Hello, my
name is Michelle Harper. I have ridden horses nearly
all of my life and have given riding lessons for 25 years. I have
competed in barrel racing and other speed events, halter and western
pleasure showing, cutting events, and even played polo for charity. I
have also had experience in driving carts and wagons with single and
team hitches.
In the early 80's, I started an organization here in Okeechobee known as
the Big lake Trail Riders, Inc., a 501 c 3 Non profit. I served as
President for about 6 years. During this time, we had something going
every weekend: speed shows, Western or English Equitation shows, trail
rides or clinics. The clinics were about such matters as nutrition,
safety, hoof care, dentistry and even equine massage. The thing I
enjoyed most was watching young people gain confidence with their
animals and learn how to take better care of them.
In the mid 80's, I joined a group known as the Florida Cracker Trail
Association. Its mission was to do a ride from one side of Florida to
the other, in order to promote the newly designated "Cracker Trail" or
historical cattle drive route designated by the Florida Legislature. I
have logged 3,000 miles across the state of Florida on this trail, and
have ridden on many state parks in FL GA. and TN. In the past 21 years
I have served in every way possible, from member to president, and was
the "Trail Boss" for the 19th and 20th Annual Rides. Trail riding and
camping with horses have been some of the greatest highlights of my life.
