Michelle Gilles Promoting Women and Horses
Michelle Gilles, horsewoman and trainer, knows women are the backbone of the horse industry. Based in the Central Valley of California, Michelle trains horses, holds clinics, and shows in reined cow horse. Growing up with horses, Michelle trained under some very impressive trainers including Les Vogt, Charles Wilhelm, and John Ward. She’s learned not only about horses, but the business side of being a horse trainer.
Michelle and I met back in 2015 during the Vaquero Heritage Trainers Challenge. Our paths crossed again last year when I began showing in Ranch Riding shows. We’ve been trying to get together for an interview and finally found time in our schedules.
Two programs Michelle created are designed especially for women. Her “Ride Like a Girl – The Original” Facebook Group helps women getting back into horses, women with confidence issues, or women needing to improve their relationship with their horse. By holding clinics and training session, Michelle helps these women (and men too) expand their horsemanship.
The Real American Cowgirl Project
Michelle Gilles wants to put a spotlight on women working in the horse industry. They could be photographers, professional riders, working cowgirls, or women who represent the true American Cowgirl ethic. By promoting excellent role models, Michelle believes the horse world will attract more girls.
Links To Michelle Gilles
“Ride Like a Girl – The Original” Facebook Group
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Thanks for listening,
John & Ranae
Episode #183
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Joanne Galbraith is still going strong at age 82. Of course, you would guess that’s she has been around horses all her life. She worked at feedlots and ranches and held her own with men. She passed along a love of horses to her kids. And she loves competing. Joanne rides in Gymkana events on her good horse, Ricky.
Dan Dauphin knows the mechanics and physics of bits. Honestly, I put a snaffle in my horse’s mouth and don’t think much more about it. What goes on in there is a giant mystery to me. Oh, I know that when I pull on the right rein; the horse goes right. But, I can’t really see what’s going on down there and can only imagine what’s happening in that giant cavern in his head. Dan Dauphin studied the build and mechanics of not only the horses’ mouth, but the bits and how the two interact. The bit is a communication device. Used with your seat and leg aids, it’s how you talk to your horse.
Working Cowboy – Lane Selz
Stallion Springs Trail Ride
There were five of us riding on this outing. Two of the people knew the area well. Stallion Springs, and the Tehachapi area is a very horse-friendly. While we ride through residential areas, the lots are big and far apart. There are lots of oak trees. I believe there are five distinct types of oaks in the area. As we rode through one area, a group had labeled many of the plants.
As we wound around the mountains, magnificent vistas of the Tehachapi valley would emerge. Then, we would turn around another corner and trees and mountains surrounded us.