Meet Michelle
A lifetime with horses.
A passion for doing things right.
On the Powder River, Arvada, Wyoming
Michelle Baczynski
I didn't grow up in a fancy barn with trainers and endless lessons. I learned horsemanship the hard way—because we had to.
I grew up in California's Central Valley. My mom traded a quad for our first horse, and we were given another one not long after. We didn't have money for trainers or boarding, so we traded barn work to keep them fed and sheltered. When it came time to break those horses, there was no one to call—we figured it out ourselves.
That's where I learned what really matters with horses. Not fancy equipment or expensive clinics, but patience, consistency, and paying attention to what the horse is telling you. When you don't have money to fix your mistakes, you learn to do things right the first time.
Today, I operate Better Horsemanship from our place on the banks of the Powder River near Arvada, Wyoming. It's quiet out here—no distractions, just open country and the kind of peace that horses need to focus and learn. That environment, combined with everything I learned coming up the hard way, is what I bring to every horse I work with.
How I Work
Good horsemanship isn't complicated, but it does require commitment. Here's what guides my approach to every horse I work with.
Take the Time It Takes
There are no shortcuts to building a solid foundation. Some horses need 30 days, some need 90. I let the horse tell me when they're ready to move forward, not a calendar. Rushing creates problems that take twice as long to fix later.
Build Partners, Not Push-Button Horses
I'm not interested in creating horses that just go through the motions. I want horses that understand what's being asked, that are willing participants in the work. That kind of partnership is built on trust, and trust takes consistency and fairness.
Listen to What They're Telling You
Horses communicate constantly—through their ears, their body, their behavior. Most problems come from people not paying attention or not understanding what the horse is saying. Learning to read a horse is the most important skill any horseman can develop.
Foundations First
Every horse I work with starts with the basics, regardless of their experience. Groundwork, softness, responsiveness—these fundamentals are the bedrock of everything else. Skip them, and you're building on sand.
“I've never met a horse that couldn't be helped. Some take more time, more patience, more understanding—but they all have the capacity to become good partners if you're willing to meet them where they are.
Core Values
Patience
Every horse learns at their own pace. Pushing too fast creates resistance; patience creates willingness.
Consistency
Horses thrive on predictability. Being consistent in how you ask, reward, and correct builds trust and understanding.
Respect
Respect goes both ways. I respect what the horse brings to the table, and I earn their respect through fair, clear communication.
Honesty
I'll tell you straight what I see in your horse and what it will take to get where you want to go. No sugarcoating.
Powder River Country
Our facility sits on the Powder River near Arvada, Wyoming—quiet, open country where horses can focus without distraction. It's the kind of place where you can hear yourself think and a horse can learn without pressure.
We serve horse owners throughout northeastern Wyoming and the surrounding region. Whether you bring your horse to us or we come to you, the approach stays the same.
Let's Talk About Your Horse
Every horse and rider combination is unique. I'd love to hear about your situation and discuss how we might work together.