Synchrony Farm: horse lessons, training, and boarding in Saline, MI

About Julie Arkison

Horses are a way of life

“Horses are a way of life.”

My grandfather instilled that in me as soon as I learned to walk. Being the only granddaughter to have been bitten by the horse bug, I was the proud recipient of my first horse at age eight.

My Grandpa Joe introduced me to horses as working companions on the farm, and my later involvement with Pony Club became my initiation to the world of Dressage and jumping.

Education:

After graduating from the University of Michigan with a BA in Psychology and Art History, I worked for a local small animal vet. I returned to school to become a Therapeutic Riding Instructor for the disabled because of personal experience with the benefits of this therapy.

Between 1989 and 2001, I became the program director, head instructor, volunteer coordinator, fund raiser, and barn manager for Therapeutic Riding of Washtenaw County. While developing this program, I explored a long time dream of riding Dressage and combining that knowledge with the Vaquero tradition of the working stock horse.

By keeping a foot in both worlds, I enjoy creating unique opportunities to expand the connection between horses and their humans.

Riding and Training:

The current label of Natural Horsemanship has been given to the type of cowboys through which I have been exploring the Vaquero style of horsemanship. The folks with whom I chose to work were students of the late Tom and Bill Dorrence, who are to the horse world what the Wright Brothers were to aviation.

On the Dressage side, most recently I have been an avid student of Bettina Drummond, a student of the late Nuno Oliviera, and both Rudi Rosteck and Herbert Seiberl of the Spanish Riding School.

White Fences Workshop

Julie recently participated with Ms. Bettina Drummond at White Fences in Florida. This workshop was the second in a series of workshops designed to showcase the French system of Dressage. The workshop featured Colonel Patrick Teisserenc, current ecuyer-en-chef of the French National Riding School in Saumur , France and Bettina Drummond, a highly regarded trainer of the French classical system and the Baucheriste system. Several articles were written about the workshop that can be seen at the Association for the Promotion of Dressage in America.

I have shown Dressage through 4th level on horses I have trained and received my USDF Bronze Medal, as well as worked extensively with several notable riders, instructors, and writers.

Julie with Buck Brannaman

Julie has Worked and Studied With:

Horse and Riding Writing:

Writing is another passion of mine. I have had articles published in numerous books and magazines including Dressage Today and Eclectic Horseman. Some of the titles are listed below.

Other:

I am celebrating owning and operating Synchrony Farm with my husband Jim since 1989. Jim is a practitioner of the Rolf Method of Structural Integration.

Some time ago I learned how to needle felt from a friend, and have enjoyed the art of sculpting horses in wool ever since. Learn about my Woolie Pets