Welcome To The Website of Megan McIsaac
Who is Megan McIsaac?
- Megan is horse nut!
- She is a workaholic!
- She is a friend
- She is a daughter
- She is a confidant
- She is strong
- She is dedicated
- She is determined
Megan McIsaac's life has been defined by her love for her horses and her passion for dressage. Her journey began in the small town of Oregon, WI and has brought her to training in California, Illinois, Florida, Europe, and competitions all over the world including New Zealand!
Megan began riding at the age of eight and worked with local dressage instructor, Jude Higgs. At the age of fourteen, she went to California for a year to work with Hilda Gurney and purchased her Young Rider mount, Lochinvar, which she competed at Prix St. George. Then, Megan studied for four years under George Williams as a working student for Tempel Farms in Wadsworth, Illinois while going to college for her business degree full time. During this time she was a participant in several Conrad Schmacher Clinics and had the opportunity to work with the Lipizzan Stallions.
In 2000, Megan started her own training and sales business, which includes promoting American bred horses as well as imported horses. From 2003-2005, she attended the Graduated Advanced Young Riders Programs, sponsored by the Dressage Foundation. Through the Wisconsin State Horse Council Olympic Program she has worked with trainers Lars Peterson & Betsy Steiner. In 2006, she was selected to be a participant in the Hilltop Young Horse Dressage Trainers Symposium and has attended the symposium in 2011, 2010, and 2009.
From January-April 2007, Megan had the a wonderful oppertunity to train with Olympian Christine Traurig full time in Rancho Santa Fe, CA thanks to an incredible sponsor! To top off her incredible year, she competed successfully at Dressage at Devon & the 2007 USDF Regional Champioships!
In 2008, again Megan went to CA to train with Ms. Traurig. Unforantely, she and her horse, No Doubt, were sildelined due to injury.
From January-April 2009, Megan was fortunate to travel to FL to compete and train. She worked with a client's horse as well as competed successfully in the Brentina Cup qualifiers for the 2009 Festival of the Champions. She ended in 10th place in the rankings throughout the country! Great Job!
2010 was an exciting year for Megan. Gold and Megan competed at I-2 & Grand Prix as well as a GP Freestyle. They earned Megan's last 2 scores toward her USDF Gold Medal as well as her USDF Gold Freestyle Bar!! They are WDCTA's 2010 I-2 Champions and NEWDA's I-2 & Grand Prix Champions!!
Megan also trained & competed Sue Neipert's Lobke E aka Jewel of Meadow's Gait Farms. They first debuted at the Midwest Horse Fair during the FHANA demo. Then competed at Training level throughout the summer months. In September, they were the Champions at the Midwest Friesian Keuring for the riding IBOP and ended with a bang as the flag holders for the World Dairy Expo!
2011 has brought more exciting accomplishments! Megan earned her USDF Silver & Bronze Bars. Making Megan one of twelve people to have earned all 6 USDF medals in the country in the last 35 years!! It was also a fantastic year for Jewel & Megan. The following are a few of the things that they accomplished: presenters at the Midwest Horse Fair, earning Jewel Sport Horse Predicate, Midwest Champions at 1st & 2nd level freestyle, Reserve Champions at the USDF Championships, USDF HOY - All breeds at 2nd level freestyle, Reserve Champion at USDF - All breed at 1st level freestyle! They were GLFHA Dressage Champions as well as High Point winner of all awards with 1500 points! Thank you to Sue & Rick Neipert of Meadow's Gait Friesians for picking Megan to train your horse, Jewel!!
Quote: "We can make ourselves what we will."
The following are a few serious and funny questions to get to know Megan:
What is your favorite color? Blue
What is your favorite food? I love all types of food!
What sports or games do you like outside of the barn? Tennis, baseball, volleyball, puzzles, monopoly
Favorite type of car? Anything that is fast! I also love my dodge Dually!
How did you start riding horses? At the age of 2, I sat on my half-sisters’ horse and the girl-crazy horse bug bit me! After years of begging my parents to let me ride, they let me start taking lessons at the age of 8 at a local riding stable.
Other than riding, what is your favorite thing to do? Um, it’s been so long...Vacation!
What kind of music do you listen to? I love all types of music!
Do you ride any styles other than Dressage? Unfortunately no. However, I do take my horses on the trail and ride them in fields as often as I can. It's good for both of us physically and mentally. I have sat on a polo pony and played a game. What a rush! I would love to barrel race sometime.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? I wish I could live in each state and country for a short period of time so that I could get a taste of life & different cultures around the world! Then retire and settle in CA near the beach.
Do you like the travel aspect of your career? Love it and hate it. Dressage has taken me to so many places that I would have never traveled to and I have met so many fascinating people. It keeps me away from my horses and my routine, but it also rejuvenating and encourages me to do better.
Is there anything else you ever considered doing for a career? Taking over my mother's computer business, being president of the US, practicing veterinary medicine. Ok..... not really!
Do you have any advice to someone who is trying to break into the international riding arena? Don’t give up! And just grin!
No Doubt & Megan
The above photo is of Megan & Hughy competing at the Jim Brandon Center in Wellington, FL in March of 2009.
The photo below is Megan & Hughy competing in 2007 Regionals in St. Louis, MO.
How can you help?
- Through personal giving of cash or stocks, property
- Dressage Lessons through Lindinhof
- Monthly dressage training for horse or horse and rider through Lindinhof
- Corporate financial giving
- Corporate sponsorship (partnership, return on investment)
- Investment in a dressage horse
- Spreading the Word
- In kind goods or services such as supplements, tack, feed, professional services
Megan understands that not everyone can donate. And sometimes all it takes is a good word of encouragement to help keep the spirit alive! Thank you for all your help and support.
