The Cast
Julien Beaugnon
Julien Beaugnon has spent the last 20 years working as a horse trainer, actor, riding instructor, and is the CEO of Julien Beaugnon Equestrian LLC. In each incarnation, his mission has been to create and share deeply personal and professional experiences. His background as both a performer and horse trainer gives him a unique understanding of how horses communicate. Julien believes the performance of this communication, whether in person or on the stage, best work together with mutual respect and a vulnerable connection with each individual.
On stage Julien has performed for Cavalia, Appasionata, Mer de Sable, among others, and graduated in physical and equestrian stunts. Since relocating to the United States, Julien teaches clinics from the east to west coast on horse communication and classical dressage.
For Julien the connection with horses is personal and thick as family blood. Through the trauma of being separated from his father and brother as a young child, the only thing that gave him hope and focus was horses. Learning from them, loving them for who they are and what makes them unique connected him to his brother and father, who also spent their lives working with horses. Julien has come a long way from sleeping on a cold mattress as a young man to be able to afford the best hay for his horses!
Julien has traveled the world as an internationally renowned equestrian artist and trainer working with the elite of the equestrian world all the while developing methods of Freedom Liberty and Classical Dressage. His life’s journey continues relentlessly in pursuit of a sustainable relationship between man and horse with respect, connection, efficacy and patience being the pillars of his methods.
In 2019, the S.P.C.A. invited this Frenchman to the US Capitol to meet and discuss with Senators legislation that would save thousands of horses from avoidable fates of slaughter or worse.
Julien currently resides in Northern Virginia working with horses, their riders and giving all of his heart and experience to rehabilitate horses, giving new promise and hope for tomorrow’s trail.
The Rescues
Gentle Giants is committed to saving draft horses from slaughter, abuse, and neglect, and finding the adoptive homes as trail and schooling horses.
The American Mustang Organization’s goal is to serve and preserve the wild mustang through education, demonstration, adoption and awareness.