Goodrich-When it comes to horsing around, Michelle Sylvester is an expert.
And at Clean Acres, Sylvester helps others hone their own equinestrine skills as well.
Clean Acres, 11211 Green Road, is a business built upon three simple principals; partnership with the horse, safty and fun.
‘It’s a matter of becoming a family with the horse,? explaines Sylvester, a native of Lake Orion and Oxford..
After several years running the business in Lake Orion, Sylvester, 41, realized they had outgrown the location. She relocated to Goodrich in January, hoping to have more room for her students and horses.
Sylvester’s students range in age from three to 70 years old. She says hers is not so much a riding stable as a place to learn horsemanship.Boarding is also available at the facility.
Retrieving, grooming and tacking are some of the basic principals of horse-care Sylvester stresses to her client. Respect for the animal is paramount to Slyvester, and the key to proper care.
‘The horses can’t talk to tell you that their stomach’s upset or their water’s dirty,? says Slyvester. It’s for this reason she teaches her pupils to recognize signs of illness and to know what is needed for proper matenence.
Students are taught fundementals of saddling, western dressage and riding skills.
Advanced riders go on trail rides and camp outs, improve on basic skills and participate in local shows.
Slyvester has more than 30 years of experiance as an instructor to draw from, and says she was riding before she was walking.
‘We follow a lot of the Pat Parrelli style of training,? says Sylvester.
A variety of activites are available for those looking to spend some time in the saddle, including:
nLadies night on Saturdays at a cost of $20.
nStudent camp once a month.
nDay camp every Friday, featuring infomation on stable management, equipment upkeep, full equine care and riding. Cost for participation is $65 and students must bring a lunch.
n ‘Fun shows? are held monthly on Saturdays and include a bonfure and potluck supper for the whole family.
‘We have a very, very full schedual coming up,? says Sylvester. There is, however, still room for new students.
When asked what the most important thing her students learn, Sylvester hestiates only a moment.
‘Horses have feelings,? Sylvester says. It is this, says Sylvester, she hopes clients learn that above all else.
Details: (248) 613-1043