Friday, February 24, 2007

Julia Warstler: Young Rider in the Spotlight
By Stacy Gormley for DressageDaily.com

Young Julia Warstler is growing up in the riding spotlight. The 14 year old Michigan native has been focused on the sport of dressage since the tender age of seven and has been climbing the ladder of success ever since. She purchased her first pony, Zippity Do Dah at the age of 8 at a hunter barn in Ohio and got right to work. The pony had poor muscling and needed some topline development, but soon they were on their way. The pair began showing at the lowest level and gradually added to their training each year. In 2005, “Zippy” was a confirmed fourth level pony. Being only 13 years old last season, Julia was too young to try out for the Junior Dressage Championships, though in skill, she was more than ready.

In 2000, Julia and Zippy were introduced to FEI rider, Suzie Dutta. Suzie immediately recognized her immense talent and took her on as a student. The Warstler Family soon began making the seasonal trip to south Florida to work with Suzie and show in Wellington. "Suzie is am amazing trainer!” said Julia. “She believes in me and challenges me in a positive way to go as far as I am capable of going and I am very grateful to her for that."

Winters were spent in the Sunshine state while summers were spent in balmy Michigan. Julia soon began showing year round and gaining herself quite the reputation among the judges at horse shows.