Julie Will

Julie Will is an amateur jockey from Germany I met when she came out to ride in an all female amateur race recently. I emailed her an interview and here are her answers.

FOTH: Where were you born and where did you grow up?

JW: I was born in Osterholz-Scharmbeck and I grow up in Ohlenstedt. Both places are near Bremen.

FOTH: What sort of girl were you growing up and did you have many friends?

JW: I grew up on a farm with a lot of kids. (The mostly were American children) My parents said I was a very smart girl. And crazy for horses.

FOTH: How did you get involved in riding these amateur races and how many have you ridden in?

JW: In Germany you have to win the German champion chip to be allowed to ride Fegentri. I am the German championess of 2002. (with 20 winners 2002) In this moment I had about 600 rides.

FOTH: Have you won many races? Is your goal to become a thoroughbred jockey or is riding more of a hobby type thing?

JW: I have 55 winners at all. 2 of them are Arabian races and 1 of them a Quarter Horse race. My goal is to win the Fegentri (World Championship) and come in January to USA and make my professional License. And see one of my best friends again, Amy Hebert.

FOTH: What was it like getting up on a horse for the 1st time?

JW: I cant remember the first time I sit on a horse, because I was only one year young.

FOTH: What sort of racing do they have over in Germany?

JW: They have any kind of races in Germany, even one of the World Series Race (in Baden Baden) In Germany you are allowed to ride in professional races as an amateur. Thats very good.

FOTH: What tracks have you ridden at?

JW: I´ve ridden on almost every track in Germany, also in Malaysia (Selangor), Sizilia, Spain (Mijas), Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, France, Slovakia, Czech, Netherlands, Ireland and USA (Philadelphia, Boston and Chicago)

FOTH: Any other female jockeys you admire?

JW: Yes, Silke Günther. She was one of the best female jockeys in Germany. And I also like Zoe Cadman. I met her last year in Arlington. A very good jockey and a lovely person.

FOTH: What stuff do you like to do for fun? Are you friends with any male jockeys?

JW: I love to live and enjoy my life. Also I love to be with my family. In Germany I have a very good friendship with almost all of the male jockeys.

FOTH: We get many questions about girls wanting to become jockeys. What advice would you give them?

JW: You have to be a good rider, strong and you shouldn´t be scared.

FOTH: Has being in these amateur races been a positive experience for you?

JW: Sure, it is a very positive experience.

FOTH: What are some goals you have for yourself?

JW: To get my license in USA and to win the Fegentri.

FOTH: What do you remember about your recent ride over at Philadelphia Park and do you remember meeting me ha ha?

JW: It was a nice track, a beautiful horse and it was nice to meet people like you.

FOTH: Did you talk to our girl riders like Sandi Dorr and Marcia Stortz?

JW: I talked to the girls, but just about races in Germany and USA.

FOTH: Do you have a favorite track you would like to ride at one day?

JW: Maybe in Dubai but they don't let female jockeys ride.

FOTH: What do your parents think of you being a jockey?

JW: My parents are very proud and sometimes scared. Specially when I have an accident during the race.

FOTH: Julie thanks for the interview. Any last words?

JW: I would like to say thank you to every people who helped me to get where I am now. Specially to my family. (Mum, Dad and my brother Torsten) Thank you for the Interview...Take care.

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