Horsepeople of the Year: Paula Hitzler

I strongly believe that each incredible horseperson had a strong educator to guide them into the path of the equestrian world. Paula Hitlzer is one of those individuals. For over 36 years, Paula shaped, mentored, coached, educated and shared her passion for horses at Michigan State University (MSU) in the Horse Teaching and Research Center and animal science department. This past May, she retired from her position—but not without changing the lives of over 1,500 students, hundreds of equines, faculty, parents and equine professionals.

In 1989, Paula was hired as the farm manager for MSU, the third oldest Arabian breeding program in the country, to not only manage the ever-growing program but to create a hands-on course for the animal science department including the creation of horse training fundamentals, young horse training, sales and conditioning, labs in reproduction, equine management and more.

Her diverse equine background started as a young child playing with her Breyer horses, then grew to taking lessons then begging her parents for a pony. They finally gave in and bought her a $25 pony named Lightning. As every good pony does, he bucked her off more times than she could count. She finally had enough and trained him herself over the summer at the age of 9 and ended up winning first place at their first show together. Sheer passion and determination set Paula up for success in her career path. After her college education, she went on to work for some of the top farms in the country until settling back into Michigan and beginning her teaching career.

Being a true educator is far more than teaching from a textbook; it is teaching with care, hands-on experiences, compassion, joyfulness and sometimes sadness, especially when it comes to the equine world. If you ask any of Paula’s students, one thing that they learned from her that set them up for success is to follow your heart. It is clear to see her students have followed her lead. Many are top trainers in the Arabian, Quarter Horse, Saddlebred and Morgan breeds. In the world of hunter-jumpers, dressage and reining, she has produced international trainers and industry leaders in veterinary medicine, breeding, pharmaceutical animal health and feed companies. They will say they were taught by one of the best: Paula Hitzler.

Life lessons are often taught outside the walls of a classroom; Paula gave her students the proper tools and lessons to become the horsepeople they are today. Encouragement, empowerment, understanding and tough love was given when it was needed the most. Cheering them on long after their graduation, writing letters of recommendation and always a phone call away to listen and give sound advice is what exceptional educators do.

Hundreds of the finest Arabian horses were bred and born at MSU. Many of these horses have been multinational champions in a host of divisions including halter, hunter and Western performance, reining, dressage and sport horse. Others have become leading producers as well as wonderful 4-H horses, first-time-owners’ horses and top therapy horses. Some of the world’s top stallion owners have stood their stallions at MSU because of Paula’s knowledge, care and leadership.

So, what is in store for this wife, mother, grandmother, amateur horse owner, educator and all-around amazing human? She will tell you her goal is to continue educating, coaching—especially the DIY amateur horse owners in and out of the show ring so they can succeed in any equine path they choose—and continuing her education on a daily basis because when you quit learning, you quit growing. She will also be joining the Angel Heart Farm board of directors as an equine and training advisor, she will judge a few local shows and hopefully convince her son-in-law that her grandbabies need a pony—just not one like Lightning.

-Tracy Kujawa

I am delighted to see Paula recognized as one of the 2026 Horsepeople of the Year. I was fortunate enough to work for and learn from Paula as a student at Michigan State, and again later on in my professional career. Through both experiences, she taught me so much about riding, training and the day-to-day management of horses and a successful barn operation. During her 36 years as the manager of the MSU Horse Teaching and Research Center, Paula had a tremendous impact on generations of students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in the equine industry. Her influence extends well beyond the university, making a lasting contribution to the Arabian horse industry as well. Her dedication and investment into the farm, horses and students was truly one of a kind. I am grateful to have been one of the many individuals who had the opportunity to learn from her. This recognition is a wonderful tribute to her years of commitment and the lasting legacy she has built.

-Hannah Brink

Paula has had an incredible impact on my life, both as my coach for four years and as someone I had the opportunity to work alongside at the MSU Horse Teaching and Research Center. Paula’s ability to explain the complexities of horse and rider biomechanics in creative ways that make concepts easier to visualize and apply has helped develop countless students. She truly cares about helping her students grow, and she has a special way of encouraging us to believe in ourselves and reach our full potential, even when we may not yet see it in ourselves. Paula has always been someone I could count on to come to my aid no matter the issue or circumstance. Her impact extends far beyond the horses and riders she works with, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been one of her students!

-Claire Summers