The equine industry faces changes every year. While some of these changes affect certain breeds, others have an industry-wide impact. Either way, each change offers a learning curve to everyone involved – even if it’s indirect. For the Palomino Horse Breeders of America (PHBA), 2016 brought the introduction of adult Walk-Trot classes.
Long time PHBA competitor, Julie Moyle, says the addition of the Walk-Trot division gave her the opportunity to get back in the show arena. “The Amateur Walk-Trot Program is a brilliant one. It allows those of us who haven’t been able to show under saddle a chance to re-enter the riding world feeling more confident and comfortable. Horses who don’t lope or canter so well can also continue with a show career. I met the most wonderful exhibitors and their trainer’s because of the program.”
Julie has competed at the PHBA World Show for many years and acquired the 2006 Reserve World Champion title in Amateur Showmanship with One Balanced Review (Colby). Julie says that her favorite event has always been showmanship. “I love how it’s like a dance.”
The 11-year span of time that Julie couldn’t compete in riding events was taken up by her battle with cancer. She was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2000. “It returned and was metastatic to my liver in 2006. In 2009, a large mass in my uterus required more surgery. In 2012, I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Julie explained.
“Each time I had a cancer diagnosis it required extensive surgery, and follow-up treatment included feeding tubes, drains, and last time aggressive chemo. Showing, and riding went on hold. Fortunately, Colby was with Bruce Walquist at this time, so I didn’t have to worry about him and his training continued.”
Having a strong support system in your life can be a key to success and happiness. As horse enthusiasts, we are no strangers to the kind of support that horse’s offer. Their warm presence is calming, and the partnership we form with them is motivating. When you have goals you want to achieve, and dreams left to chase, there is a lot worth fighting for.
Julie understands this feeling to its core. “Having Colby was a God-sent blessing. I had something to focus on. Colby depended on me. He was my anchor. I wasn’t about to let him down.”
Returning to the show pen proved to be difficult as Julie faced new physical challenges after surgery: pain while riding, low red blood cell count, regulating blood sugar with much of her pancreas missing, and nausea.
“While I was learning to handle this, I crashed a few times at horse shows. Between my barn family at Walquist’s, and sometimes a total stranger, I was able to keep going. Hose show people are such a blessing. Some of these challenges are permanent, I just try to minimize how they impact what I want to do in my life.”
About the time Julie was getting through the last of the breast cancer, Colby developed his own problem. “He was intermittently hiking his left hind leg mostly at a lope and sometimes long trotting. Vets had no real answers. This became the catalyst to bring Colby home. He had been with Bruce for eight years which I was thankful for. He was there when I was sick and I missed him terribly. There was no point having him at the trainer when he couldn’t be shown.”
Colby’s undiagnosed problem didn’t make Julie give up hope. “As a massage therapist, I started massages, stretching, and bodywork. I involved Dr. Christine Woodford, a vet who does his chiropractic and acupuncture. I also got a Magna Wave, and Back on Track supplies for him.”
Within a few months, improvement could be seen in Colby. Then one day Julie happened to mention an observation she made to the vet. “He sweats a two-inch band around his left hind leg, just above the gaskin.” Julie says this was the AH-HA moment. The sweating happened to be a sign of a nerve injury.
For Julie and Colby both, the Walk-trot program through PHBA is a perfect fit at this time in their lives. Julie had successfully shown other horses in the all-around prior to getting Colby but had been confined to only showmanship from 2006 to 2016. Jumping right back in with seasoned competitors wouldn’t have been an easy task, but that doesn’t mean it’s not in their future together.
“If Colby’s leg continues to improve I would love to show in the regular amateur classes. If his canter/ lope doesn’t get totally resolved, we will continue in the Walk-Trot Program. This allows us to continue a show career together and that’s all I really want. Everything else is just sprinkles on the cake.”
Julie and Colby are off to a strong start as they continue on their journey together. In 2016, they took home the World Championship title in Horsemanship and Trail. “I hadn’t shown Colby under saddle for 11 years and never in Trail, so winning those classes at the PHBA World Show was pretty special for us.”
There are very few people in this world that can say they have fought a battle as severe as Julie’s. Her story serves as a reminder that the beautiful things in life are worth fighting for, and a horse can be one of them. Enjoy every moment that you are in the saddle. Ride like every time could be your last.
“It’s been a lot of surgery and treatment, but I’m still here. Most people tell me I’m the unluckiest person they know. I figure I’m the most blessed. I Thank the Lord for every day and all He gives me.”
Congratulations on your accomplishments, and thank you for sharing your strengthening story, Julie. We wish you continued success.
