I recently attended a colt starting clinic by Mike Branch, and I will definitely continue all of my training through him! He was very attentive to all aspects of the training for me and my colt. I was very impressed with his listening skills, as I have attended clinics in the past where I was sure that not one word I said was heard. We accomplished more in 2 days than I had accomplished in 3 days at other clinics. For the first time, I see a marked difference in my colt. I will recommend Mike to everyone needing training for their horses! He is a very nice person, but above all, genuinely cares for your horse, and it shows.

 Carla Welch
Knoxville, TN

I bought a Percheron PMU baby through auction almost two years ago. He was virtually untouched when I got him and I worked very hard to teach him to
trust people. I was respectful of the fact that I had a clean slate on which to create a great partnership.  I named the colt Ben and did what I could to work with him. I taught him to lead; to stand for the farrier and even started some basic round pen work. After all that, I had no idea what to do once I did get him used to having a saddle on his back. I wanted to be involved in his training but I was lost.

Then my friend found Mike Branch's website and we started reading. I had adopted a Mustang years ago and seeing that Mike had worked with Mustangs I
knew he would understand how to teach Ben and my friend's gelding, Utah, without forcing them. My friend and I took our two year old geldings to Mike for a weekend colt starting clinic. Once there, we realized our fur children were rather on the spoiled side, but after just a few hours of re-teaching, we were ready to get the geldings started.

It was a wonderful learning experience. During that weekend, we worked both on the ground and in the saddle. We made sure that the boys understood by asking them to work with us and not forcing them. Everything I worked on with Ben I could see would be useful for my other horses. After seeing how gently and easily this large Percheron could be asked to turn or stop under the saddle made me realize that my "finished" Belgian mare at home had a lot of work that needed to be done. I have started working with her on all things I am continuing with Ben.

If you are searching for some new training methods for and old horse or wanting to work with a beginner, I recommend Mike Branch for training. We have already begun our plans for another weekend with Mike and our "finished" horses. I had mentioned to Mike that I wanted to start Ben myself but would send him somewhere to be finished. Mike said no one or their horse is ever finished. We are always learning. I agree with that and am ready to continue learning with all my horses.

Thanks Mike.

Angela Devine

After only a few lessons, Mike Branch helped me overcome my fear of being hurt while riding and taught me ground skills which improved my relationships with my mare and three geldings. I was a good rider as a teenager but during the years of mothering, homemaking and professional work I lost my riding confidence and my previous horse skills faded. Now in my mid-fifties I have the joy of owning horses again and partnering with them to help my young clients in therapy. I needed Mike's help getting back in the saddle. I found Mike to be a patient and extremely competent teacher. He taught me how to be a more assertive but kind leader to my horses and due to my new skills I can tell my horse partners have a new respect for me. Mike communicates his lessons effectively with both the horse and the human student in his gentle, accepting style. I am grateful for his help. Dr. Pam Gross.

Pamela H. Gross, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Harmony from Horsefeathers Farm

It has been my pleasure to provide Mike Branch with veterinary services for the past 3 and ½ years. During that period of time I have had the pleasure of observing Mike's growth and development in training both horses and their owner's. Mike's love and dedication to horses is evident in both the amount of time and energy he invest in their lives and the results he achieves with them. I have seen his patience, knowledge and gentle but steady hand bring out the best in both horse and rider. Many people desire to understand and communicate with their horses. Mike has proven himself more than qualified to help individuals achieve those goals and, through the establishment of Shekinah Farms, Mike has made it possible for people to enhance their relationship with their horse in a positive manner.

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Eric Martin, D.V.M., M.S.
Martin Veterinary Services, L.L.C
Knoxville, TN