Julia McElligott
With over 20 years of experience in the equestrian industry, my foundation is rooted in classical horsemanship and thoughtful horse development. I began my training under Marina Genn, a German instructor who instilled in me the principles of dressage, equine theory, and the German Training Scale—a framework that continues to influence my approach to riding and training today.
I later transitioned into the eventing world, where I successfully brought one horse to championships and earned a National Championship title, followed by qualifying two additional horses the following year. This experience strengthened my appreciation for producing versatile, confident athletes and developing strong partnerships between horse and rider.
After eventing, I returned to dressage and trained under Lauren Sprieser, along with several top dressage clinicians, ultimately earning a position as an alternate on the Young Rider team. Seeking to expand my professional skill set, I pursued degrees in Marketing and Communications at the University of Alabama before returning to Virginia to begin my professional career in the equestrian industry.
Today, my focus is in the hunter/jumper discipline, where I actively develop young horses and compete successfully at the local level while bringing horses along thoughtfully through the ranks. My program emphasizes correct basics, long-term soundness, and education—for both horse and rider.
The riders of JLM Sporthorses are a driven, close-knit group united by their dedication to learning, growth, and competition. Together, we work toward meaningful goals with aspirations that reach to the highest levels of the sport, all while fostering a supportive and professional team environment.
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