I grew up on a dairy farm in Northern California. My friends had sheep and cattle ranches, so after the milk was in, I would spend plenty of time riding their horses in the hills and mountains of coastal Northern California. It was plain rough and tumble horsemanship with ranch horses that got lots of work in season.
In my life I have achieved many things. I have a Doctors and a Masters Degree in Dentistry, became an Associate Professor of Surgical Sciences at the University of Southern California, have flown my own airplane all over the country, became an expert scuba diver, started a winery and made Gold Metal wines. Now with my love for horses I have become a John Lyons Certified trainer. I have a desire to make the life of the horse and the human better through Natural Horsemanship.
About ten years ago, I was fortunate to meet my future best friend. His name is Irish, he is a husky palomino quarter horse and together we developed our natural horsemanship skills. Irish and I studied with everyone we could find, including, Clinton Anderson, Pat and Linda Parelli, Sandy Parker, Julie Cross, Dean Voigt, David Lichman, but none better than John and Josh Lyons.
After reaching Parelli Level 3, I found I wanted a more in-depth riding and problem solving equine education. After researching quality education in horsemanship, the Josh and John Lyons Certification Program rated as the best. Their training, is intense and concentrated hands on training.
My wife Pam and I discussed this for two years. Finally she said "this is your life's dream, so do it." Pam took care of the ranch and the horses and the irrigation and everything that happens on an eighty acre horse ranch for seven months. Without her support and encouragement I could not have done all that I did. I spent those seven months and eleven thousand miles trailering two horses, riding eight hours a day, and studying horsemanship between home and Parachute Colorado. This turned out to be the highlight of my life. I met and rode with some of the worlds best horsemen and women, and I studied with the best trainers to be found anywhere. I found that every horse is different and every trainer is different. That all of us who own and ride horses are trainers.
Mel, My primary demonstration horse is an eight year old running quarter horse. He is sixteen hands, very athletic, a heart of gold, beautiful brown eyes. He can do it all and never complains. Irish is still with me and is a terrific lesson horse. You too will be glad to know him.
I am looking forward to sharing this knowledge with you.
Michael Martin
Michael Martin Natural Horsemanship
