Michelle Abendroth has dedicated her life to horses from the moment she started riding at age seven. A true working student from the beginning, she balanced lessons with endless hours at the barn—studying horsemanship, caring for horses, and learning every detail of stable management. By twelve, she was funding her own riding through stall cleaning, feeding, turnout, and teaching beginner lessons, later grooming and managing horses at top-rated shows.

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As her experience grew, Michelle became known for her skill with green and young horses, from starting unhandled prospects at home to bringing a rescue pony to the Emerging Athletes Program in Bend, Oregon. She gained extensive catch-riding experience while continuing to do the behind-the-scenes work that builds strong horse-and-rider partnerships.​