Meet the Staff: Head Trainer, George Michael George Michael & friend Middleburg, Virginia. George Michael developed a passion for the study of dressage while a student at Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in the field of animal science. In his youth George (MR. Michael) rode mainly western pleasure horses for recreation but when he was first exposed to the fine science and art of dressage riding he decided that it was something he wanted to explore and he finally turned that interest coupled with his degree into a career and a lifestyle.  Master Horseman Jim Rowe, My Friend, Teacher & Mentor. Mr. Michael was first influenced regarding dressage at the Rowe Dressage Stables, (at that time an affiliate of Michigan State University) in Okemos, Michigan where he was an apprentice for approximately three years. He has returned there periodically over the past years for extended visits to participate in refresher courses and private instruction under the guidance of the highly skilled American dressage master, Jim Rowe and his equally qualified wife Sharon. Both possess inherent skills and were originally educated by members of the Konyot family. Sharon Rowe is a highly accomplished competitive dressage rider having achieved the highest awards available at all levels from the USDF and Jim Rowe (now deceased) was a master of the horse and could train horses and riders in the greatest details of artistic riding always emphasizing kindness and equestrian tact. He was not only an instructor but also mentor and had the greatest influence on Mr. Michael and his quest for an understanding of horses and dressage.  George Michael & Caprichoso. Mr. Michael migrated to California in the early eighties and went to work for Edith Evans-Williams and Ray Williams who was found of the “Australian Andalusian Horse Society”, “El Caballo Blanco” an equestrian performance attraction in Australia and “The Kingdom of Dancing Stallions” an equestrian performance attraction in Southern California which currently operates as Medieval Times. The Kingdom of Dancing Stallions utilized 30 highly trained Andalusian stallions and approximately 15 riders for a daily presentation comparable and based on the Spanish Riding School at Jerez de la Fontera. Due to the extensive knowledge of Mr. Williams and the excellent direction of his wife Edith Evans-Williams, an accomplished equestrian performer herself and former Portuguese style professional bullfighter, plus the opportunity to ride a number of horses trained to the highest levels, the situation provided an excellent and unique learning environment. Riders came from around the world and included specialist from America, Australia, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Lipica, Mexico and Spain. Demonstrations of basic training, quadrille work, Haute Ecole, Spanish training methods, Rejoneo, vaulting and specialized performance training were presented on a daily basis. A number of currently, successful American competitive dressage riders and equine professionals were former members of the team at the Kingdom of Dancing Stallions.   Riding Africano E, Tuscon, Arizona. During that same time Mr. Michael and the other riders at the school began to offer their services as instructors in Southern California. Mr. Michael then centered his teaching and training activities in Huntington Beach, California and the surrounding areas. After five years in Southern California, Mr. Michael could not refuse the offer to relocate to Southern Arizona where he would manage a beautiful 100 acre breeding and training farm at Rancho El Canto Andalusians in remote Tumacacori, Arizona. There for six years he managed a herd of approximately 40 horses including 16 broodmares and three breeding stallions. He lived with this herd, and conducted all of the breeding, foaling and training operations. During that time he started many young horses under saddle and was also introduced to the sport of combined driving. The owners at Rancho El Canto were very interested in having their Andalusian horses competitive in the dressage ring so Mr. Michael was a regular participant and competitor at dressage competitions and activities in Tucson, Scottsdale and surrounding areas. The majority of the young horses were shown at the lower levels until they were sold and Mr. Michael developed a good relationship with the stallion Caprichoso S II who he competed successfully to the level of PSG and wowed crowds during many exhibition rides especially due to the horse’s talent for an enviable piaffe and passage plus the extravagant movements of Spanish walk, Spanish trot and levade.  A visit to the famous Hannoverian stallions of the Celle State Stud.
When the owners at Rancho El Canto decided to relocate their operation Mr. Michael decided to take the opportunity to advance his own education and took advantage of an invitation to ride at the school of Hans Reigler in Sulz, Austria. He first traveled to Germany where he visited many of the most famous German equestrian facilities and attended several auctions in an effort to become familiar with the German countryside and experience the German horse culture. He then traveled by train to Austria where he spent four months as a working student. Upon returning to the states Mr. Michael moved to Maryland and spent one year as a student and assistant trainer at the school of Helene-Asmis Clifford. Mr. Michael then went to Texas where he worked for six months under the direction of the highly qualified trainers Joao Oliviera and Peter Von Borsch. At the end of that time he moved to Southern Louisiana where he developed his own small farm and trained horses and riders for the next six years. In 1996 Mr. Michael received an invitation to move to Naples, Florida and help to develop and manage the Southern location of Ashanti Farm. After two years the renovated and improved property was put on the market and with sponsorship from Ashanti Farm and other Mr. Michael was able to travel again to Europe where for two years he was a member of the team at the world-renowned training facility Performance Sales International in Hagen, Germany. As a trainee Mr. Michael was fortunate to be completely immersed in the German horse culture. He was a hands-on participant in all of the activities of the extensive operations at PSI. He worked at the breeding farms in Muhlen and Lewitz but spent most of his time at the Dressage Stables at Hof Kasselmann in Hagen, located not far from Munster in the heart of Northern Germany’s most active horse communities. This was a rare and unique experience. Not only did it allow Mr. Michael exposure to the finest and most extensive, highly developed horse business and activities in the world but also provided exposure to the best dressage events and competitions. During his time in Germany Mr. Michael had the pleasure and great advantage to daily ride some of the best horses in the world with instruction from some of the world’s top riders and trainers. Since leaving Germany Mr. Michael has been active as a trainer, instructor, facilities developer and consultant, working in Alabama, Virginia and Michigan. Now he has joined the team at Twelve Oaks Farm, LLC where he will contribute his experience along with the owners and staff to continue development of another fine equestrian center in the Midwest dedicated to the promotion and enjoyment of good horsemanship and fine horses.
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