Michelle Sabga-Aboud is a twenty-five year old international dressage rider for Trinidad and Tobago. Michelle is based at Carl Hester’s yard in the UK, “which has been the most incredible environment to learn, grow and immerse myself fully in the sport”. Alongside her training, Michelle is focused on building her competition career and developing her horses towards the international stage.
Tell us about your horses
Michelle and Ruxton Uphoria in the young horse PSG at Hartpury.
I have two wonderful horses both by Uthopia.
Ruxton Uphoria (stable name Harvey) is an 8-year-old gelding currently competing at Prix St. Georges and training towards Grand Prix. Our aim is to compete small tour internationally next year. Harvey is very talented, big mover who’s so relaxed throughout his body. Because of this, we’re focusing on developing his strength, balance, and confidence so he can shine at the higher levels. He’s full of personality and has really started giving his all – he’s such a joy to ride.
Tiny Dancer (stable name Bluebell) is a 10-year-old mare competed up to Advanced Medium with Jezz Palmer. She’s a newer partnership for me, very hot and willing, with lots of potential for the higher levels. My short-term goal is to take her to a few shows over the coming months so we can build our connection in competition and then step up to small tour next year. She is so enthusiastic and never fails to put a smile on my face.
My weekly schedule with them consists of a mix of schooling days, hacking and more recently the water treadmill. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays are schooling days, on Wednesdays they go to the water treadmill and on Saturdays we hack. Sundays are a rest day. Both horses go out in the field daily, which I believe is vital for their well-being. For my own fitness, I do reformer Pilates week and strength training at the gym to support my riding.
How did horses come into your life and evolve into dressage?
Michelle says – it means so much to be able to carry the Trinidad and Tobago flag into arenas alongside the best riders in the world.
I started riding at age twelve in Trinidad at a riding school after my best friend began to take lessons and I quickly fell in love with being around horses. At first, I was terrified to do more than walk, but I persisted!
Most horses in Trinidad are off-the-track Thoroughbreds. I was paired with one called Take Over, who was fiery and challenging, but also talented at dressage. Trying to channel his energy (and keep all four legs on the ground!) led me to discover my passion for dressage.
When it came time for university, I wanted to see more of the world and chose to study Business Management at the University of Bristol in England. By my second year, I couldn’t stay away from horses anymore, so I started training at the Talland School of Equitation with Pammy and Pippa Hutton. During this time, I leased a mare, Newho Philharmonic, from Sarah Stewart and had the opportunity to compete her internationally at small tour.
In 2022, I tried a 5-year-old horse from Carl – Harvey. It was love at first ride, and a month later he became my first ever horse (a pinch me moment!). By November, I was begging Carl to let me work at his yard and bring Harvey with me. At the start of 2023, my persistence paid off because Harvey and I moved in, and I began training with Carl full-time. It really is a dream come true.
Who do you train with?
Bluebell in the cross ties before a schooling session
I train with Carl four times a week, on schooling days. I am very lucky to have both of them based here with me, and we tend to alternate who I get a lesson on that day, if one has a show our focus is on them for that week. Harvey and I have been together for three years now, working our way up from Novice to PSG. Bluebell is a newer partnership, less than a year, so we are taking our time to develop her strength and confidence for the higher levels but the plan before the end of this year is to take her to do some mediums and advanced mediums.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
The people you surround yourself with are everything.
My parents – they support me unconditionally and encourage me to follow my dreams. I couldn’t do this without them.
Carl – his guidance and training mean the world to me. Every day I strive to be better because of him.
The team at the yard – Lucy, Jack, Scott, Abi and Phoenix – who make everything run smoothly and who I can always turn to.
My friends – always there to listen no matter what.
And most importantly, my horses – they are my greatest teachers and partners.
Who inspires you?
Carl inspires me every day with his never-ending patience and grace when training. He always thinks about the horse first, and that philosophy is something I deeply admire. All my past trainers, from Pammy and Pippa Hutton to the trainers I had in Trinidad, have inspired me not only to keep going but to keep pushing myself to be better.
What do you love about dressage?
Michelle and Ruxton Uphoria in the young horse PSG at HartpuryMy goal was top 8 to make it to the Saturday night and we placed 4th!
I love that in dressage you never stop learning. There is always something to improve on, no matter how experienced you are. For me, the most special part is being able to create the most unbelievable feeling from your horse, just by following the training scales and developing a partnership together.
Proudest moments?
Qualifying and competing Ruxton Uphoria for the young horse PSG at Hartpury Premier League, my goal was top eight on the qualifying day, and we placed fourth.
Sixth place in a class of 31 in the Advanced Medium Gold in the BD Nationals.
Becoming the first dressage rider to compete at Inter 1 and Inter II for Trinidad on Biscoito – a Lusitano stallion in Trinidad. He taught me so much.
Qualifying and competing Harvey at the National Championships every year I’ve had him.
Have you faced any challenges?
Yes, many. Dressage is a sport of highs and lows. At the end of the day, they’re animals, and we have to remember that. Not every day will be perfect, but trusting the process and being patient is the most important thing. It definitely doesn’t always go to plan, but the most important thing is that we have happy and healthy partners, and I like to remind myself of that in those times.
What is your training philosophy?
Never give up and be patient. Always put the horse first, and make sure they are happy, confident and enjoying the work.
You ride for Trinidad and Tobago, what does it mean to represent your country?
Bluebell hacking with her boyfriends
It is such an honour to represent Trinidad and Tobago. Coming from a small island nation where the equestrian sport is still developing, it means so much to be able to carry our flag into arenas alongside the best riders in the world. It has opened doors for me to compete internationally, but even more importantly, it has given me the chance to inspire other riders from the Caribbean to believe that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. My aspiration is to continue building on this foundation, showing that riders from small nations can be able to compete at the highest levels in the sport.
What are your future aspirations?
My dream is to compete at Grand Prix internationally for Trinidad at the world championships, Pan Am games and Olympic Games.
Your Top Tip
Shorten your reins! And check that your horse is in self-carriage more often than you think.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Focus on what you can control, rather than what you can’t control.