About Me

Julia grew up in Vancouver, BC and found her passion for riding at the age of 6. She was inspired by her love for horses and always had the urge to rush to barn after school. She was active in Pony Club and played Prince Philips games where she famously made her 1st ever magazine cover page in Gatepost. 

 

In 2014, Julia was accepted into the engineering program at Queen’s University.  She delayed her acceptance, moved to Ontario and took a gap year to train with Canadian Olympian Jill Henselwood and her partner Bob. 

 

Julia’s equestrian accomplishments while attending Queen’s full time include winning the Canadian Jr/Am 1.40 Championship (2017), U25 Canadian Championship (2018), and the 2017 North American Young Rider Championship (NAYRC) individual gold medal and Canadian team silver medal. Jill Henselwood’s 5 years of coaching, Maureen Lunney’s outstanding veterinarian assistance and Jim Kyle’s grooming provided fundamental assistance to accomplish these equestrian and academic dreams.

 

In 2019, Julia graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering with honours/distinction. Rather than practicing as a professional engineer, Julia decided to pursue a career in the equestrian industry. Julia was inspired by and began riding with Canadian Olympian Beth Underhill aboard Farfelu Du Printemps, Cacao 7, and Ichello. Julia continues to grow her business in the equestrian industry competing, training, buying and selling horses at the Grand Prix level.

 

Julia’s business Madigan Equestrian Inc. (MEI) is based just outside of Toronto in King City at Valhalla Equestrian Center where she accepts horses for training. Competing at the highest level of the sport, Julia spends her winters competing in either California or Florida and returns to Canada for the summer months.