On Thursday, July 9th, 2020, Michelle Sabga Aboud made history. Talented and determined, Michelle decided to pursue and ultimately achieved a dream. During the TTEA (Trinidad & Tobago Equestrian Association) Dressage League 2 competition held on July 9th to July 12, 2020, Michelle completed the Advanced Intermediate 1 dressage test. In addition, Michelle on Sunday July 12, 2020 rode the Prix St Georges (hors concours or non competitively) and is the third Trinidadian to complete this test to date.
Prior to Michelle, Margaret “Muffy” Auerbach rode the Intermediate 1 test once before on her horse Ferrari for demonstration purposes only. At the Prix St Georges level, Patrice Stollmeyer, the current TTEA President along with Margaret ”Muffy” Auerbach were the only two other Trinidadians to have competed at this level.
So what is Michelle’s horse riding journey? Let’s hear from Michelle in her own words.
Who is Michelle and when did your journey begin?
I am 19 years old and a student at the University of Bristol. I have been riding for 7 years. My journey began at the now closed, Goodwin Heights Stables with “Muffy” Auerbach and Sara McCartney. During my time with them, my passion for horses grew quickly and I was accepted into a program in Wellington, Florida with Olympian Lendon Gray. It was a fantastic learning experience for me. However, I learnt a lot of hard life lessons and all did not go according to plan. I moved back home in September 2018 for a gap year before commencing my degree in 2019. During my first year at University, I allowed myself time to settle into my new life and took a year off from riding. I am now based in England and (pre-COVID) training with Pammy and Pippa Hutton at The Talland School of Equitation. Since my return to Trinidad, I have continued my training with them via Zoom. With their outstanding commitment to me and coaching skills, I have gone from riding third level to schooling the Grand Prix.
When did you decide that you wanted to just go for it?
This has been a lifelong dream of mine! However things did not always go according to plan. I was lucky enough to have a solid foundation with my coaches both in Trinidad and aboard and with my horse ‘Take Over’ who is an advanced level dressage horse.
I attempted to go for it in Wellington, Florida, but that did not end up working out. Nevertheless, the time spent there shaped me into the rider I am today. It wasn’t until the owner of Biscoito, Luisa Fernandes and a clinician, Maria Iñes who were here at the time, saw the potential in me and pushed me to aim higher and go further. However, I really wanted to settle into University first and see what life was like without horses – for anyone wondering – it’s no good! After taking a year off from riding and feeling like a piece of me was missing, I decided to bite the bullet and resume. This time I was more determined than ever to accomplish my lifelong dreams, irrespective of the significant time and energy commitments this practice demands. I did not expect to be in Trinidad right now, and to be training and competing Biscoito at this advanced level, but sometimes life throws you some unexpected, but very welcomed surprises!
What is your ultimate dream and what is up next for you?
My happiness is chasing my dreams of becoming the best version of myself. However, no matter how close I am to this goal, this goal keeps evolving as I can always do better. I have some pretty big goals! I am hoping to be back in England for the start of the new school term and back training in person with Pammy and Pippa my coaches. Who knows what the next few years will hold, but as my next step, I hope to be competing at the Grand Prix level as my ultimate dream is the Olympic Games.
In the UK, equestrian coaches Pammy and Pippa Hutton have worked their magic and was just what Michelle needed. Michelle was fortunate enough to experience very steady breakthroughs in her riding development, something many go years without ever achieving.
Michelle says “They are the perfect complements of each other, and work as a team in everything they do – a fantastic combination of a mother daughter duo! Pammy really works on pushing me past my comfort zone in every ride and always raises the bar of what she expects from me. Pippa on the other hand focuses on perfecting the details and my confidence on different horses as this is something I really struggle with. I am beyond blessed that they have put so much time and love into me, and that I am able to train with the best.”
These extremely fervent coaches taught and provided Michelle with the tools to ensure her success and to ensure her lifelong dreams become a reality.
Michelle is making history and doing her country proud.
She is a phenomenal inspiration for our younger riders and her peers. She is a superb representation and provides a positive and bright outlook for the future of equestrian sport in Trinidad & Tobago. Bravo Michelle!
Photos courtesy Clive Fletcher