meet mike

Mike Rippe is a lifelong horse person—for him, teaching is simply a conversation about horses, and it’s one he’s always happy to have.

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His path into the sport started early. What began as beginner lessons turned into years spent riding and working at barns throughout the Midwest and beyond. From volunteering in therapeutic riding programs to competing in hunters, equitation, and IHSA, Mike built his foundation through hands-on experience at every level of the sport.

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After college, he spent a year as a working student at a large hunter barn in Fairport, New York, riding young horses, caring for show horses, and working as a groom at competitions. He has since earned multiple Top Ten placings at major shows, including the APHA World Championship Show, Dixie National, and Gordyville, and has competed at venues such as HITS Ocala, Lamplight, and The Quarter Horse Congress.

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Mike’s approach to training is rooted in patience, consistency, and perspective. He believes progress takes time, that bad rides are just learning moments, and good rides don’t always mean it’s time to rush ahead. The focus is always on strong basics, confidence, and building a lasting partnership between horse and rider.

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A former NARHA-certified riding instructor, Mike has also worked extensively in therapeutic riding and coached riders for the Special Olympics. That experience continues to shape the way he teaches today.

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Mike has been part of Downtown Equestrian since the beginning and considers DEC family. He values the welcoming, supportive culture that defines the barn and takes pride in being part of a program where riders of all levels feel encouraged to grow.

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At the heart of it all is a simple belief: the love of the horse comes first—everything else follows.