While Michelle has learned from many masters, both natural and classical, the biggest influence on her training methods has been the mustang. "When working with wild horses, everything matters; even the way you breathe is amplified through them. To be able to partner with a mustang, your intent has to be so pure because they are extremely in tune to their surroundings. You can't get more natural than that."

Studying herd dynamics taught Michelle how skewed horses can get when raised in an unnatural environment. "Horses need other horses. They learn so much from each other....leadership and respect being at the top of the list. The way a horse behaves in the herd is the exact way he is going to behave with you."

Michelle also learned that a holistic approach to raising and training horses is beneficial. Making sure a horse has a proper saddle fit, good farrier work, regular dental work, a natural diet and alternative therapies such as chiropractic and muscle therapy are essential for a sound, happy horse.

"My training programs really take into consideration the physical development of the horse. I am a stickler about forming exercises that really prepare a horse for more difficult movements and making sure within each level the horse is balanced and symmetrical."

Starting a horse under saddle is the single most important aspect of their riding career. Michelle has started hundreds of horses and has learned the importance of being very thorough and mastering each step before moving on. "It is one of my favorite things to do...giving the horse the time they need to understand and develop a trust in the human and the confidence to be a trustworthy partner. Setting them up for success is very rewarding".

Because of Michelle's eye for detail and the ability to notice the little things, students in turn learn to pay attention to every detail and build on very small changes in the horse. Says one student "I have been around horses all my life and never payed attention to their real needs or considered how rude I was working with them. My relationships with horses will never be the same."

Ongoing Studies include Classical Masters of present and past; equine biomechanics; equine chiropractic and bodywork; nutrition and herbology; genetic influence; horse/human relationships.