about mike robbins and mkr equestrian

Mike was born and raised on the North Shore of Massachusetts. Like most children in the area who wish to ride, Mike began lessons at Pine Tree Equestrian Center in Beverly Farms. The knowledge and appreciation for horses Mike found there laid the foundation for what would become his lifelong passion and career.

During his high school years Mike began to train under the guidance of Ferial Johnson at Ledyard Farm in Wenham. His efforts and dedication to the sport were rewarded with two invitations to represent Area 1 USEA at North American Young Rider Championships in 2004 and 2005 - experiences he considers himself extremely fortunate to have received. He also considers himself extremely fortunate to have subsequently worked for and trained with some of the most accomplished eventing and dressage professionals along the East Coast.

After college, Mike relocated to Southern Pines, NC to work with Bobby Costello. Bobby, who finished 8th individually at the Olympics Games in 2000 and won Team Gold at the Pan American Games now serves on the USEF Eventing Selection Committee. He has built a stellar reputation as one of the most respected trainers and coaches in the United States.

Mike next spent a year working for Mark Weissbecker, an international competitor, FEI judge and official, who has also served on the USEF Eventing Selection Committee. A former USET/USEF team member, Mark was short-listed for the U.S. Olympic Team for Atlanta in 1996 and is both a licensed USEF "R" (Eventing) judge and an "r" Dressage judge.

At the end of his time with Mark, Mike returned home to Massachusetts. While working to build his own teaching and training business, Mike had the opportunity to continue working with top professionals. Mike spent a year working and riding for Cindi Rose Wylie, USDF Gold Medallist and USDF "R" judge and certified instructor.

Through the education he received from these top trainers and others, Mike has culled these ideas and techniques to develop his own unique approach to teaching riders and training horses. It is a patient, straightforward approach designed to instill confidence in horse-and-rider teams while maintaining a correct, healthful approach to development of the horse-regardless of age or level. With experience up to the Intermediate/CCI ** level, Mike is able to help just about anyone who looks to improve.