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Michelle Hartman, Head of Operations
Michelle Hartman, Head of Operations
Michelle began riding at five years old. Although her family moved often, she always found a way to continue riding.
In her teens, Michelle competed in Hunter/Jumper and Dressage. She worked as a trail guide in Whistler, Canada, for several years. She also worked as a small animal veterinary technician, and gained experience with horses with laminitis, Cushing's, colic, equine asthma, and more in her personal life.
After bouncing around for a while, she settled in Champaign County and was able to own horses on her property. She started with two AQHA mares, Heidi and Lolly, but soon fell in love with haflingers upon adopting Buddy.
In honor of those first horses, most of the horses who arrive at Haflinger Haven are given a name that start with a "B" (for haflingers) or "L" (for mix breeds), along with a brand new halter.
Michelle began rescuing in 2019, and moved to her farm in St. Joseph in 2023. Haflinger Haven received offical nonprofit status in 2024 and continues to provide retirement and hospice care for about thirty horses. She and her four dogs are usually seen working around the farm, cleaning stalls, and fixing hay nets.
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