Hi, nice to meet you!
JP here – proud adult amateur, long-time rider and continuous learner.
I currently own 4 horses (Diva, Kona, Rye & Smirk), although I have owned and loved many others throughout my life. You’ll probably learn about them on this website or hear me reference them a time or two. All of my big life lessons have come from horses, and they have always been a constant in my life.
When I’m not playing in pony-land, my real life consists of working as a marketing manager for L-Tron. L-Tron is a small (but mighty) company, nestled in western NY that supplies driver’s license scanners & other equipment to Law Enforcement/government agencies across the country.
Riding Highlights
I grew up on Long Island and started riding at the age of 10. Right from the get-go, I wanted more. Unfortunately, my parents couldn’t afford leases or fancy warmbloods. At the ripe age of 11, I entered into indentured servitude and started mucking stalls (and scrubbing buckets, cleaning pastures, etc.) to get as much free ride time as I could. This was great for my parents – who didn’t have to shell out money for camp, but just dropped me off at the barn from sun-up to sun-down every summer. I had a wonderful time growing up at Victory Farms, a tiny backyard barn with about 10 horses.
As time went on, I started competing, and worked my way up from schooling shows to the 3′ Children’s Equitation, 1.0m Jumpers & Low Hunters. I rode whatever horses were available, and often didn’t have a consistent mount.
I purchased my first horse, Ray, then sold him and bought a few more..
Eventually, I packed up myself and my horses and we all headed to college at SUNY Geneseo in Western NY.
At Geneseo, I had the pleasure of riding under coach Kim Sanford as a member of the Geneseo Equestrian Team. She is the owner and coach at Leg Up Stables – a hidden gem in the Genesee Valley. The facility breeds paint horses and is home to over 90 horses. There, I tested out new disciplines – like Foxhunting, Eventing & Dressage. I delivered my first foal, and Kim taught me how to break and work with her young horses. It is an amazing experience to deliver a foal, and then be the first one to ride him or her when they are ready at 3/4 years old.
I loved Geneseo so much, I decided to stay. I have grown roots in Rochester and Kim gives me the opportunity to ride and play with many of her horses.
After owning several off-track thoroughbreds, I gradually grew interested in the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover. In 2024, I attended the makeover with Brooklawn (Rye) and my long-time friend Ashely. We competed as a team, finishing 21st in Dressage, and 38th in show hunters, taking home first place Dressage Team.
I hope to pass along what I learn along the way, through this site. Please, please, please reach out if you have any suggestions, ideas or would like to guest post.
Wishing you easy lead changes, clear rounds and happy rides!
Julianne Pangal 