Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle DeBoer.
Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember, especially horses. One of the highlights of my childhood summers was attending “Down on the Farm” camp, where I got to ride my favorite pony, Bubbles. My parents thought it was just a phase until I saved up and bought my first horse, Mollie, while I was in high school.
That passion led me to earn a degree in Equine Business Management from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. After graduation, I headed west to work at Hideout Lodge and Guest Ranch in Shell, Wyoming, before returning home to Minnesota as an Assistant Trainer at Eleanor’s Arabian Farm in Rogers.
Although I briefly stepped away from the horse industry to work in my family’s business, I always knew I wanted to pursue graduate school to learn more about equine nutrition. With encouragement from my mom, I applied for and was thrilled to receive a research assistantship at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities.
There, I earned both my Master’s and Ph.D. in Animal Science, conducting extensive research in muscle biology, grazing, and equine nutrition. After graduation, I accepted a tenure-track faculty position at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, where I spent 6.5 years teaching Equine Production and Animal Anatomy & Physiology while continuing my research.
When Spikes & Houles reached out to me, I was excited to take on a new opportunity. I started as the Animal Nutrition Specialist and recently stepped into the role of Barn Operations Manager, overseeing our equine team and nutrition work, including project management, client consulting, and operational improvements.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids on our hobby farm in western Wisconsin, competing in dog agility with our rescue pup, Millie, and educating horse owners through my Equine PhD Facebook page.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
t has been anything but a smooth road. I love sharing my story because the path that brought me here was far from linear, and definitely not what I expected, but I believe everything happens for a reason!
One of the hardest decisions I’ve made was leaving a position I truly loved and believed would be my lifelong career. Ultimately, I didn’t agree with the direction of the program or some of the decisions being made, so I made the difficult choice to walk away. Looking back, that decision pushed me to grow both personally and professionally.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an Animal Nutritionist with a specialty in equine nutrition and pasture management, and I believe the combination of my education and hands-on industry experience is what truly sets me apart.
Earning a Ph.D. in Animal Science provided me with years of intensive training in equine nutrition, physiology, and research. It taught me how to critically evaluate information, understand the science behind feeding and management practices, and navigate the complex technical knowledge that simply cannot be gained through a quick online course or social media post. However, while my education provided me with the knowledge to help me succeed, understanding how to apply it in the real world is equally as (if not more) important.
Thankfully, I have decades of experience in the equine industry. During this time, I’ve been involved in nearly every major equine discipline – from barrel racing, team sorting, western pleasure, and reining to jumping, endurance, dressage, and polocrosse. That broad exposure has given me a strong understanding of the unique physical demands, management styles, and nutritional needs across different types of horses and riders.
In my recent position, I have been able to take it a step further. Through consulting and collaborating with clients, barns, and nearly every major equine feed brand, I’ve gained practical, real-world knowledge that goes beyond textbooks and research papers.
Today, my approach is centered on pairing science with practical application. I don’t believe nutrition recommendations should only work on paper. I expect my recommendations to work in real barns with real horses, budgets, goals, and management challenges. Being able to combine research-based knowledge with hands-on industry experience allows me to create recommendations that are both evidence-based and realistic for each individual client.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
First and foremost, my family. There is no better place than when I am with them and they always find a way to make each day better!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spikesandhoules.com/
- Instagram: @spikesandhoules
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmichelledeboer/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-deboer-04142b65
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/equinephd/
