At Heart & Hooves Arena, we are proud of the passionate, talented, and dedicated individuals who make up our team. Each person brings unique skills, a strong work ethic, and a shared love for horses that drives our mission every single day. From experienced trainers to the hardworking hands behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in creating a welcoming, supportive, and inspiring environment.
Together, we are committed to fostering growth, confidence, and connection—both in horsemanship and in life. At Heart & Hooves, this is more than a team; it’s a family. A family dedicated to helping you and your horse grow, learn, and reach new heights. We are honored to have each member as part of our journey and look forward to continuing to build this incredible community together.
Michelle Jerry
Founder & Owner | Head Trainer
Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship
Heart & Hooves Arena & Obstacle Course
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Michelle Jerry is the heart behind Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship and Heart & Hooves Arena. With a deep passion for natural horsemanship, she has dedicated her life to helping horse and rider build confidence, trust, and clear communication.
As a Ken McNabb Master Trainer, Michelle blends proven, time-tested methods with a practical, encouraging teaching style that meets each horse and rider where they are. Her approach focuses on building strong foundations, feel, and timing to develop willing, responsive horses.
As founder, owner, and head trainer, Michelle’s mission is to create a positive, welcoming environment where people can learn, grow, and succeed alongside their horses. Through clinics, obstacle courses, and personalized training programs, Heart & Hooves is more than a facility—it’s a way of life.
Francis Jerry
Founder & Owner
Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship
Heart & Hooves Arena & Obstacle Course
Fixer of All Things Around the Farm
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Francis Jerry is the backbone of daily operations at Heart & Hooves Arena and a co-founder of Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship. Known as the “Fixer of All Things Around the Farm,” Francis works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the facility running smoothly.From maintaining the arenas and obstacle course to building, repairing, and problem-solving whatever the day brings,
Francis ensures Heart & Hooves remains a safe, functional, and welcoming place for horses and people alike.
His dedication and steady presence allow the Heart & Hooves community to focus on learning, growing, and building strong connections with their horses. Francis’s commitment, hard work, and quiet leadership truly reflect the teamwork and family atmosphere that define Heart & Hooves.
Teddy Jerry
The Heart of Heart & Hooves Arena
Michelle and Francis’ Grandson
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Teddy Jerry is the heart of Heart & Hooves Arena and a true source of inspiration to everyone who walks through the barn doors. As the cherished grandson of Michelle and Francis, Teddy has been alongside his grandparents since the very beginning of Heart & Hooves, growing up within the barn and community that helped shape not only the program, but who Teddy is today.
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With his caring nature, infectious smile, and boundless imagination, Teddy reminds us all to slow down, find joy in the little moments, and appreciate the journey. His love for life and natural curiosity shine through in everything he does—especially with horses, where his confidence and feel continue to grow each day.
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Teddy is also the face behind Teddy’s Tuesday Tips on Facebook, where he shares fun, honest, and often humorous horsemanship reminders from a kid’s perspective. His tips encourage riders of all ages to stay safe, keep learning, and enjoy the process—bringing smiles and inspiration to the Heart & Hooves community each week.
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Teddy reflects the strong family bond at the core of Heart & Hooves, encouraging teamwork, kindness, and support both in horsemanship and in life. His presence is a reminder that Heart & Hooves is more than a barn—it’s a place where confidence grows, hearts connect, and memories are made.
Tedi Jerry
Accredited Clinician
Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship
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Tedi Jerry, Michelle and Francis’ daughter-in-law, is a dedicated and talented horsewoman with a kind smile and a genuine passion for helping others succeed. As an accredited clinician for Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship, Tedi brings knowledge, consistency, and a calm, encouraging presence to every clinic and event.
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Known for her strong work ethic and compassionate approach, Tedi has a natural ability to connect with both horses and people. She supports riders at every stage of their journey, helping them build confidence, understanding, and trust through thoughtful, hands-on instruction.
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Tedi’s commitment to horsemanship, teaching, and the Heart & Hooves community plays an important role in shaping the future of the program. Her passion, leadership, and supportive spirit ensure that Heart & Hooves continues to grow as a place rooted in family, learning, and a shared love for horses.
Kainezee Alger
Accredited Trainer
Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship
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Kainezee Alger has been an integral part of the Heart & Hooves family for over four years. During that time, she has become a vital member of the team, assisting with training horses, teaching lessons, and supporting clinics both cross-country and at Heart & Hooves Arena.
Known for her incredible work ethic, natural talent, and a smile that inspires everyone she meets, Kainezee brings heart, positivity, and dedication to everything she does. Her ability to connect with both horses and people makes her a true asset to the program, whether she is working horses, helping students, or supporting behind the scenes.
Kainezee travels with Michelle to clinics and events across the country and plays an essential role in daily operations at Heart & Hooves Arena. As an accredited trainer with Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship, her passion for learning, supportive nature, and commitment to excellence help shape the future of the program.
Kainezee embodies the spirit of Heart & Hooves—spreading kindness, confidence, and a deep love for horsemanship while inspiring everyone she meets along the way.
​Emily Miller
Accredited Trainer
Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship
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Emily Miller is an Accredited Trainer with Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship and a trusted member of the Heart & Hooves family. Originally from South Dakota, Emily brings a calm, grounded presence and a thoughtful approach to horsemanship to Heart & Hooves Arena in Deer River, Minnesota.
Specializing in Equine Sports Therapy, Emily focuses on helping horses move, feel, and perform at their best by addressing the whole horse—mind, body, and movement. Her work blends hands-on therapy, correct biomechanics, and mindful training to support soundness, comfort, and long-term performance. Emily is especially skilled at recognizing subtle signs of tension or imbalance and adjusting her approach to meet each horse’s individual needs.
In her training and teaching, Emily works with horses and riders at all stages, from young or restarting horses to experienced partners needing refinement or rehabilitation support. She helps riders develop better feel, balance, and communication, creating clarity and confidence both on the ground and in the saddle.
Emily’s patient, intuitive teaching style creates a supportive learning environment where horses can relax, progress, and thrive. Her dedication to education, wellness, and partnership strengthens not only the horses she works with, but the relationships between horse and rider—making her an invaluable part of the Heart & Hooves community.
Nichole Jopke
Accredited Trainer
Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship
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Nichole Jopke is an Accredited Trainer with Michelle Jerry Heart & Hooves Horsemanship and a valued member of the Heart & Hooves team. Having been part of the program for many years—first as a dedicated student and now as a trusted trainer—Nichole’s journey reflects the growth, commitment, and horsemanship foundation at the heart of Heart & Hooves.
Nichole brings a calm, confident presence and a thoughtful approach to teaching. She focuses on building strong foundations through clear communication, correct timing, and feel, helping riders of all levels gain confidence and understanding while guiding horses toward softness, responsiveness, and willingness.
With a strong work ethic and genuine care for both horses and people, Nichole plays an important role in lessons, training, and clinics at Heart & Hooves. Her ability to relate to students—having once stood in their place—allows her to teach with empathy, patience, and encouragement.
Nichole embodies the values of Heart & Hooves: consistency, kindness, and partnership. Her progression from student to accredited trainer is a testament to the program’s mission and makes her an invaluable part of the Heart & Hooves family.​