Julie Catone
Julie grew up in Kentucky - riding since she was a toddler. In 1970, she moved to Indiana where her family owned and operated a riding stable. For the next 10 years, Julie trained young horses and instructed students in western pleasure, speed event, and trail disciplines.
In 1992, Julie established Rustic Trail Stable in Milton, Florida. Following a few years of simply pleasure riding, breeding, and boarding, she undertook an intensive growth initiative in training, research, riding, and schooling in English Hunt Seat and Dressage. In 1998, Julie created Rustic Trail Stable School of Riding focusing on beginners in all disciplines of riding.
Rustic Trail Stable School of Riding current enrollment is 60 students from ages 5 to 65. The curriculum is designed to foster an understanding and appreciation of the entire equine world rather than on just one breed or riding style. Julie's students learn the basics of horsemanship including ground-handling, grooming, tacking, stabling, and riding. All riders start with “classic seat” and then learn about English, Trail, Jumping, Dressage, and Western. The Rustic Trail riders are exposed to varied riding disciplines, all based on the fundamentals of equitation. They participate in local open shows, clinics, and schooling shows. Riders are also encouraged to maintain the foundation of good horsemanship - an intrinsic love and respect of the horse.
Julie continues to enhance her riding and teaching skills through her membership in several local and national horse associations and study under local, national, and international clinicians.