Desert Palms Equestrian Center

Specialties

Horseback riding lessons and camps for all ages, show horse training and horse boarding.

History

Established in 2003.

Desert Palms Equestrian Center was purchased in 2003 by owner/​trainer/​instructor Michelle McVey, a career horsewoman with a degree in Equestrian Studies from William Woods University. Since 2003, Desert Palms has provided professional riding instruction to hundreds of riders of all ages, from young children to adults and regularly has riders compete at local, regional and national competitions.

Meet the Business Owner

Michelle M.

Business Owner

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 1988. 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 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 rider