Saskatchewan Horse Judge, Coach and Clinician
Certified EC Western Competition Coach, Equine Appraiser, International Mountain Trail Challenge Judge, Sask Horse Federation Judge
Laura Martin is a Saskatchewan horse judge, coach and clinician from Saskatoon. She is certified with Equine Canada/Saskatchewan Horse Federation, and the International Mountain Trail Challenge Association (IMTCA). She is also a certified Equine Appraiser with the American Society of Equine Appraisers.
Laura Martin is a “Freelance” Equine Appraiser, Equine Canada Western Competition Coach, International Mountain Trail Challenge Judge and SHF All Breed Judge. Laura lives east of Saskatoon, (St. Denis) Saskatchewan but travels to all over Western Canada doing clinics, equine appraisals, certifying other EC coaches and Judging All Breed Shows. If you have a particular interest in any of these areas, Laura finds ways to make opportunities affordable, fun and convenient for everyone – regardless of your experience or skill levels.
A CERTIFIED EQUINE APPRAISAL
A certified appraisal is vital to all horse owners. We all know as horse owners, to expect the unexpected, and often these situations require you to establish current market value of your horses.
You do not want to be under-insured in a situation where mortality, major medical, surgical or loss of use occurs – resulting in significant financial loss to you.
Appraisals are most commonly done for insurance purposes, and when buying and selling a horse. But they are also been done for claim disputes and underwriting, valuation for secured loans and collateral, bankruptcy, divorce, estates, pre-trial investigation….well, you get the picture, whenever a horses value needs to be determined.
Factors that affect a horses value are breed and type characteristics, physical traits like age, health and conformation, disposition, pedigree, show records, earnings, progeny records, veterinarian and trainer records.
CERTIFIED WESTERN COMPETITION COACH
Equestrian Canada developed a nationally recognized program for those who wish to learn riding skills of all abilities and safe practices under the guidance of a certified western coach.
Certification means I have been tested, mentored and scrutinized by senior EC officials I am insured and have had background and criminal record checks done. I have current first aid and safety training.
I deliver a current and up to date program that is nationally recognized. My coaching and officials insurance includes a 3rd party complaint management protocol. Meaning if you have a problem with my services, or professional conduct there is an independent third party review and intervention on your behalf. Only Certified instructors can offer this service to their valued clients.
The purpose of the EC program is to provide a systemic process for all riders. It enables them to to learn a safe and knowledgeable program that can be added and built on to, regardless of what western event you wish to build onto or pursue.
The program is sure to benefit anyone who wishes to own a horse, currently owns a horse or wanting to become a certified coach. Stable management, equine care and health practices are also explored in this comprehensive learning program for all ages.
INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN TRAIL CHALLENGE TRAINER & JUDGE
Mountain Trail has always been my passion. Whether I am competing on a course or ponying a new colt up a mountain trail, this sport has always been a part of my soul, and I know the horses sense this in me.
Horses naturally want to learn and please. They love reward with a purpose. I have found no better way to build and train a prospect and create trust; even in the most skeptical equine mind, than mountain trail on a natural course.
Horses love the new experiences. I have seen both timid and withdrawn horses and riders come to life and have new purpose on a well planned course when trained properly. We create better horses and riders – one obstacle at a time.
Mountain trail challenges a horse, encourages them to be curious and and rewards their curiousity with confidence. There is no greater trust between horse and rider than the trust and training required by a competitive trail challenge horse.
Click photo to read My Paint Horse Journal Article
Practicing a Bridle-Less Switchback Trail
Practicing a Bridle-Less 360 on 4X4 rasied box
SHF ALL BREED JUDGING
MOUNTAIN TRAIL AND HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC
I have been extremely fortunate to have a lifetime of learning experiences, showing, training and raising horses. Like all of us in our horsemanship journeys….we never truly quit learning. Each horse can teach us a new or different way of doing things and I love sharing what they have taught me,
I love sharing my experiences with horse enthusiasts of all ages and all abilities, whether it is a new to showing clinic or a mountain trail clinic. I am now adventuring into the judging world, where I will now stand on the other side of the clipboard. I enjoy doing “learning to show” clinics and sharing what a judge is looking for and how classes are scored. From 4-H, to provincial (SHF) and AQHA/APHA breeds shows, national (Equine Canada) and international (IMTCA) standards, I bring something for everyone, identify goals and improve your horsemanship.
I love working with young horses and young people, but have a passion and toolkit to help fearful and insecure riders and horses become confident, no matter what goals they would like to achieve I have been there, have had my share of hard knocks and rattled confidence . I know how difficult it can be to overcome those fears, but know it can be overcome.
I would love to custom design a clinic in your area designed for your interests and levels of abilities. Whether it be a colt starting clinic or a learning to show clinic. I am confident I will have something for everyone. My rates are reasonable and I am willing to travel.
I am currently a SHF Primary Judge but my goal is to become a senior judge. I was on the volunteer committee to help design and develop the natural trail course at Grasswoods Horse Park. I see huge benefits for both horse and rider on this course. I have worked with various equine groups designing fundraisers and rental opportunities at the park. I love coaching and training at the park as it meets the needs of all equestrians abilities,no matter what your experience is.
I took two, back-to-back Obstacle Trail Challanges and a judging clinic with her at the Grasswood Horse Park. I was a little worried because I am self-taught rider, with no formal training. Laura put me right at ease. I brought a 4yr old filly that had 34/35 rides on, that I had started in the spring. Laura had so much patience with both Ella and I. Her coaching and encouragement really help both of us going forward.
I am planning to take more clinics from Laura. We had a super group of ladies that took both clinics. And we had such a fun time learning and getting to know each other.
So if you ever get a chance to take a clinic from Laura Martin you really need to do it.
Lacadena, Saskatchewan.
