Michaela (Micci) Mangus has been passionate about horses her entire life. Growing up as a “barn rat,” she earned ride time and worked off lessons by doing chores for a local stable. Micci participated in Pony Club (and eventually went on to teach Pony Club herself), testing through the local-level certifications and earning top placings at Pony Club events in the region, as well as qualifying for and competing on a national level at Quiz Championships. Her Pony Club background and education gave her not only a solid riding base, but also a strong appreciation for proper horse management and care.

As she grew up, her saddle time was often made up of the “hard to handle” mounts - the green horses, the newly off-the-track Thoroughbreds, the naughty ponies… It was here that she learned her affinity and fondness for the “quirky” ones. She had the opportunity to show hunters, equitation, and jumpers on both the local and rated circuits, as well as learn the art of the catch ride. She worked, learned, and gained extensive experience as an assistant trainer/instructor in an established hunter/jumper program, giving her a strong foundation in both the day-to-day management of horses and the long-term development of horses and riders.

Highly committed to her own continuing education, Micci strives to continue to learn from respected clinicians and professionals, including: Nona Garson, Meg Schulman, Cathy Frederickson, Paddy Downing-Nyegard, Phillip Williamson, Julie Haugen, and Bernie Traurig. She has also participated in the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s Emerging Athletes Program (with clinicians Julie Winkel, Colleen Reed, and Janet Fall). Being a firm believer in the value of cross-training, Micci enjoys dabbling in different disciplines, including dressage, working equitation, and the western sports. At the heart of her program is the idea of both learning with purpose, and riding with joy.

When not in the barn, Micci also enjoys writing, with several of her articles being published by The Plaid Horse magazine.