Our Staff

Julia Torres

Owner/Head Trainer

Having grown up riding and working with horses throughout her life, Julia founded HRE with the goal in mind of making riding more accessible and welcoming to the "every-day" equestrian.

Julia has experience in many different facets of the equine industry, having have worked in a therapeutic riding program, as a show groom, and as a working-student in her earlier years, just to name a few. It was through these invaluable positions that she learned where her true interest lies: in teaching and sharing the joy of horses with others.

Julia graduated from William Patterson University in 2016 with her degree in Athletic Training, helping her to gain a deeper understanding of rider biomechanics and fitness. This knowledge allows her to better explain/identify the reasons "why" behind difficult concepts of riding to her students, molding more effective and confident riders. Additionally, during her time at WPU, Julia was captain of both the western and english IHSA teams, allowing for a well-rounded, multi-discipline equestrian education.

Prior to starting her own business, Julia managed a large lesson and show barn in Northern New Jersey, overseeing the day to day care of upwards of 100 horses. There, she also taught hunter/jumper lessons, lead her own small show team, and ran the facility's shows/show rings. As such, Julia is well acquainted with the many hats needed to run a successful and busy program.

From there, Julia went on to found her own business in West Milford, NJ where she began to further grow her lesson and show team. Julia eventually relocated to her current location in Branchville, NJ in order to better accommodate the needs of her lesson herd and rapidly expanding program.

Julia believes in providing individualized opportunities for each and every one of her riders to excel and achieve their goals, whether they be anything from safely trail riding to competitively showing. Julia has made it her mission to foster a positive and supportive environment amongst herself and her students enabling confidence both in and out of the saddle; she believes riders should leave the barn instilled with a love of horses and riding that lasts for years to come!

Jessica Leek

Barn Manager

Jessica has spent her whole life riding and working with horses and currently has 3 of her own, all of which are kept at HRE.

Jessica graduated from Morris County School of Technology's selective "Academy for Animal Science" in 2020, where she received the award of "Academy Scholar", the highest recognition granted to those with outstanding dedication and achievement in the field of animal science.

She is currently studying at Centenary University on the Animal Health: Pre-Veterinary track with an emphasis on equine science, including courses on Equine Health/Veterinary Experience, Equine Musculoskeletal Systems, Concepts of Equine Training, Animal Nutrition, and Equine Management.

Alongside her barn management duties, she is also a volunteer Foal Attendant in the NICU at the Mid-Atlantic Equine Medical Center in Ringoes, NJ for the 2024 foaling season.

Her passion in the equine industry lies with ponies, taking pride in working with the smallest members of our lesson herd. She also enjoys working with project ponies of her own, helping to set them up for success in their future careers.