Here, we learn about a special team behind a young Friesian stallion who is making waves in the FEI-level dressage ring.
By Julie Miller
The Rider
Michelle Haefer is an accomplished FEI dressage professional and USDF Gold and Silver Medalist with Distinction. From 2012 to 2020, she immersed herself in elite international programs across the U.S. and Europe, where she trained under some of the world’s most respected riders and gained invaluable experience managing and developing FEI-level horses. These formative years honed her sharp eye for training, deepened her horsemanship, and laid the foundation for the professional career she leads today. Michelle’s own competitive highlights include the 2018 White Fences Championship Series Intermediate II Open Champion and the 2019 Iron Spring Farm Developing Horse Prix St. George Open Champion.
Since returning to the West Coast, Michelle has continued her upward trajectory, claiming the 2021 Great American/USDF Region 6 Championship title at Prix St. George and debuting at CDI 3* Grand Prix in 2024 aboard her self-trained partner, Romanesque. That same year, she was awarded the prestigious Debbie McDonald Grant for FEI Riders through The Dressage Foundation in recognition of her work in developing Romanesque to the international level. She also won the 2024 Iron Spring Farm IBOP (Individual Suitability Test for Horses) Cup, further cementing her reputation as a top competitor and trainer.
Michelle’s influence extends beyond the show ring, with her students achieving notable success on the national stage. In 2023, she coached Norah Wright to a Team Gold and Individual Bronze medal at the North American Youth Championships, a testament to her ability to mentor the next generation of riders with precision and care.
The Horse
In 2024, Michelle developed the Friesian stallion Djurre ut ‘t Westen to become the youngest horse in North America to earn the Royal Frisian Horse Studbook Association (KFPS)/Friesian Horse Association of North America (FHANA) Sport Elite title, a groundbreaking achievement for the breed. Their momentum continued into 2025 as they placed third at the US Dressage Festival of Champions in the Developing Prix St. George, highlighting not only Djurre’s extraordinary talent, but also Michelle’s dedication to developing excellence in sport horses of all types.
Michelle: I first met Djurre at a small sales stable here in Oregon. I was helping with groundwork, mostly with stallions, when I met him as a young four-year-old. He was one of the first Friesians I had ever worked with as a dressage prospect, and right away, I thought he was incredibly talented and quick-thinking.
Even as a young stallion, he had a natural desire to connect with people. I spent time with him at liberty, just getting to know him, and I remember thinking how special he was. Later, he was sent to a wonderful trainer to be started under saddle, and she did a beautiful job.
When he eventually came to my program under Julie’s ownership, he already loved his work. I could see his excitement every time he was tacked up, as he truly loves going to work. It’s been such a gift to have known him from such a young age and to continue growing with him throughout his career.
Djurre was bred in Canada by All Star Friesians. Julie and Gabriel Miller of Dark Horse Friesians purchased him as a five-year-old, and in three short years, he has achieved the following:
- 2023: Achieved KFPS/FHANA Sport predicate at age six
- 2024: Youngest (at age seven) to achieve KFPS/FHANA Sport Elite in North America
- 2024: Winning the Iron Spring Farm IBOP Cup for the highest-scoring IBOP in the USA
- 2024: Achieved AAA status through the KFPS/FHANA
- 2024: Qualified to compete in the US Dressage Finals at Prix St. George
- 2024: Qualified and competed as the youngest horse in his class at the Great American/USDF Region 6 Dressage Championships at Prix St. George
- 2025: Qualified for the US Dressage Festival of Champions at Developing Prix St. George (first Friesian in decades)
- 2025: Placed third at the US Dressage Festival of Champions at Developing Prix St. George
The Owners
Julie Miller of Dark Horse Friesians has loved horses for as long as she can remember. Growing up, she enjoyed spending time with horses and having fun with them, though she did not receive formal professional training. One of her favorite childhood horses was a retired police horse named Smitty, a gentle companion she loved so much that she even enjoyed riding him backward just for fun.
She also enjoyed collecting Breyer horses, and for one special birthday, she received a Friesian Breyer model. That gift sparked something deeper. From that moment on, Julie dreamed of one day owning a real Friesian. She made herself a promise: someday, she would have one of her own.
Years later, that dream became a reality. Julie was in a position to bring a Friesian into her life. She purchased a Friesian mare and, through that process, met Michelle Haefer. Around the same time, a young stallion arrived at the same barn, a striking black horse named Djurre út ‘t Westen Sport Elite AAA.
Unfortunately, Djurre’s introduction to that barn was not a positive one. He was handled poorly and became nervous and unsure. But even in the midst of that, Julie saw something in him that stopped her in her tracks.
He was scared, but I could see his heart, she recalls. There was something about him. I just knew I needed to help him.
Though she had only met Michelle a few times and did not yet know much about dressage, Julie sensed something special between Michelle and Djurre. She trusted her instincts and reached out.
