What gets measured, gets attention.
I started obsessing about success in sports as a pre-teen kid in love with horses. At age 11 I took home my first state championship from the hunter-jumper banquet and knew I wanted to feel like that again, and again, and again. I worked hard, cried a lot and got tossed into the dirt. I learned about perseverance. I learned about visualizing. I learned about the mental game.
I achieved most of my goals, finishing in the top three in the equitation and hunter divisions and top six in a professional division at 16. I realized even then that I had a natural affinity for the mental game and dove into learning all I could, including seeing sports psychologists and investing in myself.
I left the horses behind when I went to college, but have always been a competitor at heart. I’ve traded reins for leashes and now am committed to supporting handlers in making their dreams come true.
Q-Vision
To champion handlers in pursuit of their dreams.
Q-Mission
Provide personal coaching, online programs, and free content to empower handlers to maximize their potential in and out of the ring.
Q-Values
CHAMPION YOUR DREAMS | Expand your belief of what you thought possible.
SHARE THE PASSION | Join in the love of the game and desire to win.
IGNITE SUCCESS | Provide the fuel to help you achieve your goals.
KEEP IT REAL | Live and learn together while being honest on the journey.
Q-Promise
I don’t have all the answers. I make mistakes, have craptastic days, and get mired in fear and self-doubt just like every other competitor. But I am committed to bringing you the best of what I’m living and learning while keeping it real, honest, and hopefully funny.
About Julie
The first time my Berner had major surgery, I learned a lot about goal setting. I thought I was on this nice plan: learn, practice, compete, qualify, repeat. And until my 4-year-old needed back surgery, it seemed to be working. Suddenly, I had a six-month rehab in front of me and this goal-oriented person had to shift focus.
It doesn’t take an injury or setback to need a plan or to want more. Actually, most of us have big goals for our four-legged teammates and we are constantly seeking ways to produce better results more consistently.
To me, success in the ring is a combination of mental management and preparedness. The mental game is a huge fascination for me and I continue to be an avid student. I’ve met with sports psychologists, upped my meditation practice and evolved my visualization techniques.
It takes a lot to be “prepared” to walk into the ring – mentally, physically, logistically … from getting a good night sleep to eating well to having the right gear to conditioning … the list is looooong!! The key is to take care of all of these supporting elements so that when we walk into the ring, we’re truly ready.
That’s what this is about – getting ready. So how do you know if you’re prepared? Does it just come down to the result? Can you only measure success in terms of ribbons on the passenger seat?
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Why me? Why now?
I have been fortunate to accomplish much with my “non-traditional” performance breed, Bernese Mountain Dogs. My first Berner, and “Novice A” dog, went on to run at the AKC Agility Invitational; finish third in the inaugural AKC Rally National Championship; become the first Berner to earn the Triathlete award five times at our national specialty; and earn a Grand Master Draft Dog award, becoming the first with Master-level agility titles to do so. In his lifetime he earned the following: Edgeside’s Karma CDX RAE3 MX MXB MXJ MJB MXP MJP2 XF CGCA ANDD ABNDD MDD MBDD JHDs plus the WDX and GMDD awards from the BMDCA.
From him not only did I get exposure to a new world, but also to coming back after injuries as he endured a Dorsal Laminectomy, 2 TPLOs, and 1 broken toe. We learned a lot about rehab and conditioning together and I’m now pursuing deeper knowledge in that area.
My second Berner is still running well (knock wood!) and became the second Berner and first female to earn a Grand Master Draft Dog (GMDD) award with Master-level agility titles. As a breed Champion, Indie is the first female Berner CH to earn a MACH as well as the first GMDD to do so. She continued, becoming the first MACH Berner to earn her Grand Championship (as a veteran), followed quickly by her PACH. She has competed at the Agility Invitational, Rally National, has earned six Triathlete awards, and whelped two litters. She passed the Junior/WD test for the Newfie water test, and is applying her nose to Barn Hunt and scent work! She is currently officially: GCH CH MACH PACH Edgeside’s Grand Indulgence V Anatar CDX RAE3 MXS MJS MXP3 MXPB MJP3 MJPB NF NFP PAX TKP CGC FDC SNI ANDD ABNDD MDD MBDD JHDs WD RATM NW2 plus the VDX, WDX, and GMDD awards from the BMDCA.
I am a draft judge for the BMDCA as well as an active member. I live with Indie, Moxie, and Trip – all Berners, all hogging the bed.
