Michelle McVey Haisch
About Michelle McVey Haisch
Owner / Trainer / Instructor
Born and raised in Council Bluffs, IA, Michelle began riding at age 5 and started showing American Saddlebreds at age 9. She owned and showed many horses on the Midwest circuit before college, graduating with a degree in Equine Science from William Woods University in 1998. At WWU, she learned under the tutelage of renowned Saddle Seat instructor Gayle Lampe, who has produced many top instructors and trainers.
During college, Michelle completed internships with such notable trainers as Jimmy and Helen Robertson of Infinity Stables and Debbie Foley of Silverbrook Stables, both in Kentucky. Upon graduation, she joined the team of Biggins Stables, owned by John and Renee Biggins. There, she assisted in the training of 43 horses, maintenance of 20 lesson horses, and the administration of a lesson program, teaching approximately 150 lessons per week.
In September 2001, Michelle attended Veterinary school at Colorado State University, finishing one year before deciding training horses and riders was her passion. In July of 2002, she moved to Arizona to be closer to family and worked for Yount Stables. She soon opened her own training stable, establishing Desert Palms in February 2003 and purchased the current farm facility in April 2003.
It was the realization of a childhood dream to own a stable where she lives and trains horses and riders to show and enjoy the American Saddlebred!
Michelle is energetic, enthusiastic, and loves to teach people to ride. She has taught riders of all ages and ability levels, from raw beginners to a national Triple Crown winner. She lives and breathes what she does and enjoys every minute of it!
Michelle and Scott Haisch - Owners of Desert Palms Equestrian Center.
Judge at Minnesota State Fair
Associations Michelle Haisch belongs to:
- United States Equestrian Federation- Professional. Lifetime Member since 1997
- USEF Rated Judge-American Saddlebred, Saddleseat Equitation, Roadster, and Hackney/Harness pony. Safe Sport Trained.
- American Saddlebred Horse Association-Good standing member.
- United Professional Horseman’s Association-Professional member
- American Riding Instructors Association-Professional member. Level 2 Saddleseat
- United States Equestrian Federation Coach for USA Saddle Seat Team. Won 4 Gold Medals in 2017.
- American Hackney Horse Society-Good standing member.
- ISSA Certified Personal Trainer