Michelle riding her homebred CWB mare 'Guinevere'
Arizona Fall Show 2006.

Competitor, Coach & Trainer - Dressage is my Passion!

My name is Michelle Curcio and I am a dressage trainer in Kelowna, British Columbia. For as long as I can remember, horses and Dressage have been the driving passion in my life. To this end, I have spent the last 10 years learning all that I could - working towards my ultimate dream of representing Canada in the International Ring.

Over the years I have been lucky enough to be able to train extensively with many top FEI trainers and Olympic riders along with some wonderful horses - to this I owe my education as a rider, trainer and coach. To all the special people and horses that have supported, encouraged and taught me - I can not thank you enough.

I have come to find that I truly love to both coach students and train horses. I find great enjoyment in helping my students find joy and fulfillment in their dressage endeavors.

I hope you enjoy your visit and will not hesitate to contact me with any questions or for more information.

I look forward to helping you with all your dressage dreams!

Michelle Curcio

Michelle got her start at a young age and took lessons and showed in English, Jumping, Dressage, Western and just for fun! As a teenager she was introduced to dressage and had many wins and championships at local dressage shows.

Before long she was bringing along her young Canadian Warmblood gelding “Fandango”. Together Michelle and Fandango showed locally and provincially winning many red ribbons and high score awards. She quickly came to realize that dressage was her passion and her profession to be. After high school Michelle moved to Calgary, AB were she became a working student for Bonny Bonnello (Canadian Olympic Dressage Rider). With Bonny’s coaching and guidance Michelle was able to advance Fandango up to the Medium levels and attain valuable show experience including becoming the 2000 Canadian National Champion for both the Open and Amateur Basic 2.

Michelle was then thrilled to be accepted as a student at the International Academy for Equestrian Studies, in Warendorf, Germany. Michelle spent the next year completing the program, work placements and exams for her International level 2 trainers passport. While in Germany she completed an internship at the large Stallion Station owned by Ingo & Susan Pape and home to many great stallions such as Regazzoni, Bergamon and Del Perio. Michelle was able to ride and train many talented horses each day as well as attend stallion shows and auction tests.

For the next three years Michelle was busy training, coaching and managing full-time for Nag’s Head Farm, of Scottsdale, Arizona. She was in charge of riding 6-8 horses daily, from starting young horses to training for the international FEI ring. She trained under the watchful eye of Nag’s Head Farm head trainer, Shirley Rector. Shirley is an S-Judge and was a successful FEI dressage competitor in both the USA and Europe. Additionally, Michelle was able to train with Gina Smith (3 time Canadian Olympic Dressage rider) who came to the farm every few months.

During her time in the USA Michelle was able to attend many top dressage competitions in Arizona, California, and Florida. Partnered with the wonderful Imported Dutch Warmblood gelding Wyndgate’s Holland (owned by Jeannette Harrison ) Michelle was able to achieve a life long dream of representing Canada in the FEI ring. As well as competing on Wyndgate’s Holland in the FEI ring she was able to gain valuable experience competing a variety of horses both young and old at all levels. She also enjoyed helping both junior and amateur riders meet their riding and showing goals as part of the Nag’s Head Farm team.

Michelle coaching young Lily Blavin.

While in the USA Michelle also attended Scottsdale Community College where she completed her Associates of Applied Science Degree – Equine Science with honors. She has now finished her fourth year of studies for a Bachelor of Science In Business from Olds College, Alberta.

Throughout all these years, along with her mum Christina Curcio, they have managed a small warmblood breeding program and have been able to produce some very nice dressage horses, including the licensed Canadian Warmblood stallion 'Autograph' - which they stand at stud. With this breeding program, now in it’s 11th year, Michelle has been able to perfect her skills in developing young horses, from halter breaking to showing undersaddle. Now that Michelle is back in Canada, she is busy getting some of the oldest youngsters ready for the 2008 show season. Along with training her horses, she is enjoying coaching and training her students.