It is with great pleasure that we recommend Alex as a therapeutic riding instructor. Being the parent of two children, one with a diagnosis and one typical, we have found Alex's work with them exemplary. During their instruction Alex has shown an acute awareness of respective needs, applications of strategies to address them, and a keen attention to detail. These characteristics are the result of the rigor she brings to her instruction - always raising the bar and expectations. Once a skill was mastered, she wasted no time in progressing our children to a new challenge. In turn, this has created an atmosphere of trust between our children and Alex. But more importantly, instilled a profound respect for the lessons and process to learn new skills. This has led to the internalization of their learning and ownership built upon what they learned. Qualities Ms. Michaels shares just as well as her know-how.
Raising two children we have experiences our share of teachers, therapists, and instructors and found Alex to be a stand out. Her skills and abilities would be an asset to any one or organization.
- Ted & Maria Kladopou
My husband and I became foster parents to 15-year-old twin siblings who had experienced significant trauma throughout their lives. The court ordered them to participate in equine therapy to help them process their trauma without needing to verbalize it. I discovered Gypsy Hearts and am so glad I did. Alex is truly remarkable at connecting human and horse experiences to build trust and emotional connection, helping the twins work through their feelings.
Working with resistant 15-year-olds can be challenging, but Alex’s patience and straightforward approach allowed her to build trust quickly. There was a time when one of the twins seemed reluctant to continue. After missing a few weeks, she asked to return, and I realized it was the connection with the horses she missed most. Her trust in Alex and the horses helped her become more open to learning. Though the twins are no longer with us, I know this experience will stay with them forever. One of the twins has even posted pictures of the horses on her Facebook page, a clear sign of the lasting connection they've formed.
I highly recommend Gypsy Hearts and Alex to anyone who struggles to talk about their trauma. The program focuses on learning to feel and trust again, which is crucial before discussing their experiences. Alex is a true professional in her field!
- Kenna Smith
Alex has been teaching my daughter for 2.5 years and there's not enough wonderful things I can say about her. She has a deep love for horses that is evident in how she works with them and teaches children all about them. She is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to riding and caring for these beautiful creatures. She also has a deep love for teaching children about horses. And she truly has a gift when it comes to building a fun, safe environment for her students to learn in. Over the past couple years of working with my daughter, Alex has built tremendously upon my daughter's love for horses, and I believe this stems from her own deep love of teaching others about the animal she herself adores so much. She always puts safety first when working with her students and I put my utmost trust in her. Her safe and warm demeanor has given my daughter a healthy, safe respect for these magnificent creatures. And of course nurtured her love for riding and caring for them.
Although my daughter takes riding lessons, she has gained so much more from her time with Alex. Of course she has learned beautiful form for riding, but she has also learned about anatomy, breeds, characteristics, health and care for horses. From Alex, my daughter has become a horse encyclopedia! And her experience with Alex has also helped bring out the best in my daughter too. Alex has helped build my daughter into a confident, more self-assured young lady, both at the barn and at home. I can't thank Alex enough for everything she has given my daughter; in regards to riding and horses and beyond!
- Adriane Costa
"Alex is the best!! She is extremely knowledgeable about horses and horse safety. And she’s so kind and patient with my daughter, who absolutely adores her. She makes learning to ride so much fun!! Not to mention she has the most wonderful Gypsy Vanner named Emmett who himself couldn’t possibly be a better teacher. I recommend her to anyone, child or adult."
- Jessye Ewing
"I started riding lessons when I was 57 (I'll be 59 shortly). Aside from nose to tail trail rides, I had never ridden a horse independently. I initially worked with another trainer, but often received conflicting information and found myself more frustrated and confused, and not progressing. When Alex joined the barn and started working with me, I automatically clicked with everything about her, her teaching style and her obvious love of horses. Sometimes people connect so much with animals that you wonder if maybe in a past life they actually were one. Alex is like that with horses. She lives and breathes horses and this is all translated in her teaching. She focuses on the body, mind, horse connection which, as it turns out, is an integral part of being on a horse. It's not just about riding. It's so much more and I wouldn't have made that connection had I not had Alex as a teacher. We progress slowly and intentionally, really focusing on nuance, balance, optimal use of our bodies that communicates directly to the horse underneath us. There's a difference between being on a horse and actually having a relationship with one. Alex's approach is calm, cool, direct, kind and encouraging. She boosts the confidence of her students and celebrates every small victory, without ever being condescending or patronizing.
I've seen her work with two year olds, kids with learning difficulties, and psychological or physical disabilities, all who are riding the same horses as me and it is a thing of beauty. She has a real passion for using horses as therapy. I am so grateful for Alex. She has provided me with such a solid foundation, understanding, and appreciation for these beautiful creatures all the while solidifying my confidence and skills as a rider. I can't recommend her highly enough. She's the real deal and a true gift to anyone who is lucky enough to work with her."
-Jean Kusz
In the time I’ve known Alex Michaels, she has exhibited her values repeated to me. My experience has been that she is a kind, compassionate, patient person who believes in the power of community, hard work, and contributing her time and energy to those around her. In observing her work with children, adults, and animals, I believe she is sensitive to helping those around her reach their full potential. Her tireless work with horses and people is admirable and she is an asset to her neighborhood and greater community as a whole. I’m glad to have Alex as an instructor, friend and part of my community.
- Winona Barron
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HORSES FLY WITHOUT WINGS & CONQUER WITHOUT SWORDS