Donate in memory of Mike Hughes to Ride to Walk

Dear friends and family,

It is with a broken heart that I share the news of the passing of my beloved cowboy and fiancé, Michael P. Hughes. He passed away unexpectedly on Monday Sept. 18, 2023. I met Michael in January of this year and we were to be married on July 13, 2024 in Montana. He was the love of my life and we both believed that God had orchestrated our hearts meeting at this stage of our lives. It was the second time that I met him that my heart knew it had found its other half, I had never been more sure of anything in my life. Though we were together for only 9 months I loved this man for a lifetime, he changed my life for the better. He was a light in my life after I had suffered the loss of my parents in 2020. It was a privilege to love Michael, we cherished our love and never took it for granted. Michael was gentle and kind with a heart of gold and lived by the cowboy code of ethics. Michael never gave up on a horse, ever.

Michael was a professional bull rider for more than 20 years as well as a world renowned horse trainer who was sponsored by the FEI, Wrangler, Ariat International and Pendleton Whisky. He traveled all over the world sharing his knowledge and skill as well as through his Mikehugheshorsetraining YouTube channel where he had over 25,000 followers and created over 300 instructional videos. He specialized in helping horses with behavioral issues and working with rescue horses. He also helped evacuate horses during the California wildfires and he was an integral part of the non-profit organization, Ride to Walk in Penryn, CA.

His sudden and unexpected passing has left a huge void in not only my life but in the lives of so many of his friends and clients. Many of you have asked if you can donate in his honor and that is why his parents and I have decided to start this fundraiser. His parents would like all the proceeds to go directly to Ride to Walk because this program was so important to Michael. He loved how it helped children and adults with autism and other disabilities enjoy the unique bond that is possible between a person and a horse.

My life will never be the same without Michael but I have come to realize that the gift he left me is his love that will forever be in my heart and the love of the people he called his family. Rest In Peace my cowboy, I know you are in a better place and we will ride on and honor your legacy.