“I called Michelle and asked if she would be willing to train him if I bought him,” Julie says. “Thankfully, she said yes. And that was the beginning of our journey.”
Throughout it all, Julie’s husband Gabe has been a steady and supportive presence. Whether helping behind the scenes, cheering ringside, or offering quiet encouragement, Gabe’s partnership has been vital to the heart of Dark Horse Friesians.
From a childhood dream sparked by a Breyer model to standing beside their own Friesian stallion competing among the nation’s top dressage horses, Julie’s journey with Djurre is more than a success story. It is a story of faith, heart, and the power of following a promise made long ago.
How did you meet Djurre, and what brought you two together? Was Djurre the one from the beginning?
Julie: The minute I met him, I knew there was something special. He has the softest eyes, and I was drawn to him in a way I cannot explain. I just knew he was different. To be honest, I had no background in dressage. I did not even know what it was at the time. But there were these pieces that came together all at once. My instant love for Djurre, his incredible spirit, and Michelle’s natural way with horses. I knew this was something meaningful. That moment began our incredible journey.
Michelle: Yes, absolutely. Just like Julie, I felt a strong connection with him right away. I wasn’t sure how he would stay in my life, but I knew I wanted him in it.
Djurre has this incredible emotional intelligence. He listens when you talk to him, he understands when you ride him, and the connection is something that’s hard to describe. When I ride him, I feel like we become one.
Even at big shows, when he’s at his most powerful, he’s inviting you to be right there with him. It is the most amazing feeling. From the first moment, he was open to building a relationship, and that’s something I now recognize more and more in the Friesian breed. They have such golden characters.
Describe your journey to the US Dressage Festival of Champions.
Michelle: The journey to the Festival was so much fun, which has really been our motto from the start. Every time I go into the ring, Julie says the same thing to me: “Have fun.”
After some success in the Prix St. Georges, we thought we would try the Developing classes. Once Djurre entered the arena, he was completely focused and tuned in. There was never any pressure to win or chase scores.
We’ve had high scores and low scores, but we measure our success by the fun we have and the harmony we feel. That support and joy from the Millers, from Djurre, and from myself – that is what carries us forward. We came into the Festival ranked twelfth and left ranked third overall. It was an unforgettable experience and such a privilege to be in the ring with some of the best riders in the country.
If I could give any advice, especially to Friesian riders, it would be this: have fun. That joy will shine through.
Julie: From the beginning, our goal was never about chasing ribbons or rankings. It was about believing in Djurre and enjoying the journey together. Watching him and Michelle grow as a pair has been the most rewarding part. I always tell her before every ride, “Have fun, because that is what this is all about for us.”
The Festival of Champions was such a special moment. To see a Friesian standing proudly among the top horses in the country was incredibly emotional. I remember thinking, no matter the final placing, we had already won. We had stayed true to who we are, and Djurre was shining because of it.
My advice to other owners, especially those with Friesians, is to surround yourself with people who believe in your horse as much as you do. Find the joy in every step, and never forget why you started. When your horse is happy and your team is in harmony, the rest will come.
What is something special or unique about Djurre?
Julie: One of the most special things about Djurre is how much he loves to work. He is genuinely excited every time he is brought out and tacked up. You can see it in his eyes and the way he carries himself.
He also truly loves his people. He wants to connect. He is not just a horse that performs well; he is a horse that bonds deeply with those around him. That kind of heart is rare, and it is what makes him so special to all of us.
Michelle: If you spend even a little time with Djurre, you will know he is a vocal horse. He loves to announce himself.
When he was younger, he would whinny during tests. Now, as he’s matured, he saves it for right before we enter the ring. Every time, just before we go down centerline, he lets out a loud call. It’s like he is saying, “Everyone, look, I’m about to perform.”
It always makes me laugh. That moment has become part of our routine, and I truly hope he never stops doing it.
What do you think makes your partnership with Djurre work so well?
Michelle: We let him be himself. If he is not feeling like doing dressage, we do something else: a trail ride, ground poles, a gallop, or even a little jumping.
We keep things fresh and fun. I want him to see me come into the barn and think, “What fun are we going to have today?” That mindset keeps him happy and eager to work.
Any final thoughts or advice you would like to share?
Julie: For me, it always comes back to one thing. Have fun. That has been our guiding light through everything.
Surround yourself with the right people. People who care about your horse as much as you do and who bring joy into the process. That kind of partnership makes all the difference.
Most importantly, always put your horse first. Djurre’s physical and mental well-being will always come before anything else. When he is happy, everything else falls into place. Winning is wonderful, but seeing your horse enjoy the work and trust the people around him is the true reward.
Michelle: I would encourage every rider to value harmony in their training.
Harmony is what makes the work beautiful. It is what creates consistency and joy. If you can find that connection with your horse, it will show in the arena.
Let the harmony guide your training, and the scores will follow.
