Good morning. I hope every body is doing well. Please say hello to Barbara and Cassidi. I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed our time together. Although this time was briefer than planned, your knowledge and experience combined with an outstanding teaching style provided me with both insight and confidence. If I were to use one word to describe your approach it would be respectful. Respect for the horse and student were fundamental components involved in your program. I was particularly impressed with the manner in which you linked exercises in a progressive manner. This allowed me to understand not only the "how" but more importantly the "why".

Dan Hemsworth
Ft. McMurray, AB Canada

I was introduced to Martin Troutt a little over 5 years ago. During this time, Martin has become my only farrier and horse trainer. My confidence level in Martin is at its highest, not only did I allow Martin to train some of my horses, I let him teach and train my grandchildren.

Martin's ability as a farrier is demonstrated with each animal he works on using only the technique require for that animal, but he explains in detail every procedure and the final result he expects to obtain in doing such.

Martin's ability to train horses was demonstrated on my Tennessee Walker. After thirty days of training he was capable of being ridden and worked using pressure points. At the end of another thirty days of training this horse could be ridden by my grandchildren in a controlled area. After seeing the results, I had Martin train another one of my horses, a Morgan mare that had been broke to ride but not thoroughly trained.

After thirty days of Martin working with this horse, my grand kids ride her unsupervised in arenas, on trail rides and in parades.

Martin has the ability to work one on one with people and their horse giving them the confidence require to compete in trail rides, roping events and many other areas. He has worked with each of my grand kids and given them a wealth of information and courage required for them to enjoy the sport of horsemanship and competing in the events associated with horses.

Martin is the only person I will allow to work with or on my horses at this time. The only bad thing that a person can say about Martin is, "he just does not have enough time in a day to accomplish all the objectives that require his attention."

Bob Hilton

We have two horses, a five year old and a twelve year old mare. I had been riding the five year old since she was two. She had been loading in a trailer since she was nine months old. We took her on a six hour trailer ride to a Vet in ID., where on the way she had a bad experience and since then she would not load. I was plow reining her and she had gotten to the point where she would just pull the reins out of my hands. When I would try to canter her my boy friend Sam said it looked like she had four flat tires, she was so out of balance. Martin had her for two weeks and in that short time he had her loading by just tossing the lead rope over her back, she�d walk right in and stand quite. She would also now canter smoothly and pick up her leads. The most amazing thing was that she would trot, stop, back and pivot all with just a piece of string around her neck.

Our twelve year old mare from the time that we bought her at the age of three and a half would not take a bit if it was connected to a head stall. You could put a bit in her mouth or a head stall over her ears as long as they were not connected. After six years of fighting this we resorted to snapping the bit to her halter. She would spook and bolt at the littlest things and would not give to pressure.�Martin also worked this horse for us. We can now bridle her easily.�She doesn't spook easily any more, but if she does she doesn't try to bolt, she also gives to pressure. I watched Martin seal her feet with a small torch after trimming her. She stood trembling all over; but stood with trust never the less. Before she would have exploded and been three miles down the road before you could have blinked!

Our twelve year old mare had a two inch horizontal crack at the heel that would never grow out. Martin shod her twice and the crack was gone! The five year old mare had feet to small for her body size. Martin has been trimming her since she was two and now her feet have grown out to fit her body.

I went through three farrier�s before I found Martin. I hope he never quits shoeing because I don�t believe I could find anyone as good or patient. Martin is a very accomplished farrier and�an accomplished trainer.

I have told many people about him and his methods. I have known Martin for about six years and what amazes me most over and above what I have written is his ability to teach children�and their horses. These children have grown to be very accomplished equestrians. I am convinced that Martin�s ability�and techniques surpass the most accomplished trainers who sell their training programs to the equestrian crowd today.

