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Graduate of the very first John Lyon’s one year certification class in Colorado
After attending the 3-day clinic, I made the decision to attend another one and then from there to go to John’s home in Colorado to attend two 3-day apprenticeship clinics. While there, I learned that John had plans to offer a yearlong certification program at his ranch where students would be required to bring, start and train two unbroke horses. Though cost and logistics would make things difficult, I was determined that under John’s guidance I could become a successful horse trainer. That is how I not only became a graduate of the very first John Lyon’s certification class but, I in turn formed a lifelong friendship with a man and his family that taught me countless life lessons that I try to live by and utilize in my training.
One of the horses I took with me to Colorado was a three-year-old small blue roan paint stallion with blue eyes, appropriately named Blue, that I acquired from Marshall Virginia Stock Sale as a six-month-old. Now approaching the age of twenty-seven, I still have my best friend Blue. Together, we have travelled over 700,000 miles across the county spreading our message of “Training with Trust”. The first 10 years took place in a different state and a different barn every week. We learned together, taught together and took care of each other while trying to pass on John’s teachings of the true meaning of horsemanship to eager individuals searching for the same. While basically retired, and living a life of leisure happily grazing in the field, I still call on Blue for an occasional demonstration of his talents or to assist me with a difficult horse.
Over the years I have become somewhat known for colt starting, having started over 5,000 horses as well as problem or difficult horses. I think if I had to pick a couple of problems that owners consistently come to me for help there would be two things; lack of respect by horses towards humans and poor ground manners. Both issues can lead to major problems in training. By teaching key techniques of clear communication and patience to my students, most issues can be resolved and lead one to a journey of true horsemanship.
Michael and John Lyons enjoying a visit at Harlow's ranch in Cumberland, Virginia
Over the years I have become somewhat known for colt starting, having started over 5,000 horses as well as problem or difficult horses. I think if I had to pick a couple of problems that owners consistently come to me for help there would be two things; lack of respect by horses towards humans and poor ground manners. Both issues can lead to major problems in training. By teaching key techniques of clear communication and patience to my students, most issues can be resolved and lead one to a journey of true horsemanship.
A valuable lesson John taught me was to open your mind and learn from others. Thus, I have had the opportunity to continue my training education with many individuals in the disciplines of dressage, hunter-jumpers, eventing and reining. Sometimes these trainers have been well-known, others not so much, but all having something to offer to one eager to learn. Horsemanship is a lifelong continuum of education. Over the years I have had the opportunity work with many of our Olympic riders, participate in private training sessions and clinics in England on behalf of UK AQHA, contribute training articles for several equestrian magazines, publish four of my own training manuals as well as DVD’s and been featured on the “Today Show” and “Hard Copy”.