Photos Ivan Felipe
Life at Pollard Equestrian is a symphony of hard work. Each day begins at 5:30 AM with a high-intensity team workout. By 6:45, the barn staff are already tending to the horses. After Michael’s kids leave for school, the rest of his day is spent alternating between office work, riding horses, and teaching lessons until dinner time.
Pollard Equestrian is a bustling hub with a team of dedicated workers and a family that shares Michael’s passion. The early mornings, long days, and late nights are all part of the equestrian lifestyle, a life Michael has dedicated himself to. From a young boy begging for riding lessons to a top young rider in the country, Michael’s journey has brought him full circle.
Michael’s love for horses was apparent from a very young age. “I had always loved horses and would ask for one every Christmas, but my dad, living in a neighborhood, always said no,” Michael said. “I went to a summer camp from ages 10 to 12, and they had horses there. I started with three weeks at the camp, then five weeks, and finally, I spent the whole summer there. I begged the riding instructors to convince my dad to let me have a horse. He finally agreed to let me take lessons.”
This summer camp experience was a turning point for Michael. It wasn’t just about the thrill of riding; it was about the connection he felt with the horses. This drove him to push harder and dream bigger.
Michael’s talent and dedication quickly propelled him to the top of the equestrian world. By 18, he was the top young rider in the country and shortlisted for the Pan American Games. Shortly after that, he spent two years in England before he returned to the U.S., his passion for learning more about horses unquenched. “Carl Bouckaert, a longtime friend and supporter of equestrian sports, invited me to run his facility in Chatsworth, Georgia. Luckily, I was looking for a way to continue my education in horse sports, and he was willing to help pay for lessons if I ran his barn. That was almost 25 years ago now.”
Despite a hiatus from competition, Michael’s passion for equestrian sports never waned. “A few years ago, my daughter and some students started competing at higher levels. I began attending major shows again, and several people asked if I’d consider being a selector. I had been on US Teams and knew the importance of the role. After an interview, I was named to the selector committee. I am one of five people, and we essentially choose the team that will represent the United States at the world championships and the Olympics. It’s an exciting thing to get to do, and I’ve been selected many times by a selection committee, so to be on the other side has been really interesting so far,” Michael said.
Being a selector is a complex and multifaceted role. It’s not just about looking at scores and ratings; it’s about understanding the long-term potential of young riders. “We look for athleticism, a long-term commitment, and the right attitude. Equestrian sports require persistence and a deep love for the animals. It’s also about building a winning team and handling the inevitable disappointments. The top riders often stay at the top for decades, so we focus on long-term potential and the ability to consistently perform at the highest level,” Michael said.
Michael’s career has been marked by both incredible successes and profound challenges. “One of my biggest highlights was winning a gold medal with the US Team at the 2011 Pan American Games. I also completed the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event five times. It was the only 5-star event in North America for a long time. I represented the US Team in major competitions around the world, including the Luhmühlen in Germany and Burghley in England,” he said. “But there were lows, too. Right after the final selection trials for the 2012 Olympics, I had a horse trailer accident and lost all my top horses. It was like losing family members. Challenges like that also gave me perspective. I’ve been fortunate in many ways, and now I’m excited to help the next generation of riders.”
The highs of winning medals and competing at the highest levels are also met with the lows of setbacks and losses. Horses have been a central thread in Michael’s life, weaving through his personal and professional successes. From meeting business partners and traveling the world to finding love and raising a family, horses have been a constant source of joy and challenge.
For those looking to follow in Michael’s footsteps, his advice is both practical and heartfelt. “Find someone who needs barn help. Everyone with horses needs help, and even if you can’t afford lessons, most people will teach you if they see your passion. I did a lot of free labor to get riding lessons. If you’re not willing to do the hard work, life with horses may not be for you. My dad always told me, ‘No matter how successful you become, you’ll always be close to the pitchfork.’”
