GoHorseShow enjoys introducing new trainers to our readers and finding out more about some of the up-and-coming people in our industry. Many of these trainers may be considered somewhat under the radar or on the verge of making a name for themselves. We recently sat down with trainer Julian Harris of Franktown, Colorado to find out more about how he got involved with horses and to learn more about his training philosophy. Let’s find out more about Julian!
GHS: Hi Julian, Thanks so much for sitting down with us! Can you tell us about yourself and background?
JH: I was born in Riverside County, California and raised in Indio across the street from the former horse show grounds. I grew up with horses – my father is from Argentina and played polo while my mother showed hunters and then had FEI dressage horses. I was doomed from the beginning! My best memories growing up all had to do with horses. I worked for Kelly McDowall for two years through high school. When I graduated, I moved to Connecticut and worked for Showstring for over a year and a half. Then, I worked for Evans Performance horses for two years. I went out on my own in January of 2015.
GHS: Can you tell me more about your training operation and why you decided to go out on your own?
JH: I am the head trainer for Topline Performance Equine located in Franktown, Colorado. I think I have a new perspective on training and the industry as a whole. I don’t call myself specialized really in any way. I don’t have a preference to be honest. Spots, splotches or plain, a good horse is a good horse. I have a little bit of everything, from warm bloods to paints and quarters. The goal in my program is to create a horse that is rideable and enjoys its job – pinpointing what its strengths and weaknesses are and letting that horse remain special in its own way. My horses
don’t go in a specific style, but what they all have in common is that they are rideable. I don’t run a large operation because I like being able to spend quality time with each one of my training horses.
GHS: What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
JH: Some of my proudest accomplishments had nothing to do with what I won, but earning respect from peers, which is more important to me than any win could bring.
GHS: What are some of the horses you have shown that our readers may know?
JH: A fun memory was when I showed Credits For Heaven in the Senior Hunter Under Saddle in the small Iowa Coliseum. He needed to show for the all-around. There were 30 horses in the pen, and it was like showing NASCAR. I also just finished showing at my first AQHA World Show where I placed fourth in the Level 2 Senior Hunter Under Saddle with Keep It Natural. (pictured right)
GHS: What made you decide you wanted to become a professional trainer?
JH: I was broke, ironic I know, but in order for me to continue to ride and show I needed to take that step. I love the training process and coaching as well. It wasn’t a hard decision by any means. I wanted to train ever since I was capable of cognitive thought.
GHS: What do you enjoy about being a horse trainer?
JH: I enjoy being able to teach a horse how to do something; putting a smile on a customer’s face, and creating those bonds with the horses is incredibly rewarding.
GHS: Who are some of your biggest mentors?
JH: I keep my mentors to myself because I have so many of them. My rule of thumb is if I’m friends with you, you inspire me in some way. The power of observation is incredible. Everyone does something a little different. You always hear things in the warm up pens during various schoolings. If I named my mentors, I might get an auditing bill in the mail. (Laughs).
GHS: What would you like to see changed within the industry?
JH: The animosity between the various disciplines of the horse industry as a whole needs to change. We’ve heard enough about it as of late.
GHS: What advice do you have for young trainers?
JH: Never stop hustling. I’m still a young trainer myself but you have to go after what you want…the industry is continually changing and we have to be creative to reach our goals. It’s the hardest thing you’ll do, but it’s worth it.
GHS: What is your favorite class?
JH: My class is dependent on my horse. There are things I’m better at but if my horse is good at it, then I’m all in.
GHS: Any memories that stand out that have helped you become the trainer you are today? JH: All the winning runs from World Shows, coaching in the warm up pen, not sleeping, taking care of your horse, gearing up and getting ready. Every waking moment I put in day after day are the memories I go back to that push me forward. I have never forgotten the dreams from when I was a kid dreaming of where I’m currently – that is the most motivating.
GHS: What are some of your future goals?
JH: At some point like any trainer, I’d love to win the World Show. I also would just like to continue producing horses that are great representatives of my abilities. God willing.
GHS: Thanks Julian for talking with us and continued good luck!
JH: Sure! Anytime!
