We’re intrigued by her approach—and asked Julia five key questions:
Julia Gill thrives on the rush of three-day eventing and the quiet magic of pre-dawn barn sessions—fine-tuning every drill to spark trust and independence. “True confidence is earned at home, not in the arena,” she says.
Between a packed competition calendar and her breeding program, she tailors each day to sharpen dressage precision, master jump exercises and conquer cross-country challenges. Driven by the bond she shares with every horse, Julia believes that patience and intention are the real game-changers—both in sport and in life.
1. Career & Passion
What do you love most about being an eventing rider, and how do you keep that passion alive through the challenges of the sport?
What I love most about eventing is the challenge and the adrenaline, but even more than that, I truly enjoy the work I do with my horses at home—that’s where everything begins. The day-to-day training, the quiet progress, and the bond that builds over time are what truly drive me. Competing is rewarding because it allows me to showcase the results of that hard work. Even when things don’t go as planned, I return home with perspective: I know where we are, what we’ve accomplished, and what needs refining. That steady progress at home is what motivates me most. At the heart of everything I do is the partnership between horse and rider. I believe that the more care, consistency, and intention I bring to my horses, the more they give back—often twice as much. That mutual trust is the foundation of everything we build together.
2. Challenges & Achievements
What is the most challenging aspect of eventing for you, and how do you overcome it?
One of the most demanding aspects of this sport is producing a 4* horse—it’s a long, unpredictable journey with more lows than highs. What helps me stay focused is perspective. I always come back to why I started: because I genuinely love spending time with my horses. That relationship keeps me grounded and reminds me what matters most.
3. Training & Preparation
What specific training techniques or practices have you found most effective in improving your performance across all three eventing disciplines, and how has Equinetree supported these practices?
My daily routines with the horses are really important to me. Of course, every horse is different and needs a tailored approach, but my overall system of preparation stays consistent. From a young age, I focus on teaching my horses independence. It’s important to me that they believe in themselves—that they know they’re brave enough. Especially in jumping and cross-country, I try to give them space to think and make decisions. That kind of confidence and partnership can’t be rushed; it’s built over time.
4. Vision & Goals
How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals during challenging times, and what strategies do you use to stay on track?
I feel incredibly lucky to work with so many amazing horses, especially because we breed our own. Watching them grow from foals into top-level athletes is deeply motivating. Each horse has its own personality, and learning to understand them without saying much—reading their expressions, their energy—is something really special to me. The feeling I have on cross-country, when I’m completely in sync with my horse, is like nothing else. That sense of being one with them, moving as a team—that’s what gives me the biggest push and the strongest motivation.
5. Brand & Partnership
Why did you decide to become an ambassador for our brand, and what aspects of our products do you find particularly useful for your discipline?
For a long time, I’ve been searching for a brand that offers an alternative to traditional animal leather—something forward-thinking, ethical, and high-performance. When I came across these products, I was immediately curious. After trying them, I was honestly impressed. The quality, from the Bridle to the stirrups, was exceptional—thoughtful design, durability, and feel. It’s exciting to see brands innovate in ways that reflect not just performance standards, but personal values. That’s something I’m proud to stand behind.
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