Dorothy Mueller (pronounced “Miller”) has 40 years’ experience as a successful professional working with competition horses and riders.
Dorothy was an active Participating Member Delegate to the United States Dressage Federation Convention for 15 years. From 1986 to 2005 she was the Junior/Young Rider Programs Co-ordinator, and from 2005 to 2009 was the National Chairwoman for the United States Dressage Federation Youth Council.
Dorothy is also a United States Dressage Federation “L” graduate. She judges and gives many Clinics around the country and in Canada.
While specializing in Junior/Young Riders, she works with beginners through Grand Prix riders. She has produced five Junior/Young Riders, three adult amateurs and eight horses who have competed successfully at the F.E.I. (Fédération Equestre Internationale) levels.
Her Quarterhorse, Solace, was the 1991 United States Dressage Federation Horse of the Year at Fifth Level Test Three. He was also Reserve Champion at the U.S.D.F. Midwest Dressage Finals for Grand Prix Musical Free Style, a Midwest Dressage Association Gold Medal winner and the holder of many United States Equestrian Federation, U.S.D.F., and M.D.A. awards.
In 2004 Dorothy was Reserve Champion for the U.S.D.F. Vintage Cup at Intermediare 2. In 2006 Dorothy won the U.S.D.F. Vintage Cup at Grand Prix. Also that year, Dorothy received the U.S.D.F. Gold and Silver Medals.
Two of her mentors and teachers are in the United States Dressage Federation Hall of Fame; Violet Hopkins and Chuck Grant (“The Father of American Dressage”).
Dorothy’s early background was in Hunter/Jumpers and Eventing. She competed successfully in Michigan’s first two Combined Training Competitions.
Dorothy believes that no matter what riding discipline you are practicing, understanding good horsemanship is the key to success. She has completed the John Lyons Professional Trainer’s Clinic and has worked with many different breeds and disciplines. She also twice yearly teaches the Dressage portion of Kenny Harlow’s certification program for professional trainers, held in Virginia.
Dorothy has done exhibition riding at The Michigan Stallion Expo, The Novi Horse Spectacular, Equitana in Louisville, and The Michigan State Fair. She has even ridden as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra played her live backup music.
Even though Dorothy trains and competes at the Grand Prix level herself, she enjoys starting the green horse and working with the first-time rider. Dorothy and her husband Mike own Ironwood Farm Equestrian LLC, a training facility located in Leonard, Michigan.