MEET THE TEAM
Mike Perez
Mike Perez will work with any horse, including foals, yearlings, senior horses and specializes in stallions.
He is a cornerstone of the Varian Equestrian Center, known for his expertise in training new foals and young horses using the celebrated "Varian Way" of horsemanship. With over 20 years at Varian and direct mentorship from Sheila Varian herself, Mike combines a legacy of consistent, gentle, and effective training techniques that focus on respect, trust, and communication with each horse as an individual.
Gentle beginnings, lasting results
In-hand groundwork is so important to a horse’s future – whether it is a halter horse, performance horse, trail horse, or even breeding horse – to give it a strong foundation as a youngster. This prepares their minds and bodies for understanding the horse/human connection and prepares it for future training and use.
They are ultimately safer, happier, and used to using their minds at a young age. And Mike sets the foundation in a gentle, clear way, making their first training experience a positive one. It is all a part of “The Varian Way.” He learned all he knows from Sheila herself.
When it comes to starting new foals, Mike specializes in:
Groundwork and Respectful Manners
Mike’s approach begins from the moment the halter goes on. He is skilled in establishing solid ground manners, helping foals understand boundaries in a way that’s kind but consistent. This careful attention helps young horses become confident and respectful from an early age.
Responsive Halter Breaking
He sets the foundation for handling in the halter ring, teaching foals to respond calmly and willingly to cues rather than react out of fear or confusion.
Desensitizing
Mike uses gradual exposure and desensitization to everyday sights, sounds, and handling, setting up young horses to adapt well to new situations without unnecessary stress.
Customized Training Pace
True to the Varian Way, Mike lets each foal set their own pace, adjusting his methods to the needs and temperament of the individual. This ensures that trust is built every step of the way and the horse's confidence grows with each session.
Working with Stallions
Mike works with stallions through a calm, patient, and respectful approach that emphasizes trust and consistency. He takes the time to understand each stallion’s individual temperament, creating training sessions that encourage focus while maintaining their natural spirit. By balancing firmness with empathy, Mike cultivates a safe environment where stallions can learn boundaries without losing confidence. His experience allows him to guide stallions through essential skills, from handling to breeding management, ensuring they remain both well-mannered and expressive. This thoughtful approach reflects the Varian tradition of producing stallions that are not only superior athletes but also reliable, willing partners.
Preparing for the Show Ring and Beyond
For those destined for in-hand or performance careers, Mike’s expertise in halter training creates a strong, responsive, and presence-ready youngster.
Mike Perez’s hands-on approach and deep commitment to the legacy of Sheila Varian make him an invaluable resource for owners looking to give their foals the very best start at Varian Equestrian Center, while also bringing expertise in working with yearlings, mature horses, and stallions. Boarders and clients can schedule ground training sessions with Mike to experience first-hand the patience, skill, and positive results that are the hallmarks of his program.
