Michael grew up in Colorado and New York and graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Equine Science. Upon graduation, Michael moved to Hawaii to become Manager and Head Trainer of the Koko Crater Equestrian Center. After running the center for over two years, he returned to the mainland and moved to Virginia, where he continued to train horses and riders at the Great Falls Horse Center and Blue Fox Farm.

In 1996, Michael and his wife Marie founded Cavallo Farm. At Cavallo, Michael is owner, trainer and professional rider. Michael has hosted a Virginia Horse Show Association Associate-rated show series at the farm and currently attends USEF A-rated shows with his clients. Over the years, he has had many state and nationally ranked ponies and horses, and his riders have earned numerous championships including:

• 2008 HITS Culpeper Circuit Champion Short Stirrup Equitation - Follow the Rainbeau
• 2008 HITS Culpeper Circuit Reserve Champion Short Stirrup Hunter - Fortune Cookie
• 2007 Middleburg Classic Grand Champion Children's Pony - Follow the Rainbeau
• 2006 VHSA Regular 7th ranked Adult Amateur Jumper - San Francisco
• 2006 HITS Ocala Masters Champion Adult Amateur Jumper - San Francisco
• 2005 Zone 3 8th ranked Small/Medium Children's Hunter Pony and VHSA Regular 7th Ranked Medium Children's Hunter Pony - Smoke and Mirrors
• 2005 HITS Culpeper Circuit Champion Novice Adult Hunter - It's About Thyme
• 2003 VHSA Regular 3rd Ranked Large Children's Pony Hunter - A Step Ahead
• 2003 VHSA Regular 6th Ranked Large Pony Hunter - Emerald City
• 2000 AHSA 3rd ranked Large Green Pony and Zone 3 Champion Large Green Pony - Solaris
• 2000 AHSA 5th ranked Small/Medium Pony and Zone 3 Champion Small/Medium Pony - Night Watch