Welcome

Bellhaus is a hunter/jumper program offering training and showing services to support riders in achieving horsemanship and competition goals. Bellhaus believes in supporting independent equestrians and connects riders with cross-training opportunities.

Get in contact with us at bellhauseq@gmail.com

Meet the Team

Trainer

Max Michelson

Max serves as the professional rider and trainer for Bellhaus Equestrian. Max grew up near Syracuse, New York taking care of his mom’s horses on their family farm. His strong work ethic has served him well over the years working under many professionals – such as Darlene Sandlin and Caitlyn Shiels – as he learned the ropes for barn management and training. Max has shown successfully in the jumpers, equitation, and hunter divisions and strives to instill strong foundational skills in horses and riders in order to achieve riding & competition goals and bolster horsemanship at all levels.

Business Manager

Amanda Hauser

Amateur rider Amanda serves as the administrative lead for Bellhaus activities. Amanda grew up in Minnesota and moved up the competition ranks from pony hunters to junior hunters to grand prix, and continues to compete in the amateur jumpers and grand prix. She uses her expertise from her day job in health care emergency management planning to plan and organize Bellhaus activities with the goal of having a program that supports the passions of each rider and the welfare of the horses.

Partnerships

True North Stables, Dressage, & Eventing

Bellhaus Equestrian is currently partnered with Caitlyn Shiels of True North Stables out of Chicago, Illinois. This partnership allows us to introduce new training ideas and perspectives to our riders and present additional showing opportunities.

Bellhaus values the ability for riders to explore cross training opportunities outside of the Bellhaus program. Our riders currently work with dressage and eventing trainers in the Madison area that we highly recommend.

Non-Boarder Show Program Guidelines

Show Program Goals:
We aim to offer a show program that enables riders and horses who do not board at Bellhas to develop their partnership, and be safe, successful, and competitive at horse shows. We intend for this program to act as an intermediary between DIY and full training.

Show Program Benefits:

By showing with Bellhaus, riders and horses receive:

Tailored and consistent training and messaging to help riders reach their goals
Use of supplies and materials at home, shows, and clinics
Planning for and submitting show entry information including: stall reservations, entry forms, hay and shavings ordering, shipping, and care coordination
Choice of care levels at competitions
Connection with additional outside trainers for lesson, clinic, and showing opportunities
Discounted shipping rates

There is no additional cost to be part of the Bellhaus show program outside of the show fees listed on our pricing guide.

Show Program Requirements:
To participate in shows with Bellhaus, riders will:

Receive either 2x lessons a month OR 4 lessons within 2 months of attending a show. This will allow the Bellhaus trainer to understand the needs of riders and horses prior to attending a show and help the rider develop and work towards regular showing goals.
- Riders who cannot meet this requirement (e.g., the location where rider lives is too far away to receive lessons) may communicate with Bellhaus at least 2 months in advance of a competition to formulate a plan that best suits their circumstances.
Work in collaboration with Bellhaus trainers to determine the show plan. However, Bellhaus reserves the right to make the final decision at shows where Bellhaus is providing training.

Bellhaus supports DIY efforts of riders and is happy to be involved in the development of training and show plans when working with other trainers to help align goals and training.