Trainers

A native of Colorado, Michelle Albertus is a trainer and instructor specializing in the discipline of Dressage, a training system emphasizing cooperation and harmony between horse and rider. Michelle enjoys teaching and training beginner through advanced riders and their horses.

Michelle began with a successful partnership with her first horse at age 12, which led to competitions in Dressage and Three Day Eventing. Michelle treasures her involvement with the horses, not only because she loves horses, but also because it gives her the opportunity to share her knowledge and expertise with many wonderful friends she meets along the way. Michelle believes horses are meant to be horses, and her Dressage horses enjoy trail rides, turnout, and the company of other horses.

Michelle is a United States Dressage Federation Bronze and Silver Medalist with 40 years of riding experience. She has competed successfully through the International Dressage Federation Intermediate I level. She has trained with notable Dressage instructors Jan Ebeling, Stefan Wolff, Heather Kennedy, and Susan Martin. She maintains a network of contacts in the USA and Europe for horse buying trips.

One of the most intriguing things about pursuing riding horses is that the horses have so many lessons to teach us, and the skills of being a good horseman are skills that can help us throughout all aspects our lives. Michelle aspires to make horsemanship and Dressage approachable and understandable for everyone, with an emphasis on cooperation, confidence and safety built on a well-roundedequestrian education.

From the first time Bethany was placed on a horse’s back, she knew that this sport would be much more than a hobby. While spending several years working as an assistant trainer at Fairbanks Ranch in 2007, Bethany formed her own business geared toward the competitive junior rider. Formerly known as Shore Line Stables, Bethany’s boutique style hunter-jumper program, now known as Halcyon West, is uniquely modeled to cater to riders of all ages. Halcyon West welcomes everyone from beginner hunter-jumpers to the seasoned competitor.

Each horse and rider programs are tailored specifically to meet their needs and help them achieve their goals. Halcyon West offers sales and lease of horses, and the option to attend both local and A rated shows. Bethany strives to provide quality instruction and equip each of her riders with a solid education and the tools needed both in and out of the arena. With the positive and welcoming environment at Poway Equestrian Center Boarding Facility, Bethany feels it is the ideal location for riders to flourish!