I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your respect for all of the horses, the riders and those of us watching in the bleachers. It is wonderful to watch a woman work with so much integrity and compassion. You help all of us women elevate our self-esteem and confidence, plus that of our horses. …I came out of your clinic with so much, as does everyone! …Thank you for being a woman who is very clear and concise, yet kind and compassionate.
S.S.
Colorado

Darrell and I attended one of your clinics a year ago and were very impressed with your philosophy on horse behavior and horsemanship. We learned a great deal from you even though we have lived with horses our entire lives. We have also attended sessions you presented at the Equine Affaire in Ohio. On behalf of caring horse owners all over: thank you for sharing such worthwhile information about the proper care and nurturing of horses.
A.D.
Ohio

I recently attended the Equine Affaire in Columbus. I am a first time horse owner and long time horse lover…. What a delight it was to attend your clinic!! I attended both clinics on Friday and was able to obtain 3 pages of notes to take home. I also purchased your CD set and look forward to listening to it. You presented everything in such a simple easy-to-understand way!! …Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I tried out [your advice] today and I am so happy to tell you that after 3 saddles, 3 saddle pads and advise from numerous people, your advice worked like a charm!! I know it might seem obvious to you but to me it was a breakthrough solution worthy of the Nobel peace prize!! So, in closing, the price of admission I paid was well worth it to have met you and to have attended your clinics.
L.J.
Internet

What can I say? You are a super star!! The enclosed web room comments and the venue manager feedback I have received speaks to your talents as an equestrian educator. Standing room only demos and full arenas are testament to the value of the information you convey and your ability to do so. Thank you Julie for playing such an important role in our Massachusetts exposition. You are a pleasure to work with and we look forward to continuing that relationship in 2004.
R.N.
Equine Affaire, Inc.

I recently attended your clinic in Elizabeth, CO, as a spectator. I appreciated being an active participant as an audience member. I asked you about getting over fear after a bad riding accident last summer. You gave me practical advice about not transmitting your fear to the horse. …After attending your clinic I am inspired [to ride again]. Right now, I just want to do ground work with horses. As you demonstrated, that is very important horsemanship too. Thank you very very much.
M.W.
Colorado

The clinic last June was an absolutely great experience and many thanks for a fun, supportive and enlightening learning situation. I learned a lot and came away with useful skills and renewed confidence about having an improved relationship with my horse, Dancer. …You are such a gifted teacher and coach. Thanks again for a fun clinic and great learning experience. It was one of the best investments in time and money that I've ever made.
B.F.
Colorado

I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation at Equine Affaire in Ohio last year and am looking forward to this year's teachings. …As an older (over 50) mom just getting into this because of my 14 year old daughter, I need all of the practical teaching I can get to give me knowledge and CONFIDENCE. We use several items we learned last year.
C.B.
Pennsylvania

We both wanted to thank you for the great instruction. Your class was an eye-opener. We began to immediately conduct ourselves differently around our horses and the improvement was fantastic. The way that we train began to make sense and our riding skills, as well as our ground skills with then was much better.
D.W. and S.W.
Hawaii

You are very blessed with an incredible gift… communication! Communication, not only with horses, but humans, and I am grateful to have met you.
J.W.
Pennsylvania

Julie helped me in a very short time that I had with her. I was impressed with her no nonsense approach and straightforwardness. She is a fund of knowledge. I'm already looking forward to next year's clinic.
L.B.
Missouri

Just a quick note to let you know that [my PMS mare] is doing great [after returning from your training barn]! She is so much fun to work with from the ground or saddle. I have never before had the pleasure of owning a horse that tries so hard to please me. Thank you Julie for finding the horse within. I knew it was there!
L.W.
Colorado

I am writing to say a big thank you, as I have just had the best ride ever on the horse I part-lease, after reading your website. …Just generally for my riding something seemed to 'click' when I read about your 'gear' approach to the seat, and the leg/hand aids sections too. Years of lessons on and off- I could ride but never truly understood the power of the seat aids and understanding the importance of pressure. As a result of just reading your horsemanship library, my leg/hand and seat feel better and more relaxed. …I don't think any instructor has ever clearly explained the aids to me really, and although I have picked them up they didn't feel connected until now, if that makes sense. I am still amazed that just reading something expressed in a certain way has had more benefit than many lessons.
J.C.
Hertfordshire, UK