Terresa & Devin Welty & Sam Smith

I have worked for Martin Troutt for the past three years. Although I try to convince him that he could not possibly run the place with out me, I know that is not true. While working under Martin I have learned so much. When I first met Martin I was six-teen years old and I owned a two year old mare. Although I had a great horse, I was overwhelmed with some of her bad habits. Martin graciously showed me how to teach with patience and confidence. Later, I was offered a job riding for Martin and I eagerly jumped at the opportunity. When I began my job, my responsibilities were to exercise the older horses. However, as my skills and interests grew I began working along side Martin with the training of colts and problem horses. Together Martin and I have successfully worked and trained many great horses. I have been taught so much by Martin, I now feel confident in everything I do from giving riding lessons to simply riding the mountain.

Martin is not only a great horse trainer, but also a great farrier. I have seen many great improvements in not only my horse�s feet, but other customers as well. Many farriers can do wonderful things with even the worst hooves. However, Martin can do these wonderful things even with the most unpleasant horses. When I first began with my young mare, no person could handle her feet without restraining her with a twitch or some other device. The effect of this treatment was very traumatizing to my horse�s attitude and trust toward not only the farrier but toward me as well. Martin has been my one and only farrier for the past three years, and today my mare will stand politely and comfortably. I have been inspired so much by Martin�s ways that I myself have decided to become a student in the farrier business with Martin Troutt as my teacher. Martin is a patient and enlightening teacher and I consider myself very lucky to have him.

Martin and I have had an incredible history together. Through the ups and the downs, I know I can count on him. Martin�s greatest achievements could not compare to his kindheartedness and his outgoing love for what he does. It has been my pleasure not only to be his employee, but also to have him as a friend. I could not recommend any person any higher than Martin Troutt.

C. Mangum

January 17, 2008

I am the father of a horse-crazy 13 year old girl. Unfortunately for her, I�m not much of a horseman. Savannah has been jabbering about horses and hanging over corral fences admiring them for pretty much her whole life, but it was not until five years ago that my wife and I decided that we should do something about it. Riding horses was obviously something that she very much wanted to do. A big hurdle in this plan was neither of us knowing much about horses. A friend of ours told us about Martin Troutt. We were told that he had a couple of gentle horses that were good with kids, plenty of patience and a load of knowledge about horses. We recruited Martin and entrusted him with the job of turning our gal into a horseman�

We have not regretted our choice for a minute. Under Martin�s guidance Savannah has become a very capable young rider, participating in horse shows, gymkhanas, clinics, etc. However, there is a lot more to this horse deal than just riding, and she has learned a lot more than just riding skills. Savannah learned a lot about responsibility in caring for a horse and all of the tack associated with riding and owning one. She has gained confidence in herself and her abilities. Hanging around with the gang out at the Rocking MB she has had to opportunity to observe and participate in a wide range of horse training techniques and methods, as well as learning a lot of horse psychology. She has watched a top-notch farrier at work and has hopefully learned to appreciate the extra care and attention to detail a real craftsman puts into his work.

What we were told at the beginning regarding Martin Troutt�s patience and knowledge was very much understated. His love and enthusiasm for all things horse related is contagious and his patience is admirable, whether it be helping out an inexperienced rider or dealing with an ornery horse. I have spent my share of time out at the Rocking MB and have seen some amazing progress with some pretty hard headed critters (one of them a 13 year old girl!). I�ve come to know Martin and Barb quite well over the past several years. They are wonderful people and great friends. I am grateful to Martin for his all of his help and for the sharing of his knowledge. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anybody for any of their horse related needs.

Randy Drew, Ely, Nevada

My Missouri Foxtrotter, Charliehorse, grass foundered in fields near Garrison, Utah and was experiencing considerable pain when he moved. His feet were trimmed too short so he was walking on his pads causing him additional discomfort. After rushing up from California to begin his rehabilitation process, I began searching for someone to help me with his hooves. Heather Center from Spring Valley, Nevada, said people from Panaca really liked Martin Troutt at Ely, Nevada. I found his site online and promptly emailed and called him. He responded quickly letting me know when he could come. I told him, Charlie had hard hooves and had never worn shoes. I wanted to try to work toward restoring his feet to their previous condition if possible. I knew from his website Martin believed in the "barefoot" method.

