When I think of my time as a riding student of Michelle’s, three main thoughts come to mind. 

One, she has incredible insight of the horse and rider.  On so many occasions, she could see things before I even realized they were happening and/or could react to them.  Through her insight she can look at the whole picture of horse and rider and pinpoint exactly where the “angry” spot is.   Whether it is from a tight muscle area in the rider or horse, ill fitting saddle, bridle, padding, etc.  It never ceases to amaze me how she could pinpoint these areas make the smallest of changes to the tack and equipment and you’d have an entirely different horse under you.  To add to her insight, she has such a unique way in her teaching of making a correlation of what she wants you to feel to something in day to day life.

Secondly, she has the ability to know when to drive and push the rider and when to pick the most positive moment so that the horse and rider are not discouraged or frustrated.  She can see when each individual rider is ready to reach his or her breaking point.  Her ability to do this with me helped me to evolve into a respectable rider in a very short period of time.

Lastly, through her insight and correlation’s to life, I changed.  She would always say, “how we ride is how we live our life”.  When I first began I was a timid, shy lacking confidence person.  Through my riding with Michelle over the last two years I have bloomed into a confident woman with a voice. 

Dawn Berkenkotter

To whom it may concern:

I am honored to write a letter of recommendation for my friend and mentor, Michelle Lauber.

I have known Michelle for almost 7 years and was one of her dressage clients for 5 1/2 years. When I met Michelle in the Spring of 2000 I was a very timid and ineffective rider. I started to take regular lessons from her and was amazed at how quickly my riding progressed. I went on to lease a couple of horses at her facility, Legacy Hill Farms, in Colorado so that I could ride more than once a week.

Eventually I imported a mare from Holland through her and was in full time training. As time went on my riding improved with Michelle's instruction and in 2004 I received my bronze medal and competed at 4th level. I had achieved something that most riders do not get a chance to experience in such a short time.

I owe my riding achievements to Michelle. Michelle is a passionate instructor who is willing to share her library of knowledge with her students so that they succeed. Michelle is truly a gifted horse woman who has not only taught me to be a good rider but has also helped me achieve goals in my personal life.

Besides Michelle's talent for dressage training and instruction she has successfully built an import business with hundreds of her hand picked horses scattered across the United States. She has built this business over time with as much passion and wisdom to carefully match up rider with the best horse.

Thank you for this opportunity!
Patty Sponseller
206 598-3274

Dear Michelle,

            I have been thinking recently about an article that the Horse Connection did in September for their readers. The article was titled “Why I ride”.  When I look back on this question, it is sometimes a little foggy on why I actually started to ride dressage. I can honestly say I had only seen it (dressage) a few times and had no idea of the detail or patience the sport called for, not to mention the type of horse needed to support the rider in a solid partnership. Shortly after taking a few lessons at a western barn I realized that if I wanted to learn the art of dressage I needed to focus my energy with a trainer who could teach me the foundation of the sport. I had purchased my first horse who was only 3 years old and we had many challenges to overcome. 

             I must have had a guardian angel helping me along the way because it did not take long for me to go on a short drive from my home and stumble on a beautiful facility named Legacy Hill Farms.  I think the first time I had actually seen a half pass in real life was when I came into the barn and saw you riding the tallest horse I had ever seen, Lumiere.  I remember thinking that once I get over the fear of cantering my mare I want to do that....Well, it has been over 6 years since that day and you could say I am over the fear of cantering. I have enjoyed every minute of  my training with you.  I cannot say enough about the experience and the knowledge that I have gained while at your facility. There have been times when it has been hard for me to continue the passion of riding.  I have not always had timing on my side when it came to the expense or the freedom given my responsibilities as a single mother but there has always been a place for me to learn at LHF and I continue that journey.

            For many riders they are thrilled to see a glimpse of a World Equestrian at an event or on a video (we were fortunate enough to be premiere guests of the Hanoverian Verband at the European Championships in Verden, Germany). Being exposed to the level of riding that you surround yourself with was quite incredible for me.  Not only have I  been able to benefit from your experiences in training with the German dressage team members ( Ulla and Heike) but I have seen that experience influenced in my riding and the quality of the horses I have purchased from you.  I look forward to every new challenge put in front of me  and embrace the opportunity you have given my with my new partner Whitney.

                                                                                                                               Warmest Thanks,

                                                                                                                                Becky Schmeits

I started riding as an adult and have worked with many instructors over the years. Michelle has a special gift......an extremely intuitive eye.

 She's not only able to diagnose a problem but also able to find a way to solve it, "without drama". She has a way of explaining that makes

 everything seem so logical and a system of "building blocks" that really works for both the horse and the rider.

The respect and kindness shown to both of us creates a fertile learning environment. I never leave a lesson without a sense of

 accomplishment and a smile of my face.......shouldn't it be fun?

I only wish everyone had the opportunity to witness the ongoing progress we're making.......an incredible experience!!

Carla Broadhurst

 From clients who have purchased horses.........

Michelle--I want you to know how much I appreciate the quality of the horses we had to chose from.
I would sincerely appreciate information on a Marquis-like schoolmaster should you find one in your future trips to Europe. I would be interested in having you shop specifically for me at that time. Please let me know how far in advance of trips to Europe you begin the process when you are shopping for a specific type horse for a specific client.

Again, thank you for seeing the magic in Wescott and bringing him to your barn, and to me.

Karen

Hi Michelle,

 

Just had to fill you in on the success I'm having with Weinkoenig. This past summer I went to a number of shows and won all my classes which qualified me to enter, The Northeast Ohio Dressage Association Championship show. Weinkoenig was absolutely super-the judges comments reflected so-lovely, beautiful mover, quite supple, good impulsion. Oh, in case your wondering, I won the championship for the 2006 show season.

Having Weinkoenig as my partner is a joy-so proud of him wherever I go. He always scores in the high 60's and 70's. He has taught me so much-such"natural talent" as my trainer would say. I could go on forever about him, instead I'll simply say, thanks for finding such a wonderful horse and if ever in the market again to buy another one I'll be giving you a call ! 

Sincerely,

Barb Hertzing 

 Hi Michelle,

Wanted to give you an update on Fidelio LHF. I know I emailed you last fall that we won the First Level Adult Amateur Championship in Region 2 and ranked in the top ten nationally in the FEI Five Year Olds. Well, we were selected to be the Second Level horse/rider combination for the Lisa Wilcox clinic held this past weekend in Michigan. We had a great time! Lisa rode Fidelio in two of the three sessions. It was exciting to watch an Olympic rider working your horse in front of hundreds of auditors.

Fidelio will be 6 in June. I can't believe how quickly two years have passed since I bought him from you! We plan on showing 2nd and 3rd level this year. Still working on the changes and quicker hind leg. He is a riot and a character and super talented! I love him!!

Thanks again for helping me find my perfect horse match!

Christina Moore
 

 Liberty was wonderful yet again at the last horse show-winning all three of his classes. The freestyles went fabulous. A 76% at Second Level and a 77% once again at First level. It was an indoor show with some spooky corners and he just went along about his business like a grown up. 

I'll send out a copy of the Freestyle on DVD for you. You will be amazed how mature he is looking. Now a Solid 16.2 hands with a big cresty neck and flat, strong topline. Still a bit lean, but he is working hard, growing, building muscle, and eating like a 16 year old boy! 

I hope you are doing well. 

Molly