Michael Graham

Michael Graham, a native of Maryland, is the head trainer and proud co-owner of Volte Farms. He is an accomplished rider and has competed through Training Level eventing on his talented self-started and self-trained Hanoverian/Shire Cross, Guinness.  Michael gained world-class training experience as a working student for Chuck Waters. He has also enhanced his skills in both jumping and dressage under the coaching of Mehdi Kazemi and world-class eventing coach and competitor, Karen O’Connor. In addition, Michael has also ridden under Dressage Olympic Bronze Medalist Michelle Gibson, USDF Gold Medalist Glenda Needles, USDF Gold Sarah Martin, and USDF Silver Medalist Ila Handy. 

Michael prides himself on the success of not only his personal horses, but the success of his training horses and his clients. His approach to each horse in his program is both personalized and professional. He works with owners in setting goals for their horses and themselves. Michael then devises a training program to reach these goals in a manner which is not only successful but very fair to the horse. Also, horses will enjoy a variety exercises and gymnastics as the method to build strength, suppleness, and balance. His goal is that they enjoy their work, look forward to it, and thus thrive. Whether over stadium fences, on the cross country course, in the dressage court, or on ground work, Michael is a true horseman who puts the needs and happiness of the horse first. His problem-solving ability when faced with a challenge is top-notch as Michael prides himself in the safe and happy progression of the horses. As a result, riders also see the same success when working toward their goals as Michael mentors and challenges them in a fun, safe, and positive manner. He is able to transfer the training he puts on the horses to their riders so that they are equally successful and empowered when in the saddle.

Michael also enjoys starting young horses. His program focuses on the elements of the Dressage Training Scale while incorporating components of natural horsemanship and in-hand work. All of his training horses enjoy a diverse schedule that includes hacking out. This is particularly important to Michael when working with young horses as it builds their confidence and trust in the rider which is an absolute necessity in riding for pleasure and when riding for competition. 

Michael is an active member of USEF, USEA and USDF. Many of his clients are competing in eventing and dressage while others ride for pleasure making the owners in Michael’s program diverse in their goals. Michael enjoys teaching riders of all levels, ages, and disciplines.  

Specialties

• Ground work for young and rehab horses
• Starting young horses
• Solid foundation in dressage
• Behavioral issues
• Eventing

Connect with Michael
Cell: 720-933-2643, Call or text
(Text is the best way to contact)
Email: michael@voltefarms.com