I appreciated Martin calling me to let me know he would be a few minutes later than planned. When he walked up to Charlie, I could tell he knew horses well and Charlie immediately felt comfortable. After a pre-assessment, he donned his chaps and tools around his waist and boots. I was fascinated how organized he was so he could work efficiently on a horse. As he worked, he carefully explained what he was observing, what needed to be done to align Charlie properly and what he discovered as he worked on his hooves. I liked being educated on this aspect of my horses' care and needs. He also told me more information about grass foundering and additional things I could do for Charlie, since I am a desert person and had never heard of this horse health issue.

Charlie did pretty well having his tender hooves worked on, especially with Martin having him stand on a thick foam while moving quickly as he tested for soreness, trimmed and rasped.

Two things I found unique was his use of a blowtorch on Charlie's pads. I thought Charlie would start acting up. He stood great after looking back at what Martin was doing. Then his nostrils flared with the "burnt hair" smell, but he stayed in place. Another thing that was different was painting on a turpentine type product to help protect his pads.

When he was finished as far as he could go on Charlie due to his condition, Martin reviewed with me what state Charlie's hooves were in at present, the choices of treatment including shoes if I wished, and the long term outlook. Finally, I had hope. Martin told me that in 2 to 3 days he would show a marked improvement or he would be worse. I discovered Martin learned to be a farrier from his grandfather, then took classes in horse podiatry from KC La Pierre in Florida. He did not need to tell me he knew how to train horses well. I could see that in how he moved around and spoke to Charlie. Charliehorse liked him. Exactly 2 days later Charlie got excited about something and started trotting around the corral with his head high and tail out. My old Charliehorse was coming back.

 

Today Martin came to get Charlie to stay with him while finishing his process of regaining those strong hard hooves for gaiting and mountain trails. Martin said soon he would be putting a wrap on Charlie to help his hooves grow and heal well. I had already looked that up on the internet and was intrigued with this new technique. It reminded me of the cast material I had on my leg when I broke it. I was surprised Charlie softly whinnied at him. He remembered Martin. Away Charlie went following Martin right into the horse trailer. I don't think Charlie is going to miss me much as he has some interesting adventures ahead with Martin as he gets stronger each day. I thank Heather Center for referring me to Martin Troutt. This farrier and horseman knows what he is doing!

Cathy Iverson

Martin, Just want to tell you thanks again so so much on the GREAT job you have done with my mare. I found you on the Internet, and read everything on you including all of the reviews from horse owners. After we talked a few times I went with my gut instinct to trust you with my young mare. I have used other trainers in the past and I just want to tell you that you are the best. You not only trained my horse but me as well. You made it so simple for both of us to do the right thing. I now have a horse that not only has respect for me but we have a great connection also. I was so impressed that after you only had her for 15 days you were ready for me to come up and start to learn the ground work and I actually got to ride her in the round corral. Amazing! When I came to bring her home after 60 days you rode her through a pretty tough trail course including walking through deep standing water, walking over a rocking bridge, and side stepping through beams. When you turned her over to me we worked a bit in the round corral then off to the obstacle course we went. She did absolutely great! You then saddled up your gelding and off for a ride in the hills we went. She went on like an older seasoned mare, and she is barely 3 years old. I just wanted to let you know that we took her home that night and the next day I rode her up in the mountains. I thought that maybe with new surroundings and such she might be a bit more hesitant or even spooky. She did so good. My husband and the kids were riding around us on the ATVs, she didn't mind those at all. We stopped at a spring and she got into the water and drank with me still on her. She was very calm and seemed eager to explore. No problems riding home either, if she got a bit to eager we would stop and wait or turn circles or flex. I have started using some of the ground techniques you taught me with her on my other horses and have definitely seen improvement with them. I can't even begin to tell you how easy you made the ground work to understand and use as just an everyday horse owner.I would definitely recommend you to any horse owner to either start a horse or just working with a disrespectful horse and owner. I of course will be bringing any new colts I get to you for their training. THANKS SO MUCH AGAIN!!!! I will try and get the pictures we took together to you in the next few days.

Becky Tisue
Tonopah, NV