"In my experience, students learn best when they're relaxed."
MEET MICHELLE BION
Michelle was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia, where her journey with horses began at the age of seven. It was immediately after her first riding lesson that being at the barn became her number one priority. Her lifelong love for these animals and a passion for show jumping led her to Oregon in 2007 to learn from renowned horseman and Olympic Equestrian, Rich Fellers. Her dreams fueled her growth.
Since embarking on this exciting path, Michelle evolved from an enthusiastic working student and amateur to a beloved coach and competitive rider - going on to compete at prestigious shows across North America, including the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Spruce Meadows, Thunderbird Show Park, and the Thermal International Desert Horse Park. In this era, she is most proud of her win in the $25,000 C. Jarvis Regional Grand Prix at Splitrock Portland (2023), on her heart horse Madge’s Lane Gem (also known as "Birte"). She quotes,
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Birte will forever be my heart horse and I will be forever grateful that she picked me as her person. Her love for the sport and our love for each other is undoubtedly why she gives me her all every time we step into the ring. Not everyone gets the chance to know what it's like to have a Birte and I am the luckiest girl in the world that I do.
Michelle's love for her horses, work ethic, and eagerness to learn from top competitors have evolved her understanding of horsemanship and turned her passion into an exciting career. She knows what it takes to make real strides forward and invites her team to join her on her ascent.
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Beyond her achievements in the arena, Michelle is deeply passionate about sharing her knowledge and love of riding with others. In her experience, "Students learn better when they're relaxed." She strives to balance the seriousness of hard work with a lively, fun atmosphere. Michelle takes great joy in working with riders of all ages and skill levels, helping them to set and achieve their goals. Michelle is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and inspiring the next generation of equestrians.
HIGHLIGHTS
2022
2nd in the C. Jarvis Insurance $20,000 1.35m Welcome Grand Prix at Split Rock Portland
2nd in the Ron Tonkin $5,000 1.35m Winning Round at Split Rock Portland
5th in the Regional $25,000 High Desert Classic Regional Grand Prix
2nd in the Emily Sandhack Reality $2,500 1.35m Odlum Brown Classic at Thunderbird Show Park
2023
2nd in the $25,00 C Jarvis Regional GP at Splitrock Portland, wk 1
6th in the $75,000 Luganos Diamonds National GP Split Rock Portland, wk 1
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1st in the $25,000 C. Jarvis Regional GP Splitrock, wk 2
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8th in the $50,000 Luganos Diamonds National GP Splitrock, wk 2
8th in the $25,000 Oregon High Desert Classic Regional GP Bend
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1st in the $5000 1.30m Whittier Trust GP Cle Elum
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2nd in the $2,500 Emily Sandhack Realty 1.35m Jumper Classic Thunderbird
2024
1st in the $10,000 Andalusia Country Club 1.35m Open Classic Desert International horse park
2nd in the $10,000 1.35m Welcome Speed Desert International horse park
4th in the $25,000 1.40m speed JumpNee Temecula
1st in the $15,000 Perfect Products 1.35m Classic, National Sunshine WK 1 Desert Horse Park
3rd in the Andalusia Country Club 1.35m Welcome Speed, National Sunshine WK2 Desert Horse Park
2nd in the Champion Shavings 1.35 Classic, National Sunshine WK 2 Desert Horse Park
"Both myself and my horses grew a significant amount in the 7 years we trained with Michelle Bion. She provides an expert knowledge of flat work and jumping that improves the skill and confidence of not only the horse but also the rider. She has an ability to work with and understand any horse in a kind and effective way, even a horse like mine that could be quirky and hot. In my experience at horse shows, Michelle’s positivity and training make it easy and stress free, allowing everyone in the program to enjoy competing with the horses they love. Not only did I receive top tier training, but my horses were always cared for incredibly under Michelle as she brings a knowledge of grooming and horse health that is invaluable."
- Mckenna Nillson, Student and Owner of Coille Moire
