About Mikala

                                                                     (Mikala & Pik L)

Mikala Munter Gundersen grew up in Denmark and has been an equine enthusiast and Dressage Trainer/ Instructor for over 20 years. Her love of horses, beginning at an early age, and her desire to share this with others, compelled her to complete four rigorous years of Equestrian education. In Denmark, a country that is very highly regarded in Equestrian sports, one must complete this education and become certified as a Trainer/Instructor prior to any professional equine training and teaching.

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After completing her formal education, Mikala had the opportunity to train with two-time Olympic Silver Medalist and World Champion, Lis Hartel. Under Ms. Hartel's guidance, Mikala quickly became a highly esteemed stallion rider, and was very successful in the competition arena. Mikala was also fortunate to receive instruction from Olympic and World Cup Rider, Lars Petersen.

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In 2000 Mikala became the Danish Indoor Champion at Intermediare I, on her self trained gelding Calzone, a Danish Warmblood by Schwadoneur. On her way to competing for the Grand Prix, Mikala often traveled to Germany to train with her close friend Lisa Wilcox, Olympic Bronze Medalist, and Lisa’s trainer Ernst Hoyos. In the following years , Mikala had many successful rides at Intermediare II and the Grand Prix. For three years Mikala was ranked one of the top 10 riders in Denmark.

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In 2004, Mikala with her husband Henrik- a Grand Prix jumper rider, and their two children Claudia and Casper, chose to move to the U.S. and introduce their popular horse treadmill business to the States. Mikala has continued her teaching and training business in Wellington, Florida.

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During 2006, her first season competing in the U.S., Mikala won both a Grand Prix and a Grand Prix Special on Pinocchio, (owned by Rebecca Kelly) as well as several other victories and places riding Marwick and D’Allegra, also owned by (Rebecca Kelly). Additionally, Mikala successfully competed on her own horse Gryffindor, and with Cipriano, (owned by Sonja Ucci) who at the recent National Horse Show in 2006, placed first in their division of Intermediate 2.

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At the most recent event at Cosequin Wellington Dressage, of February 8-11, 2007 - Sonja Ucci’s Cipriano and Mikala were 4th & 2nd in their first 2 Grand Prixs! In January 2007, Mikala took over the exciting opportunity of continuing the training of Horses Unlimited’s elite dressage stallions- Galant Du Serein, Pik L and Pikko del Cerro. These new ‘teams’ have been competing successfully in the 2007 events starting with the Gold Coast Opener CDI!

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Now that Mikala and Henrik consider Florida home, they plan to continue promoting their booming horse treadmill business, Horse-Gym USA, as well as training, showing and selling horses. Mikala is thrilled calling Wellington her home, and is excited about the endless possibilities the future holds for her.

(Mikala & Galant Du Serein)