Page 42 - Equine Chronicle August Select 2020

MIKE & MAY EDWARDS QUARTER HORSES
Mike and May bring a wide range of experience to the table, giving them the unique ability to help riders hone their skills in a multitude of disciplines, and they thrive on the chance to help their clients achieve success. They specialize in training, coaching, and competition; helping riders find the right horse to fulfill their dreams, whether it’s pleasure riding, local showing, or loftier goals of national competi- tion. May explains, “Purchasing horses is no easy task! We’re sure that any professional in this industry would agree that finding a horse of a particular size, skill, and mindset with good conformation and minimal physical limitations and soundness issues is tough. Finding the ‘right one’ can be a long journey and sometimes means modifying the criteria for preferred events or preferred age, as examples. Adapt- ability and perseverance are definitely two of the many skills horses teach us.”
With the skill, dedication, and knowledge of decades in the industry, Mike and May can help riders find the perfect mount, and this dynamic couple is turning out local, regional, and national champions at their first-rate facility. Whether you’re a select rider wishing to return to the sport to fulfill a lifelong dream, a young rider with aspirations of youth and intercollegiate success, or anything in between, Mike and May have the ability to help quantify those goals and de- velop a path for success. May says, “We work to identify and develop each horse’s strong suits and do our best to align them with their rider’s goals. Setting realistic, attainable
goals with honest assessments along the way are key com- ponents. Sometimes, it’s not even a matter of what a partic- ular horse can or cannot do; it’s about doing what’s in their best interest, which is important to us.” The couple thrives on the diversity each client brings to the table. “We think it’s best to have a variety of ages, divisions, and events, though it can be a balancing act as far as schooling multiple patterns and also being at the back gate for multiple classes,” May says. “Good thing there’re two of us!” she says with a laugh. “We do prefer variety though – it keeps things interesting.”
The couple believes strongly in the importance of sup- porting their clients in the saddle and beyond, and they’re proud of the accomplishments their clients have made. Their students have achieved AQHA and AQHYA World Show and Congress placings; all-around awards at the largest West Coast Circuits, such as Silver Dollar and Sun Circuit; and success at the APHA World Show. Their clients have found success in Showmanship, Performance Halter, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Western Horsemanship, West- ern Pleasure, Western Riding, Trail, Working Cow Horse, and Reining.
Mike and May have developed a strong youth pro- gram, preparing young riders for scholarship success at some of the most prestigious colleges in the nation. May explains, “We feel fortunate to have had many talented horses and riders over the years as well as a handful of youth who have secured NCEA scholarships. Watching
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