Page 44 - Equine Chronicle August Select 2020

MIKE & MAY EDWARDS QUARTER HORSES
horses and riders progress is very rewarding for us, as is seeing horses we’ve had as youngsters go on to continue showing successfully for years to come. At the end of the day, we hope to have made a positive impact on those who have participated in our program and to have earned the respect of our fellow trainers.”
Both professional horsemen began their riding careers early in life. Mike grew up on a horse farm in Eugene, Ore- gon, learned roping under Leroy McCay, and became a Youth Cow Horse World Champion before going to work for Bob Avila. “Mike went to work for Bob after high school and learned more of the all-around events; because, at that time, Bob was still training all-around horses, in addition to Reiners and Cow Horses,” May says. May grew up in Cali- fornia, with fond memories of beach rides on rental horses with her Mom before getting a horse for Christmas in 1984. She recalls with a laugh, “It was a barely broke Half-Arabian mare and a bareback pad! I later got into showing locally, and I became drawn to Quarter Horses. I guess you could say I climbed the ladder of learning as I am primarily self- taught.” The couple met in 2002 when May was running her own training operation in California and called Mike about a horse for a client. She recalls, “Somehow, we hit it off over the phone, and I moved to Washington later that year.”
Mike and May Edwards Quarter Horses offer their rid- ers the chance to learn and grow in safe, beautiful surround- ings. The farm has 22 roomy stalls in the main barn, an
expansive 80’ x 180’ covered arena, two 36’ x 36’ all-season turnouts, a large round pen, a large outdoor pen, and two pastures, all set on meticulously maintained grounds. “Mike bought the property as bare land and began building in 1998,” May says. “Rainfall in the Pacific Northwest can be brutal, but summer and fall are so beautiful and serve as a great reminder of why we choose this as our home. We’re both very particular about groundskeeping. I like working in the flower beds and Mike loves his driving mower. When I was younger, I wondered how I’d afford a covered arena. I’m in my late 40s now and sometimes I still wonder the same thing, but I speak for both of us when I say how proud of and lucky we feel to have our facility.”
The Edwards welcome riders of all ages and abilities to join them at their facility. They work with each client to en- sure that the learning process is both fun and rewarding, and they truly care about their clients, hitting the road each year with gusto to attend all the big shows. Their dedication to their horses and clients is evident when May explains their view of their chosen careers, “Is there such a thing as non- horse life? We work a six or seven day work week and, if not in the barn, we seem to find an endless amount of yard work and projects to do.”
The couple thrives on their lifestyle. Even when things slow down, they’re always focused on the upcoming show season, eager to help their clients find success. “Horse training is our lifestyle and all-consuming, so goals and up-
continued on page 40
38 - August/September, 2020