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Julie Winkel Added to List of Judges for $25,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby

April 5, 2010

Carson City, Nevada –-– The $25,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby is pleased to announce USEF and CEF judge, Julie Winkel as one of the four judges for the first West Coast standalone hunter derby. The event is scheduled for September 19, 2010 at the Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility in Carson City, NV.

Winkel has been a longtime equestrian, growing up out west with both of her parents largely involved in numerous equestrian disciplines. Evolving as a rider and trainer, Winkel explained, “I was a self-taught hunter and jumper rider. My knowledge, experience, and ability came from riding many types of horses.” At just 15 years of age, she opened her first barn and began teaching lessons and traveling to shows.

As a young rider and trainer, Winkel had a desire to gain a complete education about the hunter/jumper industry. She owes much of her knowledge and training methods to Joe Fargis, George Morris, Melanie Taylor, and her parents.

Over 25 years ago, Winkel began her career as a judge. Since the inception of her judge’s card, Winkel has judged a considerable number of renowned horse shows around the country. A few of those shows include Devon, the Hampton Classic, Capital Challenge, Upperville, Harrisburg, the Winter Equestrian Festival, Maclay Finals, and most recently, Winkel had the opportunity to judge the inaugural $100,000 USHA Hunter Derby Finals in Lexington, KY. In addition to her normal calendar of horse shows, Winkel will also be judging the 2010 USEF Pony Finals and the 2010 USEF Medal Finals.

Adding to her impressive resume of horse shows, Winkel has served on many equestrian boards over the years. She currently serves on the USHJA Board of Directors, is Chairman of the USEF Continuing Education Committee, and was appointed to the Committee of the USEF Licensed Officials. Winkel is also on the USEF Hunter Committee, the Trainer Certification Committee, the Equitation Committee, and the Emerging Athletes Committee.

Winkel has owned many hunters that have won several prestigious horse shows around the country including By the Bay, Forewarned, and a more recent horse named Cincenatty.

Winkel is looking forward to joining George Morris as one of the four judges for the $25,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby. She remarked, “I am very excited for this derby. ‘Hats off’ to the MacLean Family at the Franktown Meadows Equestrian Facility for taking on such an important event.”

Winkel added, “These hunter derbies are creating a whole new market for the hunter industry. It is so wonderful to see this event become an achievement that equestrians will work towards.”

As for the participants, Winkel will be looking to reward a quality horse, she explained, “I want a horse that moves well, and it is really important for them to have scope. I love scopey horses. I want a derby horse that is beautiful to watch and an athlete. The frosting on the cake is that the horse has attitude and expression.”

Prior to the $25,000 Franktown Meadows Hunter Derby, Winkel will be judging multiple shows including the Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF National Hunter Breeding Finals, which are held on the West Coast on September 1, 2010, and the East Coast on September 4, 2010. Outside of judging, Winkel maintains a hunter/jumper/equitation breeding and training stable through her Maplewood Stable Inc., located in Reno, NV.

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