Hi, I’m JULIE LEIKEN

Julie Leiken’s journey began in Germany, where she spent nearly a decade studying classical dressage with masters Monika Haas and Josef Haag. But her true breakthrough came not just in the arena—but on the mat. After being introduced to Pilates by her sister, Julie discovered how deeply her own body’s imbalances were impacting her riding. What she felt during Pilates sessions translated directly into what she experienced in the saddle—and a powerful connection was made.

That insight inspired the creation of EquiBalance™, a method that merges classical dressage with Pilates-based movement to help riders unlock new levels of balance, strength, and communication with their horses.

Julie completed the intensive, two-year Ron Fletcher Program of Study in Pilates—a rigorous system that blends Joseph Pilates’ core principles with expressive, functional movement. Her background also includes training in Gyrotonics, the Franklin Method, Yoga, and Functional Movement, all of which inform her deeply personalized approach.

Her philosophy is simple:

No two riders—and no two horses—are the same.

That’s why Julie meets each student exactly where they are, helping them uncover subtle blocks—whether caused by structural imbalances, old injuries, or ingrained habits—that may be holding them back. With her guidance, riders re-pattern movement first on the mat, then in the saddle, for real and lasting transformation.

Julie is based in Boulder, Colorado, where she teaches at Center Stream Pilates and travels across the U.S. and Canada offering EquiBalance™ clinics, private sessions, and customized coaching.