Mike Marquez Horsemanship at Vaquero Training Center

04/02/2026

https://marquezbraiding.etsy.com

Shop Braided Paracord Reins, Bit Stops, Martingale and More! by MarquezBraiding located in Connecticut, United States. Rave reviews! Average review rating is 4.8 or higher

03/30/2026

⚜️Ground Driving Clinics offered! Ask us about other subjects too!
Vaquerotc@aol,com
Having been in the horse business all my life, with 50 + years as a professional, I've had plenty of opportunity to witness the wide variety of issues that people tend to have with their horses.
I would have to say that the most common problem is a lack of communication skills that enable a person to communicate in a manner that is more likely to produce a positive response from the horse.
The problem can come from a person thinking that, because it makes sense to them, that it should make sense to a horse.
Or, when somebody is told, for example, to use their legs and they do, and the horse doesn't respond, it almost never occurs to them that the problem doesn't lay with the horse, but with HOW they used their legs.
There is an almost universal lack of serious concern in people for the quality of their communication skills with horses. Not because they don't care about it, but because their attention is more focused on the horse than themselves.
Because of this, I put an emphasis on teaching people to care about communicating well through their signals. How WELL you say something to a horse is, often times, more important than WHAT you say.
Another thing I teach is that what makes sense to you isn't a priority to the horse. Horses don't care about people's opinions or feelings. They only care about what you DO, not what you FEEL. The priority in horsemanship is learning to understand what makes sense to the horse. And then to be able to communicate that to them in as eloquent manner as possible, knowing that eloquence is defined by how the horse hears it, not the rider/handler.
Horsemanship is a person acquiring the skills to be able to communicate with a horse in as effective, efficient, and quiet manner as possible. It's a lifelong learning event.

01/11/2026

"Jax" - Young jack. Yes!, we work with Mules too

01/11/2026

https://www.vaquerotraining.com/

Established since 1983 - Home of Mike Marquez Horsemanship. No matter the discipline, we teach comprehensive, effective horsemanship for true connection and versatility.

01/02/2026

🥳 Welcome 2026!! 🥳 Year of the Horse! 🐴🐴... and your new year goals! 🥳
Mike Marquez Horsemanship at Vaquero Training Center can help with those goals! 🙂 Contact us for Lessons or Workshops!! [email protected]
~ 🐴No matter the discipline, or objective, we model our training philosophy after the California Spanish horsemen of the 17th and 18th centuries; men whose stature in society was reflected by their ability to train exceptional horses, and whose very lives often depended on the product of that ability, we have developed a training program worthy of the name "Vaquero". This traditional method allows a horse to be well rounded and able to follow in just about any direction.
~ 🐴With over 50 years of professional and successful experience behind him, Mike's certain that he'll be able to make your goals a reality. From developing a strong foundation of confidence and obedience in a young horse just starting its career, to putting the finishing touches on your show horse, to carefully and patiently retraining horses that have acquired bad habits, he can meet your needs and your horse's needs.
~ 🐴He doesn't use gadgets to obtain these goals - just patience and time. He comprehensively ground drives most horses for breaking and retraining.
~ 🐴Owners are welcome at any time, and he encourages owner/handlers to work with him to ensure a strong understanding once the training time is over ensuring a long productive relationship. You will learn the Why's and the How's - and many things that have not been explained to you for, clearer understanding, in previous teachings.
~ Mike teaches handler/owners horsemanship psychology - keeping emotions out of the process - also reschooling and helping you through any preexisting fears or apprehensions.
~ There's a reason it's called "HorseMANship" 🎉😁

10/24/2025

08/20/2025

🌟 A HUGE thank you to our incredible donors! 🌟
Because of your generosity, children with craniofacial differences get to experience the magic of camp — a place where they can be themselves, build lifelong friendships, and discover just how strong and amazing they are. 💛
At Kenzie’ camp, kids gain confidence, try new adventures, and share stories with peers and mentors who truly understand their journey. None of this would be possible without the love and support of our top donors who believe every child deserves a chance to shine.
✨ You’re not just giving the gift of camp — you’re helping build courage, connection, and joy that last a lifetime.

08/03/2025

Slow and steady wins the race. Rome wasn’t built in a day. In this picture: Autism/legally blind and navicular. Both rider and horse have been on their own personal journeys. But, it seems we are making amazing strides. Rider has built up confidence with help from her VTC instructors and Bear is more sound than he’s been in a long time. Hopefully, we’ve found what works for this team and we can watch their bond grow stronger than it already has. 💙🐴

05/23/2025

🥳 Mike Marquez of Vaquero Training Center in Tolland, CT will have a training stall opening in mid-June! It's a rare opportunity so Grab it quick!
📞Text or call- 860-623- 2687 or email [email protected]

05/23/2025

Respect & awareness starts on the ground

03/09/2025

Spring is almost here!! Contact Mike for Clinic Ideas or Travel to Barn Lessons (4-5 min riders/Handlers). Groundwork, Ground Driving for reconditioning/retraining, Western Dressage, Rider Psychology - "How to let go!", Trailer Loading, and more! Don't be afraid to ask if you have a subject that may benefit your group!!
[email protected]
860-623-2687
www.vaquerotraining.com