Michelle von Schmidt-Pauli has spent over 35 years studying classical dressage. During this time she has been lucky enough to have been a student of amazing masters such as Major General Johnathon Burton, Colonel Pauli Wimert and Jack Le Goff. With this education Michelle is well versed in bringing horses through the levels of training and is dedicated to teaching serious dressage principles using humor and a sense of fun. She believes that the purpose of training is to develop a natural harmony and works hard to develop such partnerships correctly from the beginning using training concepts that are well structured consisting of the following four basic components:

1. Horsemanship - Solid horsemanship is the key component for any successful equestrian endeavor. To achieve this students are taught in the barn as well as in the saddle allowing them to develop the necessary skills for a successful equestrian partnership.
2. Conditioning - Another fundamental part of Michelle’s program is proper conditioning. She works with students to create a schedule for their horses in order to build up (or keep up) the necessary strength, stamina and muscle which will allow them preform at their best.
3. Training - Using the “Scales of Training” both horse and rider are brought through the fundamentals of dressage. Since many of these concepts can be overwhelming Michelle strives to keep a fun, low-key atmosphere for her clients and their horses to learn in.
4. Confidence - The final component of training is the development of confidence within the horse and rider in themselves and their skills. The brilliance of this confidence comes from the understanding what is required and being well prepared to do it.

The enjoyment of horses is, of course, the ultimate goal. With their generous, brave nature, they are the perfect partner in sport, art and most of all life.