About Us
Thunderbird Horse Training was founded in 2014 in Vista, CA by Steve and Michelle Powell.
About Trainer Steve Powell:
Steve has been training horses for 30+ years. He trained and showed Cutting Horses for 10 years and had success on many of these horses. One of Steve’s most notable accomplishments includes qualifing for the AQHA World Show on his stallion Zan O Lena Hickory. Zan was started by Steve as a 2 year old and he acquired him from the Gluskoters as a 2 1/2 year old in exchange for training. From there the two went on to compete successfully for many years, Zan has continued his legacy by teaching more advanced clients about the world of performance horses. Zan received his ROM from AQHA and has produced many wonderful foals and, is still siring quality horses to this day. Aside from Cutting Horses, Steve has also had great success in c**t starting as well as working with problem horses. He has also been praised as being an amazing teacher and is skilled at giving riding lessons to anyone from beginners to advanced riders.
About Trainer Michelle Powell:
Michelle began riding horses at the age of eight. She started off by riding Hunter Jumpers for two years before making the switch to the Western world and was instantly hooked. She then spent 7 years showing cutting horses wining numerous year end buckles on her two cutting horses Poppin A Whittle and W***y Bodee. She attended Mt. San Antonio College studying Animal Science but left after 2 years to pursue her passion of training horses. Michelle started her professional career as an assistant trainer at the age of 19 while simultaneously taking on several of her own clients for c**t starting, tune ups and problem horses. She has experience working with both Cutting and Reined Cow Horse Trainers in her career.