My Training

Julio Ledesma, owner and head trainer of Ledesma Equestrian Center, originates from Brazil and has a lifetime of experience with horses and an international show-jumping background. He worked for five-time Olympian Andre Johannpeter for eight years, helping him and his horse Calei Joter to team bronze medals at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. Their successes also included team gold at the 1999 Pan-American Games, as well as individual fourth-place finishes at the ‘00 Olympics and ‘99 Pan-Am Games. For the year 2001 Julio worked for Brazilian superstars Nelson & Rodrigo Pessoa, and a year later worked for top Belgian rider Ludo Philippaerts.

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Julio Ledesma (my first trainer) on Sebastian

Elisabeth and Lieutenant "Lt." jumping 3'8" under Julio's watchful eye

warm- up jumps

flying lead change after jump

Elisabeth on Lt.

After some refusals, we finally jumped the 3'6" fence!

My dad helping me get ready before a lesson

Julio makes me work hard, but we always have a good time in between breaks or after lessons

Taking a drink of water on a hot day

Elisabeth and Lt.

Julio and my dad

Julio cooling off after jumping the huge wall!

Elisabeth cooling off Lt.