McNally Show Horses provides riders of all levels a unique opportunity to have fun, be safe and thoroughly immerse themselves in all aspects of horsemanship with small group lessons or private weekly sessions.
Michelle McNally
My passion for all things Equine began in South Florida in the early 80’s before moving to Connecticut where I where I got my first horse. As a young rider I simply couldn’t get enough weekends mucking stalls, competing at local horse shows and just spending time at the barn.
Later while studying at Tulane University (1991- 1995), I began actively teaching lessons, training green horses and competing in combined training events which effectively launched my professional career. After graduation, I returned north to NY and CT and continued pursuing my equine passion in management. I further refined and developed my knowledge in positions as barn manager, assistant trainer, equine veterinary technician and show groom. While also actively competing in open and schooling jumper divisions as much as possible.
I returned to Florida in 2004 after a short hiatus to Hawaii where I satisfied my horse addiction, leading trail rides part time on an 180,000 acre cattle ranch and training students for local shows. Now my focus is centered on teaching, training, managing and showing in the Palm City area full time. In 2013 I started McNally Show Horses, a riding school which maintains a professional atmosphere with “A” show quality mounts for students to improve their skills and develop their passion for riding. Lessons, training and day camps with me are fundamentally about good horsemanship. Developing an understanding and respect for the horse/rider relationship and the care they require while learning proper equitation on caliber mounts are the priorities at McNally Show Horses. Riders that wish to show are encouraged to do so but there is no pressure to compete and those with their own horses can arrange to ship their horses to my facility or I can arrange to travel to your facility for top level private instruction.
Recent Accomplishments:
- 2010 Qualified an endurance horse for the World Equestrian Games (WEG)
- 2011 Certified trainer United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA)
- 2012 Licensed United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) official “r” judge Equitation, Hunters and Jumpers
- 2015 Vice Chair Equine Committee Florida Farm Bureau
- 2016 Expert Witness Equestrian lawsuits
Sam Whitley
Sam grew up in Virginia Beach, where she started riding as a young child. As a junior rider, she competed at many state and national finals. To help offset the cost of riding and competing, Sam became a working student for Somerset Farms, on Long Island, at the age of 13. Somerset became a home away from home for Sam, as she would spend summer, winter, and spring breaks caring and riding customer owned horses in exchange for board and lessons.
In 2012 Mrs. Whitley graduated cum laude from Centenary University with a Bachelor’s in Equine Studies, double concentrating in Equine Business Management and Teaching and Training, as well as obtaining a minor in Business Management. During her time at Centenary, Sam was an important member of the IHSA, ANRC, and Hunter Jumper Teams. Her dedication to the multiple collegiate teams lead to many victories and great experiences in the show ring.
With her active participation in the many events the school had to offer, Sam also found time to work for Centenary’s veterinarian, Dr. Michael Fugaro. During her time under Fugaro, Sam became familiar with diagnostic tools, lameness exams, and surgical procedures. This dedication, self-motivation, and value to Centenary’s program earned Mrs. Whitley the Amateur Affiliate Sportsmanship Award from the USHJA. This was awarded to outstanding amateurs who exemplify good horsemanship, sportsmanship, and integrity. Sam was also awarded Centenary University’s Equine Student of the Year, and received an Award of Excellence in the Classroom.
Upon graduation in 2012, Sam became the assistant trainer for Summerfield Farm, of Pittstown, NJ, and accomplished many milestones during her time with them. During her time at Summerfield she developed an impressive number of riders from their growing lesson program, who all obtained many state and national championships.
Mrs. Whitley has seen a great amount of success in the ring herself as a professional. She has been champion at large venues such as the Vermont Summer Festival, Fairfield County Horse Show, and the Sussex County Fair. Sam has competed and ribboned at many finals and indoors such as Devon, Pennsylvania National, WIHS, and The National Horse Show in the 3’6” and 3’9” Green Hunters as well as the Conformation and High Performance Hunters. Sam’s success in and out of the show ring was noticed by many, including her alma mater. Centenary recognized Mrs. Whitley in their inaugural “30 Under 30” program. This award is given to young professionals excelling in their field.
Aside from teaching, Sam's other passion is importing and training young horses from Europe. During this process she hand selects horses that exude top qualities and characteristics necessary for both the hunter and equitation rings. Upon import she puts the training, time and finishing touches into each horse to transform them into a successful mount for their future riders.
In 2020 Sam made the move down to south Florida where she joined the McNally team upon arrival. Sam and Michelle share the same ideology of basic horsemanship and teaching styles, which made the move to McNally Show Horses smooth and successful.
With Sam’s experience, passion, and dedication to the sport and our riders, we know she will help you excel here at McNally Show Horses.