Our Board of Directors

Michelle Goodrich

Founder

Michelle has spend the past 25 years integrating horses into the life of her family. Her children were raised with horses and farm life and her daughter began riding at age 4. Michelle's youngest son was born with special needs that required physical and occupational therapy and this prompted Michelle to begin a therapeutic riding program for children with disabilities under NARHA programing. It was during this time that Michelle began rescuing Arabians that were being starved. Seventeen years ago she was able to create and implement the third largest rescue organization in Champaign County. After moving north in 2016, the Hooved Companion Project was born. The thought behind the rescue is that for every horse there is a companion for them.

Anthony Goodrich

VP

Anthony has been in love with horses since his days of being on the Mounted Patrol Unit. He spent seven years patrolling events and was dispatched daily on horseback. After 27 years he retired. It didn't take him long to accept another position in law enforcement. He still spends before work and after work and free time caring for the rescue horses. He currently owns two Arab crosses and his passion is steering him into endurance riding.

Rachel Clausen

Secretary

Rachel's love for horses started when she was just a child. She lived on a twenty acre horse farm and spent most of her time riding, grooming, caring for and showing horses. Her family had to move due to a job relocation. After high school and college, she decided to get back into riding. She helped found Hooved Companion Project and helped to build their mission. It has been her passion to help save these animals’ lives. She states "It’s a privilege to be a part of this organization".

Lara Burau

Training Advisor

Lara Earned her BS in Equine Science at Midway College, KY and continued her education in eventing and dressage with such notable trainers as Cathy Wieschhoff , Jeurgen Helmut, Jessica Stark, Kim Barteau, Enrique Martinez and Marijke de Jong.

Laura was an Adjunct Professor for the subjects of Equine Reproduction & Breeding, Equine Management, Nutrition, and Business at Kishwaukee Community College during their Equine Certificate AA program.

She is currently a certified instructor with the American Side-Saddle Association; working towards instructor certification thru Straightness Training Mastery program, as well as thru the International Horse Agility Club; she has over 60+ hours Basic Mounted Police Training thru the National Mounted Police Training Service; and has completed over 20+ hours thru Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Awareness. She works closely with the Hooved Companion Project, assessing and helping to place horses rescued from kill pens nationally.