On the flight home yesterday, I was collecting my thoughts on the CHA clinic. From a chance reference to CHA on the internet to [taking the clinic and] coming home with your lesson and CD, I feel as if a new chapter has begun in my life. I am proud of my accomplishments over the past five days. It opened my world to not only introducing folks to horses but helping them understand exactly why. I've basically devoured your CDs in my own personal quest of becoming a better rider. I'm so excited as now the light-bulb has clicked on for me- linking rider/horse actions and reactions. So all of that is to relay my deepest appreciation of you and your research. My students have no idea how great their riding program will be!
S.W.
Alabama

As always, I really enjoyed your newsletter. More paper is the bane of a publisher's existence, but I always print yours out. That way I can keep it for future reference, but more important kick-back after work and really enjoy it at my leisure.
J.T.
California

Enjoyed seeing you at the CHA Conference. I heard that one couple mention that they felt like Julie Goodnight groupies because they came to all of your topics. I feel the same way. I carefully looked at the other topics and always chose yours (Jeff too). We both feel that you are making a positive and important difference in the hose world, especially with the inexperienced horse owner. Your emphasis on safety mirrors our own philosophy.
G.B.
Colorado

I absolutely love your teaching method! You put it in terms that I can retain and that are easy for me to learn from. I was glued to your performance at the Equine Affaire and I cannot wait to learn from you again. Thank you!
B.S.
Massachusetts

I had the pleasure of attending the majority of your demonstrations at the Equine Affaire in MA the past few days and just wanted to let you know how thoroughly I enjoyed them. I took copious notes and can't wait to begin applying your "messages" to my horse tomorrow. …Thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with us! I am sure that what I learned from you over the past few days will improve my riding and our relationship immensely.
K.P.
Maine

I attended your sessions at Equine Affaire in Mass. last week. I especially enjoyed the fear management seminar. Thank you so much for explaining the anxiety and post-traumatic fear as you did. Your enthusiasm when you speak is very motivational to your listeners.
J. H.
New York

I saw your clinics at the Equine Affaire in Springfield, MA. I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how much my husband and I enjoyed them, you know it's a great clinic when you walk away having learned something and we have been to a lot of clinics that we can't say that. The one I like the most was the one on fear. …Your clinic showed me I am not alone in my fear….
S.K.
Vermont

The "On the Rail" column [www.cha-ahse.org] by Ms Goodnight is absolutely great! Not only are the questions asked are questions we all have encountered, but her concise, positive and clear answers are the best I have ever seen! Thank you so much!
J.W.

Media Reviews

Western Horseman, "Bunkhouse Reviews"

"Private Lessons With Julie Goodnight: Balance, Rhythm & Communication With Your Horse

"Private Lessons with Julie Goodnight tells how to use correct body position and natural aids to achieve balance, rhythm and communication with your horse- the ultimate in good horsemanship. Goodnight presents four 35-minute lessons, including theory and mounted workouts, in tow audiocassettes or CDs so that you can listen while you ride.

"First, the longtime riding instructor and trainer discusses the rider's body position, balance and rhythm as each works in conjunction with the horse. To enhance awareness, Goodnight talks you through a series of standing and seated exercises to develop the appropriate muscle memory for more effective riding. These same techniques are practically applied and reinforced in lesson two, a riding workout at the walk, trot and lope that also includes circles, changes of direction and transitions.

"The next two lessons build on the previous skills. Goodnight discusses natural aids, how to best use them and presents more exercises so you can experience the appropriate movements before ever riding. The mounted workout focuses on the natural aids and transitions to reinforce correct natural-aid use while maintaining good riding posture.
"Goodnight is a first-rate instructor whose presentations easily lead the listener to create mental pictures of the exercises and riding routines. Her clear, concise analogies create greater understanding of how horse and rider mesh together to best work in unison. The recording quality is excellent, and Goodnight's enthusiasm for riding is obvious in her delivery.

"Cost $29.95 plus shipping for two-tape or two-CD set. GTS, Inc., Box 397, Poncha Springs CO 81242; (719) 530-0531; www.juliegoodnight.com -- FS"

The Trail Less Traveled, April 2003, "Clinician Profiles."
"TTLT talked to a dozen clinicians, demonstrators and horsemen to give readers a chance to find the best fit for them in the impending clinic season."