Why Private Aviation is the Best Solution for Equestrians

Supporting Champions in the Sky and on the Ground

In the fast paced world of equestrian sport, timing, precision, and flexibility are everything. No one understands this better than Mike Belisle, Equestrian Ambassador for Magellan Jets. Mike has over 30 years of experience in the equestrian industry and currently serves as Director of Sport and Consulting Manager of TerraNova Equestrian Center. We sat down with Mike to discuss his journey, the unique vision behind TerraNova, and why private aviation has become an essential part of modern equestrian travel.

How did you get your start in the equestrian industry?

“I started in the industry as a laborer and quickly saw the opportunity to build a career. I’ve worked every facet operationally, gaining hands-on experience in event management, venue operations, and the broader equestrian business. That experience led me to establish Helm Limited, a consulting and management company specializing in event operations and venue development—whether for private facilities or large-scale projects like TerraNova.”

What has been the most defining moment of your career so far?

“One of the most defining moments of my career was launching Helm Limited. With over 30 years in the industry, I’ve worked with countless vendors and seen firsthand what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to event management and venue development. Through Helm, I help clients navigate these complexities, ensuring they get the best value and work with the right vendors for their projects. My experience allows me to anticipate challenges, avoid common mistakes, and deliver high-quality results, whether for private facilities or large-scale venues like TerraNova.”

What makes TerraNova a unique destination?

“TerraNova stands out because of its commitment to excellence in every detail. From the footing to the stabling, every aspect was designed to provide the best experience for horses, riders, and spectators alike. What truly sets it apart is the passion and vision of its owners. Their dedication to the sport, combined with a willingness to invest in top-tier infrastructure and a world-class team, has created a venue that not only meets but exceeds industry standards. It’s more than just a competition venue— It’s a lifestyle destination. It has offerings for everyone with the world class equestrian facility, estate lots, and world class golf course being constructed.”

Why is travel such a challenge for equestrian athletes?

“Travel is a major challenge in equestrian sport, with seasons shifting and top athletes needing to be in multiple destinations within the same week… It’s just something commercial travel can’t accommodate. Using a private aviation provider like Magellan Jets offers equestrians the flexibility to move seamlessly between events, saving time and reducing stress.

It’s not just the riders—owners and parents also rely on private aviation to stay involved without the constraints of commercial schedules. Magellan stands out for its flexibility, customer service, award-winning safety, and attention to detail. Magellan isn’t just about flying; it’s about delivering a tailored, world-class travel experience for the entire equestrian community.”

What are the key benefits of flying with Magellan Jets for equestrian professionals?

“Magellan Jets makes travel easy, reliable, and stress-free for equestrians who are always on the move. I recommend Magellan Jet’s because they have high safety standards, highly personalized service, and flexibility that is crucial to unpredictable equestrian travel needs. Their Jet Card program is refundable and there are no blackout dates and no restrictions. Magellan understands the equestrian lifestyle and delivers the flexibility and trust you need to focus on what matters—competing and winning.”

What’s your favorite equestrian destination, and why?

“That’s a tough one for me. I’ve had the opportunity to travel to venues all over the world, each offering something unique. I made it a point to visit as many as possible to learn and refine my craft. If I had to choose, one of my favorite venues—for both the sport and the overall experience—would be the Dublin Horse Show. The history, atmosphere, and level of competition make it truly special. It’s a perfect blend of tradition and top sport, set in a city that embraces equestrian culture.”

What excites you most about your partnership with Magellan Jets?

“Magellan Jets entering the equestrian space is a game-changer because no other provider offers this level of flexibility tailored to the sport’s unique demands. The equestrian lifestyle requires constant travel, often with last-minute changes, and Magellan understands that better than anyone. It’s exciting to partner with a company that truly understands and supports the equestrian community’s needs.”