Welcome to Dressage with Michell!

Michell Combs is an experienced Dressage Judge and Trainer. She is a licensed USEF ‘r’ Dressage & ‘R’ Western Dressage Judge, and a USDF ‘L’ graduate with distinction. Michell has been an owner, rider and competitor in Dressage for over 20 years. She has been judging Dressage and Western Dressage since 2008. Some of her accomplishments include earning her USDF bronze, silver, and gold rider medals, FEI Rider of the Year in 2013, as well as Third and Fourth Level State Champion and Second Level Rider of the Year.

Contact Michell at dressagewithmichell@gmail.com

Services

Private Lessons & Coaching

Michell's training sessions are tailored to the horse's and rider's individual needs, focusing on improving technique, overcoming challenges, and improving show performance.

Available instruction includes Dressage, Western Dressage, Eventing Dressage, Equitation, English (hunt seat & jump), and general horsemanship.

As an instructor and coach, she is willing to travel locally on a limited basis. Weekly lesson plans are not required.

Group Clinics

Michell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her background riding, training and competing a variety of breeds (Arabians, Quarter Horses, Ponies, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, Andalusians, etc.) to clinics. She can offer assistance that caters to the abilities of the horse and show how the rider can positively influence those abilities.

Clinics may be currently scheduled in N. Phoenix, Prescott Valley, Paulden, Camp Verde, El Paso (general area), Albuquerque, and more.

Judging

Michell is a USEF licensed Dressage 'r' and Western Dressage 'R' judge. She has experience judging rail classes, in-hand classes, Eventing dressage and Carriage Dressage.

As an affordable, and sought-after judge, Michell's travel schedule fills up fast, so give her plenty of notice!

Judge experience at: Sport Horse Nationals, MidSummer and Youth Nationals, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, and many Regional shows.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

  • USEF ‘r’ Dressage judge (2022 approved into the large R training program)

  • USEF ‘R’ Western Dressage judge

  • USDF L Graduate with Distinction

  • USDF Bronze, Silver & Gold rider medals

  • AQHA approved dressage judge

  • Arizona Dressage Association Voting Director (2009-present)

  • Competing at Grand Prix (2013, 2018)

  • USDF Instructor Certification Workshop Series Participant for: Riding, Training & Lunging (2018)

  • USEF Dressage Judge Clinic (2014, 2016, 2019, 2022)

  • USDF Freestyle Judge’s Clinic (2019)

  • AA FEI Rider of the Year (2013)

  • 3rd & 4th Level State Champion (2013)

  • 2nd Level Rider of the Year (2019)

  • USDF Rider Performance Award’s at First & Second Level (2007)

  • Western Dressage Judge Education Seminar (2018, 2021, 2024)

  • Upgrade Your Judging Eye II Clinics (2010, 2012)

  • AZ Dressage Association Volunteer of the Year

  • Co-manager of Carefree Farms All Fun Show (2020, 2021)

  • FEI High Point Award Champion (at numerous USEF rated shows)

  • Clinic(s) with Hilda Gurney, Kathleen Raine, Shannon Peters, Conrad Schumacher, Tracey Lert, Dolly Hannon, Niki Hall Clarke and Allen Clarke

Breathe, Balance and Believe

2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse

Embrace Growth and Love Challenges

Training is a journey full of ups, downs, sideways, and leaps. Training is a mindset. Training is lifelong. Be curious and discerning. In dressage, a '10' is not PERFECT, it is EXCELLENT.

Discover the Art of Dressage with Michell

Expertise Rooted in Passion and Experience

Michell brings years of dedicated experience and a deep passion for the art of dressage and horsemanship. Michell is renowned for her exceptional skill and commitment to helping all riders and their horses achieve harmony and excellence. Her expertise spans from training young horses to refining the techniques of seasoned competitors, ensuring personalized guidance tailored to every client’s unique needs.

Comprehensive Dressage Services

Michell offers a wide range of dressage services designed to meet the diverse goals of her clients. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced rider aiming for competitive success, her training programs are crafted to elevate your riding skills systematically. Services include private lessons, horse training, clinic workshops, and competition coaching, all delivered with a focus on building confidence and precision in every movement.

Why Choose Dressage with Michell?

What sets Michell apart is her unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive and inspiring environment. Michell’s personalized approach ensures that every rider receives the attention and encouragement needed to thrive. She builds lasting relationships within the community, making her a trusted partner for your dressage journey. Experience the difference of expert training combined with genuine care with Michell.

Testimonials

"You have given us both so much more confidence and trust by your kind and patient teaching! And of course your great knowledge. I appreciate you taking the time and caring about about your students"

RFG

"You are literally the best judge I have ever had!!! WOW"

AP

"Michell’s lessons are very positive and inspiring. She does not insist on the same formula for for every horse. We learned new ways to work on things I’ve been stuck on."

BG

"I want to thank you so much for having this clinic… I feel like I learned more in 20 minutes with Michell than I have from any other trainer in the last 2 years! Should another clinic with Michell become a possibility, I already have 4 slots filled. Again thank you so much!!"

KT

"Loved her passion! This is someone who deeply loves teaching dressage."

Clinic Evaluation submission

"We are so fortunate to have you…you notice the little details and we both appreciate it! Thank you!"

NG
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