She continues to emphasize life-long learning, and teaches riders how to excel in the equestrian sport (or recreation) of their choosing.
Today, Julie owns and operates Goodnight Horsemanship Training in Poncha Springs, Colo., with her husband, Rich Moorhead. While Julie spends most of her time as teacher, she and Rich have their own horse fun with versatility ranch competition.
It's thanks to this invaluable set of assets that Horse & Rider welcomes Julie to Team Horse & Rider.
JULIE GOODNIGHT FAST FACTS
Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
Homebase:: Goodnight Horsemanship Training in Poncha Springs, Colo., which she operates with her husband, Rich Moorhead. Julie has one son, Hunter Goodnight, 21.
Life with Horses: 30-plus years.
Star Stats: Certified Master Clinician; named 2008 Exceptional Equine Educator; international spokesperson for the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA).
Affiliations: AQHA, Certified Horsemanship Association, Colorado Horse Council, National Versatility Ranch Horse Association.
Tune In: Julie hosts her own RFD-TV show, "Horse Master with Julie Goodnight," a reality-type show, in which Julie hits the road to help real horse-and-rider teams.
Fave Horse: First real show horse, George. "He was the first well-trained performance horse I ever rode, and he taught me a lot and gave me the opportunity to excel in my riding and showing as a youth."
When I'm Not Riding...: I'm snow skiing, boating or cooking.
Non-Equine Critters: Westie, Lucy; white lab, Samantha.
In Another Life: In her youth, Julie worked at a dry cleaners, taught rock climbing and white-water canoeing, and served as a house "mother" at an at-risk youth home.
Why I Love My Job: "I love riding and working with the hundreds of different horses I meet each year. And I really enjoy the satisfaction of helping someone resolve an issue or accomplish a goal."
This article originally appeared in the April 2009 issue of Horse & Rider magazine.
