Desirée Michelle

Desirée’s journey with horses began unexpectedly when her children requested horseback riding lessons after moving from St. Louis to Fort Worth. When her oldest daughter had to stop due to allergies, Desirée took the lesson instead and never looked back. This marked the beginning of a passionate and fulfilling equestrian journey.

Today, Desirée is an accomplished horsewoman with extensive experience in several riding disciplines. Serving as Captain of the Escondido Mounted Posse for over five years, Desirée was responsible for parade formations, sensitivity training, safety protocols, event coordination, new member recruitment, and overall operations management. Her leadership and dedication have significantly contributed to the success and growth of the Posse.

In addition to her leadership roles, Desirée has achieved notable success in competitive events, including barrel racing and ranch sorting competitions. She has also played a key support role in the Teens, Jeans & Dreams Team Penning fundraising event at the Del Mar Racetrack. Her adventurous spirit has taken her on several multi-day cattle drives at V6 Ranch in Parkfield, CA, where she enjoyed the unique experience of mountainside camping.

Desirée’s professionalism extends to her qualification for Alpha & Omega mounted security, where she holds a current guard card to provide security at major events like Coachella and Stagecoach. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident in her participation in clinics with renowned trainers such as Jerry Tindall and Chris Cox, and her role as a demonstration rider for Richard Winters at the Pomona Western States Horse Expo.

Beyond her competitive and training endeavors, Desirée has demonstrated exceptional organizational skills by planning and organizing weekend events for equestrian clubs. These events have included riding activities, cattle sorting, barbecue buffets, and fundraising auctions, showcasing her ability to create engaging and memorable experiences for the equestrian community. Additionally, she has ridden in dozens of parades and explored the breathtaking trails of California, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.

Desirée and her trusted horse, Gabby, have grown together through years of dedication and mutual trust. Their journey exemplifies the bond between a horse and rider, built on trust, training, and an unwavering passion for the equestrian lifestyle.