Horse Camp to ride back into Equestrian Center

BY Kelly Lopez

An instructor at the Canyon Lake Equestrian Center helps a young student learn to ride English style. Photo by Michelle Stubbs.

The Canyon Lake Equestrian Center and horse trainer/riding instructor, Michelle Stubbs, are excited to announce the return of Horse Camp. Camp will be Monday through Friday, March 16 to 20, from 9:00 a.m. to noon and will be for children ages 7 to 9 years.

In addition to riding, the children will learn barn/horse skills including leading, grooming and barn/horse safety. There will also be crafts and a snack. The cost for the five-day camp is $250 and space is limited. More Horse Camps will be offered this summer and will be available to different ages.

Michelle is the new horse trainer and riding instructor at the Equestrian Center. She is also a wife, mom and Canyon Lake resident who is passionate about horses and children.

“I get so much joy out of coaching others,” Michelle said. “I want to give back to this wonderful community.”

Michelle began riding and competing on horses at the age of 7 while living in the El Toro Marine Corp Air Station in Irvine. She was a leader in 4-H and studied under the United States Pony Club where she taught and mentored younger riders.

Later, while a student at Cal State Fullerton, Michelle became the co-founder of the CSF Equestrian Team. She was the university’s first rider to compete at both Regional and National Intercollegiate Horse Show Association competitions, where she finished 8th in the nation.

A young horseback rider is having fun at one of the recent Horse Camps held at the Canyon Lake Equestrian Center. Photo by Michelle Stubbs

After marrying in 2009, Michelle and her husband, Josh, left Orange County and moved to Josh’s childhood home of Canyon Lake.

“I fell in love with the community and was excited about the Equestrian Center,” she said.

Striving to improve her equestrian goals, Michelle continued working at training facilities in Orange County and expanding her knowledge within her chosen equine path of Hunters and Jumpers. Michelle trained horses, taught lessons, competed and hosted horse camps. She said she worked hard to obtain her United States Hunter Jumper Association Trainer Certification in 2013.

Shortly after the birth of her son in 2014, she said it became clear the long commute to Orange County was not going to work for her family. Michelle started her business “Fidelis Equine Services” and began working in the Inland Empire.

“After growing up in the small community that was the Marine Corp Air Station, I know how wonderful these small facilities can be and what they can offer the community,” Michelle said. “I’m so excited to bring that to Canyon Lake with weekly riding lessons, horse camps, and an inclusive learning environment.“

In addition to Horse Camp, individual riding lessons are now being offered at the Canyon Lake Equestrian Center for both children and adults. It is not necessary to own a horse and beginners are welcome.

“My father gave me the greatest gift when he took me to ride: I found my passion,” Michelle said. “I learned to nurture relationships with people and animals, and, well, I just had fun!”

For more information about Horse Camps or riding lesson options, text Michelle Stubbs at 949-412-2927.