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The Story of Great Returns Stables
Great Returns Stables is owned and operated by horsemen Michaela and Tommy Pemberton. We are located in the heart of Darmstadt, Indiana, near the Vanderburgh Co. 4H Center. It was established by Michaela in 2020 when she graduated from Black Hawk College Equestrian Program. She named the ranch in honor of her horse, Great Returns "Retro", who passed away at age 19 from cancer. Retro is the paint horse in our logo.
The barn expansion was recently built in 2025. We have 13 12'x12' stalls, a tack room, a feed room, an outdoor and indoor arena, and a square "round" pen​. We offer western and ranch horse training including colt starting, tune ups, and show horse training. We also offer full care horse boarding and lessons. Learn more about our amenities, trainers, and instructors below.​​​
Ranch Amenities
Trainers & Instructors
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Michaela Pemberton - Owner, Trainer, Instructor
Michaela began her love for horses at 6 years old when she started taking riding lessons. Her passion for horses grew and she got her first horse at age 15. She attended the Black Hawk College Equestrian Science program where she earned her Equestrian Science Associate's Degree and Horse Science Technology Certificate. While in college, she competed in Horsemanship in Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association. She also completed an internship under reining and cowhorse trainers, Slemp Performance Horses.
Michaela offers intermediate to advanced lessons, colt starting, and western & ranch horse training. Her training puts a focus on a solid foundation that sets the horse up for success for a lifetime, She has been giving riders lessons for 10 years and has a passion for helping them reach the next level with their horse.
Tommy Pemberton - Owner, Trainer, Instructor
Tommy grew up around horses with his family. He has competed in 4H, sorting jackpots, and local saddle clubs. He has a passion for breeding and raising foals, starting colts, and training cowhorses. ​​
Tommy offers groundwork lessons, intermediate to advanced cowhorse lessons, colt starting, tune ups, and cowhorse training. His training style puts a focus on biomechanics, functionality, and fundamentals.
Olivia Talley - Instructor
Olivia began taking riding lessons and got her first horse at age eight. She has earned many High Point Champion awards at local saddle clubs and 4H. She has experience in the hunt seat, western and ranch classes. She started her second horse, Gunny, under saddle herself. She has a special interest in reining and the ranch horse events. Olivia offers beginner to intermediate riding lessons.