HIS HERS & Finding Direction, Taking Action with Mikhail Proctor

with L.A. Sokolowski, equinista

Ever since Mikhail Proctor, 34, of Lexington, Kentucky, earned a Na�onal �tle five years ago in his first Gold Level appearance at the USEF/Equestrian Vaul�ng USA Na�onal Championships, this USEF Director of Membership, DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and Development has seen the horse world take flight. In 2011, while interning at the Kentucky Equine Adop�on Center, he took on a rescued but untouched five year-old American Warmblood gelding called Goliath as a project un�l, “I tried vaul�ng with him one day just to see if he’d like it, and he took to it like he was meant to do it his whole life. We just con�nued training from there.” It took them both to the EVUSA Gold / 2* Young Vaulter Level. A boyhood background in track and field, taekwondo, and gymnas�cs have made him a formidable compe�tor but fortunately for us, we didn’t need a running start to catch up with this athle�c horseman.

HERS: What do you remember about your first horse or pony?

HIS: I was five years old when my aunt took me to my first pony ride. I remember there were two, one pony- and the other horse-sized. I rode both, multiple times, and by the end of the visit I was helping the handlers brush and feed. I wanted to learn as much as I could, so I’d say that is where the passion started.

HERS: What do you like best in a horse?

HIS: I love their individual personalities. Each horse is unique, just like us.

HERS: What do you like best in a person?

HIS: Honesty. My parents call me Mr. Outspoken. I speak my mind. Too often people hold emotions back, lock them inside and they fester. Be upfront and honest with everyone, but most importantly, with yourself.

HERS: What was your first job and how old were you?

HIS: My first job was mowing lawns. I started mowing my own lawn when I was six, and then started my own little business in middle school, mainly for the neighbors, but that grew once I was able to drive.

HERS: If you worked outside the horse world what might you be doing?

HIS: I would be in marketing and/or property management.

HERS: Favorite quote?

HIS: “I am somebody and I will let nothing stand in my way.”

HERS: Who has inspired and/or mentored you as a horseman?

HIS: If I were to narrow it down to one person, it would be David Hunter. Most may not recognize his name, but he is the best horseman I have ever witnessed. To this day I use many of his techniques when working with horses.

HERS: What do you find most rewarding about your role with the USEF?

HIS: Transitioning to USEF has been the most natural progression. Joining the team was a no-brainer. I enjoy the collaboration on projects as well as experiencing firsthand the passion of the horse throughout our sport.

HERS: How would you like to see our horse world evolve over the next 10 years?

HIS: I feel our sport is at a crossroads and this is a good thing. Tradition has carried our sport but now we are seeing the power of horses expand to places we never imagined. I understand change can be a difficult concept but this is an exciting time. I am looking forward to the LA28 Olympics. We have an opportunity to share our love of horses with more individuals and continue to transform not only our industry but also our daily lives.

HERS: You can invite 3 guests (past or present, real or fictional) to dinner. Who joins you and what’s served?

HIS: BREAKFAST will be served and would include Beyoncé, Steve Harvey, and James Cameron. Each has a unique way of bringing a vision to life. They all have inspired me so I would be honored to share a meal with them (This is sparking, “How can we make this happen?” My brain is a dangerous place sometimes!)