A native to the San Gabriel Valley, Julie Unamuno grew up on the back of a horse. Her love for the equestrian lifestyle sparked at the young age of ten, leading to a life long passion. Julie recalls long days of riding her pony Ginger around her hometown, walking her through the front door of her childhood home and marching that little pony right past her Dad and through the backdoor. Julie spent the first two years in an english saddle, only to fall in love with western style in the years to follow. As her hobby progressed into a more meaningful commitment, she and her fellow horse enthusiasts helped create and found the Highhaliegh Riding Club in Glendora, California. The riding club was designed to assimilate the back yard horse owners much like Julie and give them the opportunity to compete in local western and english open level competitions.Julie went on to participate in a variety of western open shows in Glendora and San Dimas, as well as Class A shows in Del Mar and Santa Barbara. Julie holds a two time back-to-back Reserve Champion title of the Sierra Empire Arabian Horse Shows, accomplished along with half Arab “Daufina La Royas”. Julie also accomplished a multitude of wins in local open shows and multiple awards in ETI Corral 35 of Glendora.
Julie went on to work for Richard Mandella, Steve Ferraro, Wayne Murty, Cotton Tinsley, Jay Robins and Vincent Clyne at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, and Del Mar race tracks in addition to working at Western Saddlery and Hobson Saddlery. She later designed the Stable Logo for Jockey and Trainer Don Pierce. Julie has also managed two equine rehabilitation therapy farms in the Bradbury Estates – Moonriver Farm and Eskay Creek Ranch.
Arroyo Canyon Riding School is designed to be an affordable option for anyone with the desire to learn beginning western riding, horse care, and safety. With so many beautiful trails in the vicinity of the Arroyo, trail riding is a huge element in Julie’s itinerary.
Above all, Julie holds a profound love for horses, and strives to share the happiness she found in the sport and the lifestyle with others. She enjoys helping individuals of all ages learn basic and intermediate horsemanship. From grooming to riding, Julie ensures that each student gains knowledge and confidence from each session.
Julie offers instruction in Western Pleasure, Horsemanship and Trails.
Meet the School Horses of Arroyo Canyon!
Please contact Julie at (626) 278-9450 for info regarding lessons, fees and scheduling.