The Story of Great Returns Stables
Great Returns Stables is owned and operated by Michaela Weiss, located in the heart of Darmstadt, Indiana, just minutes from the Vanderburgh County 4-H Center. Michaela founded Great Returns Stables in 2020 after graduating from the Black Hawk College Equestrian Program with an Applied Associate of Science in Equestrian Science. She named the facility in loving memory of her horse, Great Returns “Retro,” who inspired her lifelong passion for horses and training.
In 2025, Michaela expanded and officially established the current Great Returns Stables facility. The barn features thirteen 12’x12’ stalls, a tack room, feed room, and both an indoor and outdoor arena.
Great Returns Stables offers a boutique style horse program with custom lesson and western/ranch horse training plans. The facility also provides full care boarding with an excellent nutrition program.
Learn more about Michaela and the facility amenities below.
Ranch Amenities
Owner, Manager & Trainer
Michaela Weiss
Michaela’s passion for horses began at just six years old when she started taking riding lessons. Her love for the sport continued to grow, and by fifteen, she welcomed her first horse, Fancy, whom she showed in 4-H and rode as part of the Vanderburgh County Drill Team and Color Guard.
She went on to attend the Black Hawk College Equestrian Science Program, earning an Associate’s Degree in Equestrian Science and a Horse Science Technology Certificate. During her time there, Michaela competed in Horsemanship through the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA), gaining valuable experience in the show arena. While in college, she also started her horse Wrangler under saddle in her colt-starting class and completed an internship with Slemp Performance Horses, who specializes in reining and cow horse training.
Over the years, Michaela has earned numerous high-point awards and championship buckles at saddle club shows. Outside of training and teaching, she enjoys showing her ranch horse Wrangler and is looking forward to bringing along her young horse, Bea.
Michaela takes great pride in providing top-notch care for all horses in her program and has a special interest in holistic equine nutrition, focusing on health and well-being from the inside out.
Today, Michaela offers riding lessons, colt starting, and western and ranch horse training. Her training philosophy centers on building a solid foundation that sets each horse up for lifelong success, no matter the discipline. With over 10 years of teaching experience, Michaela is passionate about helping riders and their horses reach the next level together.