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 8 and worked with local dressage instructor, Jude Higgs. At the age of 14, 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 4 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.
Megan currently trains with US Olympian, Christine Traurig. From January-April 2007, Megan had the a wonderful oppertunity to train with Ms. 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!
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!
Qualifications
- USDF Bronze & Silver Medallist
- Participant in the UDSF Instructors & 'L' Judges Programs
- 20 years devoted to the study, competiting, training, and teaching dressage
- Established a successfull dressage training & sales facility, Lindinhof Equine Sports Zentrum
- 2009 ranked 10th in Brentina Cup Standings
- 2009 qualified & competed at Region II Championships with Bri
- 2009 selected to be a demo ride at the Midwest Horse Fair for Jane Savoie with Fratz
- 2009 gave dressage demo at Country View Vets 10 year Anniversay with Fasching
- 2009 designed and rode Pas de Dux at SMILES 10 year Anniversay with Fratz
- 2008 rode in Oregon Parade with Fasching
- 2007 WDCTA Champion at PSG & I-1 levels with No Doubt
- 2007 Place 11th in small tour at Devon and competed in freestyle with No Doubt
- 2007 Qualified & competed at Region 4 Champioships with No Doubt at PSG & I-1; earned 3rd & 8th placings
- 2006 Qualified & Competed at Region II & Midwest Championships with 2 horses: Noury & Dutch Chocolate at 3rd & 4th levels; earned 3rd & 8th placings
- 2006 Presented 4th level freestyle with Dutch Chocolate at Moon Dance
- 2004 Represented the US at the NZ Horse of the Year competition - Bronze & Silver medals
- 2003 Qualified & Competed at Region II Championships with Noury at Training & First levels
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.
2010 Goals
Education
- Complete the USDF ‘L’ Judges Program - Final, May 2007 -accomplished
- Complete the USDF Instructor’s Program - currently enrolled
- Continue my training with Olympian Christine Traurig as often as I can
- Attend the Young Dressage Horse Trainer Symposium -accomplished
Competition
- Train & compete in FL - accomplished
- Train & compete with Olympian Christine Traurig in CA
- Compete at the 2009 Breantina Cup Qualifiers -accomplished
- Compete at Dressage at Devon CDI * 2010
- Compete at 2009 USDF Region 2 Championships, Wayne, IL- accomplished
- Compete at more CDI's throughout 2010
- Qualify for 2010 USEF National Grand Prix Championships - Gladstone, NJ
- Qualify for 2010 USDF Regional Championships
- Qualify for 2009 USDF Regional Championships - accomplished
- Compete in Europe
- Earn USDF Silver Medal - EARNED!
- Earn USDF Gold Medal
How can you help?
- Through sponsorship or donations
- Dressage Lessons
- Monthly Training
- Purchase of a Dressage Horse
- Spreading the Word
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.
