Julie was born in Santa Monica, California, on July 15, 1963, to Thomas and Rosemary Dvorak. Her childhood was filled with horses, horses, and more horses. She spent several years under the guidance of Frank and Cindy Craighead, who would become lifelong friends. Rosemary traveled to Southern California to horse shows in a station wagon and trailer with Julie and younger brother Tommy in tow, helping them follow their dreams. 

After graduating high school, Julie went to work for Jack and Judy Adams and wet her feet in the cutting horse world. She then moved to Oklahoma and spent several years with the legendary Terry and Sharon Riddle.