About Michaela

COMPETITOR | COACH | TRAINER

Growing up in the English disciplines, Michaela began working with horses at a young age. She has gained valuable years of experience with the equine athlete from the ground up through extensive involvement in her parents' sport horse breeding program.

Over the years, Michaela has spent years in respected competition and training programs in a variety of disciplines including 3-Day Eventing, Show jumping and Dressage. Michaela also spent an autumn in Europe as a working student.

Looking for a change in 2014, Michaela became involved in barrel racing and hasn’t looked back. While maintaining the classical training from the English disciplines, she trains and coaches in a method that is effective with horses of various backgrounds, resulting in a connected, balanced, happy horse that moves with lightness and ease. 

​If you require a comprehensive resume for clinics or workshops, please visit the contact page.

Philosophy

Training

 It is essential to work from a space that is enjoyable for both horse and rider and can be sustained over several years - Keeping the day to day training progressive and engaging while continuously advancing the depth of one’s work.

Coaching

I specialize in developing riders and horsemen to have the ability to self-reflect and to regulate their reactions (mind, body and emotions) in all circumstance with horses. Whether in competition or training, students learn to navigate their way through everyday scenarios in a manner that is safe, progressive and beneficial to the rider and their equine partner.

Competition Horse Welfare

As a competitor and horsewoman, I strive to maintain the balance between the mental and physical demands required for success and the wellbeing of the horse. The foundation of my training and daily regime is based on building a horse who is mentally and physically sound, present and composed. Producing a horse that loves their job is the ultimate goal.

Facility

MB Sport Horses is based out of Slipstream Farm, owned by Kim and Sig Berlie. Once a Canadian Sport Horse breeding farm, it remains a private training facility although it is now a haven for barrel racing.  

Features

  • Large indoor stalls

  • Wash bay and tack room

  • Grooming and tack-up area​

  • A naturally lit indoor arena

  • Outdoor Riding Arena

  • Turnout paddocks, automatic waterers, and shelters

The History Behind the Name

The name Slipstream Farm was dually inspired by the Van Morrison song, Queen of the Slipstream, as well as an ongoing connection with aviation throughout both sides of the family, relating of course to not only the slipstream on a jet - but also that of our sport horses that can fly!

Slipstream Farm is located minutes south of Okotoks, Alberta in Foothills County on the south-eastern flank of Whiskey Hill.

This expansive landmark, Whiskey Hill, overlooks the town of Okotoks and offers a stunning contrast between the prairies to the east and the Rocky Mountains to the west. It was once an old whiskey trading post during prohibition hence the name Whiskey Hill.