Learn to ride horses at Equestrian Center

With so many activities unavailable this summer, why not try something new? How about learning to ride a horse! The Canyon Lake Equestrian Center is now offering lessons through Michelle Stubbs, a United States Hunter Jumper Association certified horse trainer and riding instructor.

Michelle is a wife, mom and Canyon Lake resident who is passionate about horses and children. “I get so much joy out of coaching others,” she said. “And I want to give back to this wonderful community.”

Lessons are offered for children ages 3 and up, as well as adults of any age. Her current Canyon Lake students include children from as young as 3-years-old all the way to adults in their mid 60s. The students’ riding skills vary as well, going from complete beginners to professional riders.

Michelle said there are various lesson packages available at the Equestrian Center depending on the age and skill level of each rider.

Pony packages for kids ages 3 to 6 include four 30-minute lessons to evaluate the rider’s potential and ability. Lessons are then customized. “At that point, we can decide on a program that works towards a path that is best suited to the individual child,” Michelle said.

For older or more experienced riders, Michelle has a package of six 60-minute lessons that include 45 minutes riding and 15 minutes of ground work “to learn all the pieces of horsemanship.”

For those of the advanced level, Michelle will tailor a program to fit the individual rider and horse.

Michelle’s beginning students are thoroughly enjoying the experience at the Equestrian Center.

Beginning rider Claire Christiansen, 7, said Gigi is her favorite pony.

“I like riding because you get to trot,” Claire said.

Zoe Bastman, 4, takes instruction from Canyon Lake Equestrian Center trainer Michelle Stubbs during a recent lesson. Children as young as three are given the opportunity to learn to ride horses and ponies at the center. Zoe said she is excited to learn about riding and is hopeful to get a pony of her very own one day. Photo provided by Donna Kupke.

Rilee Andersen, 16, is also a beginning rider and said she really enjoys learning a new activity and said, with a big grin, ”Trotting is scary, but really fun!”

In addition to riding, Michelle teaches all aspects of horsemanship including how to groom, tack and care for a horse. She also teaches proper horse etiquette and safety.

It is not necessary to own a horse as Michelle has several lesson ponies and horses. In addition, she offers lessons and training to those with their own horses.

Michelle began riding and competing on horses at the age of 7 while living with her family at 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.

Skyline Houser, 11, takes her first ride during a beginning lesson this week at the Canyon Lake Equestrian Center. Photo provided by Donna Kupke.

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

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,” Michelle 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. She trained horses, taught lessons, competed and hosted horse camps. She obtained her United States Hunter Jumper Association Trainer Certification in 2013.

After the birth of her son, she said it became clear the commute was not going to work for her family, so Michelle started her own 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,” she said. “I’m so excited to bring that to Canyon Lake with riding lessons, horse camps and an inclusive learning environment.”

Whether having never sat on a horse or with years of experience, students are guided by Michelle toward their riding potential and goals. Currently, with the COVID-19 restrictions, only individual lessons are being offered. However, group lessons and Horse Camps will be available as soon as the state gives approval. She is also in the process of becoming approved to offer riding lessons as an official physical education option for those in home schooling programs.

Whether the ultimate goal is learning to jump or to ride trails, to compete or to just have fun, Michelle can guide riders along a path to safely learn how to achieve their desired results.

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

For more information, including riding lesson options and prices, please text Michelle at 949-412-2927.