Julia Obenour with Resilient.
At just 16 years old, local equestrian Julia Obenour has already been ranked fifth in the nation among half-Arabian riders and is a two-time national champion. She trains six days a week, riding multiple horses across disciplines including hunters, equitation and dressage — competing on the Arabian circuit under the United States Equestrian Federation, as well as locally through the Winter Equestrian Festival and the Gold Coast Dressage Association.
Obenour’s story goes beyond competition. She began riding at age nine and now spends three to four hours a day training in Loxahatchee Groves, often managing multiple horses to compete across divisions. She credits riding not only with her success, but with helping her manage anxiety — describing it as “the one place where it’s just me and my horse.”
A student at Grandview Preparatory School, Obenour’s schedule is made possible through the school’s flexibility, allowing her to leave early each day to train. Her goal is to ride at the collegiate level, inspired by mentors who have gone on to compete in college programs.
There’s also a deeper, generational layer. Obenour comes from a family of equestrians and veterinarians, continuing a legacy while carving out her own path in a highly competitive sport.
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Next up for her is the Arabian Region 12 Championships, set for May 5-10 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. Obenour will be bringing both of her horses to compete, Resilient and Clementine.
