CHENANGO COUNTY – Two local equestrians, Julia Strier and Rachel Colley, received national recognition for their outstanding performance in The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show held in Oklahoma this October.

Julia Strier, 13, of Guilford, earned first place in two events, making her a world champion twice over. Rachel Colley, 17, of Afton, was also crowned Grand National Champion in her age group and Reserved world Champion at the Worlds title event.

The Morgan Grand National is an annual competition usually hosting over 1,200 horses and riders coming from all over America, England and Canada.

Julia, despite her young age, is an exceptional rider. “Coming from such a small barn and winning worlds is huge,” said Julia. For the last three years Strier has worked closely with her aunt, Mari Neidlinger and trainer Scott Neidlinger, spending much of her time training at Lingering Hill Stable in Afton. Her parents, Barbara and John Strier, have supported her throughout her rise to equestrian stardom. Their family has resided in Guilford for over 20 years.