Michelle McVey
 Born and raised in Council Bluffs, IA, Michelle began riding at the age of 5 and started showing American Saddlebreds at 9. She owned and showed many different horses on the Midwest circuit before going to college. Michelle graduated in 1998 with a degree in Equine Science from William Woods University, where she learned under the tutelage of renowned Saddle Seat instructor Gayle Lampe, who has produced many top instructors and trainers around the world. During her time at William Woods, Michelle completed internships with such notable trainers as Jimmy and Helen Robertson of Infinity Stables in Simpsonville, Ky and Debbie Foley of Silverbrook Stables in Louisville, Ky. Upon graduation in 1998, Michelle joined the team of Biggins Stables in Simpsonville, Ky, owned by John and Renee Biggins. As An assistant trainer/instructor at Biggins Stables, she assisted in the training of 43 horses, the maintenance of 20 lesson horses, and the administration of a lesson program, teaching approximately 150 lessons per week. Michelle moved to Colorado in September 2001 to attend Veterinary school at Colorado State University. She finished one year and decided that training horses and riders was her passion. In July of 2002, Michelle made the move to Arizona to be closer to family and then worked for Yount Stables. Michelle decided that the time was right to open Desert Palms Equestrian Center LLC in Feb. 2003. She operated the business out of another facility and then purchased the current farm in April of 2003. It was her childhood dream to own a stable where she lives, trains horses and riders to show and enjoy the American Saddlebred! Michelle is energetic, enthusiastic, and loves to teach people to ride. She has taught riders of all ages and ability levels to ride, from instructing beginners to assisting the teaching of a national Triple Crown winner. She lives and breathes what she does and enjoys every minute of it! Every year Desert Palms keeps growing by leaps and bounds!
Raymundo Barraza
 The Barn Manager at Desert Palms Equestrian Center since 2004, Raymundo is a very important part of our smoothly-run operation. He loves all of the horses and you can see it in his actions and skills. He takes great care of all of the horses giving each one the individual attention and care they need. Raymundo keeps the property very clean at all times and ensures everything is always in pristine order. You can tell he truly loves his job! Raymundo is a one-of-a-kind man and Desert Palms is very happy to have him as a part of our team.
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