12/09/2024
🌟 Celebrating the Remarkable Julie Wilson! 🌟
Join us in honoring the incredible Julie Wilson, an inspiring pillar of support for Josh Armstrong and Armstrong Equine Service! With her generous heart, Julie has donated 10 riding lessons, and in the coming weeks, the lucky recipients will be expressing their gratitude with heartfelt 'Thank You' videos. 🐴❤️
🙏Take a moment to learn more about this amazing horsewoman and the beautiful impact she’s made in the equestrian community!
Meet Julie Wilson: A Passionate Advocate for Horses and Equestrian Excellence
Julie Wilson’s love affair with horses began in her childhood, after her family relocated from Texas to the scenic landscapes of Los Alamos, New Mexico, in 1947. Growing up without a family background in equestrian activities, Julie found herself entranced by the beauty of these magnificent creatures, absorbing every glimpse of horses she could find through books and early television.
At just ten years old, Julie experienced the thrill of horseback riding at a dude ranch nestled within Bandelier National Monument. This pivotal moment fueled her passion, leading her to spend summers throughout high school caring for a herd of 20 horses, saddling them up, and guiding guests on adventures. She got to ride the "gentlemen" of the horse world, which shaped her skills as a rider.
Julie continued her journey at New Mexico State University, where she not only excelled in her studies—earning a degree in Biology—but also immersed herself in the local rodeo culture, dancing with real "cowboys" and competed in barrels and goat tying with the Rodeo Club. Her marriage to a calf roper further deepened her connection to the equestrian world and the rodeo circuit.
Throughout her professional career at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, Julie balanced her work life with her growing love for rodeos, participating in events across New Mexico, southern Colorado, and Utah. Her dedication to mentoring blossomed as she began helping children and aspiring riders find their footing in the saddle. This rewarding experience amplified her appreciation for those who instruct and guide new riders.
Julie has played an instrumental role in supporting various horse shows and rodeos, mentoring both local and national rodeo queens, including Emma Cameron, Miss Rodeo America 2024. Alongside Josh Armstrong, she cheered Emma on as she clinched the title of National High School Rodeo Queen.
A versatile competitor, Julie's participation spans across AQHA and all-breed shows, initially excelling in speed events before transitioning to Ranch Horse Riding. She shared unforgettable moments riding alongside legends in the equine community, including Dr. Armstrong and Dr. Rankin, Josh Armstrong and many other NM/TX horseman during the very first AQHA Ranch Riding class in Las Cruces.
In the 1990s, Julie managed AQHA shows for the New Mexico Quarter Horse Association and judged All Breed and 4-H competitions. In recent years, she has immersed herself in Western Dressage, embracing this discipline for over 15 years.
Today, Julie continues to ride her 23-year-old ex-reiner-turned-barrel horse, cherishing the bond with her gentle companion that mirrors the kindness of her dude horses she rode 70 years ago. For Julie, life has truly come full circle, rooted in a love for horses that only deepens with time.