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
Join Us on this Journey
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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.
Early in my horsemanship journey, I volunteered at Equine Affaire in Pomona. So it must have been around 2006 or 2007, while moving from one exhibit to another, that I saw this man giving a demonstration about massaging a horse. Well, at least that’s what it looked like to me. Over the course of the weekend, and the years I continued to volunteer; I saw Jim Masterson a couple of times. My duties as a volunteer always moved me around, so I never got to see Jim’s entire presentation from start to finish. The way he place his hands on the horse appealed to me. Being a tactile person, I love to put my hands all over my horses.
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.