Meet my Team
The Academy serves not only as a classroom but also as our home!
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.
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!
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.
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.