10 Questions with Arabian Trainer Michael Byatt

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Michael Byatt with World and U.S. National Champion Stallion Dakharo (USEF Archives).

Thank you USEF Facebook fans for these questions for Arabian trainer Michael Byatt. For the next “10 Questions With…” visit www.facebook.com/USEquestrian. Next to be featured is dressage superstar Guenter Seidel.

Michael Byatt
Arabian trainer and internationally-renowned halter showman
USEF 2010 Equestrian of Honor
New Ulm, TX

Mallory Krumm of Nicholasville, KY: What made you want to show horses? As a child, I loved doing anything that involved horses. One aspect of that was attending horse shows, which, in turn, made me want to participate and compete in horse shows. At the point that I began, it really made no difference what the competition was, be it egg and spoon, or park. I just wanted to be there. I believe to answer your question fairly it would be, I just wanted to be there – to be at horse shows – to be with horses.

Heather Heineman of Middletown, Ohio: Why did you decide to work with the Arabian breed? It was an accident. Truly it could have been any horse, any breed. I love Arabian horses, but horses were my primary love. I had a neighbor (Ethel Ortenburger) that owned Arabians and she exposed me to the breed.

Christine McCarthy of Geddes Temple, NH: What was your funniest “show moment”? Being drug face down in the dirt along the entire length of the arena in Paris at the World Championships was, to many, very funny. Not necessarily to me, but to many, it was hilarious.

Julia Hollis of Huntsville, AL: What is it like getting to work with clients from the Middle East? A privilege.

Paula Wilson Lang of Twin Oaks, CA: Do you like to see your halter horses move on to performance careers, and if yes, what? Yes, I think it is so important for a horse to be ridden. I like this line – not my original – but I have adopted it: “It matters not what saddle your horse can wear – only that they can wear one.” Any discipline is fine – just do it.

Nicole Wise Amarillo of Texas: What would you say were the key components that helped get you to where you are today, and made you successful as an owner, trainer, showman, etc.? Passion, and again, perhaps cliché but it is real: “Do what you love and love what you do.”

Lisa Devitt: I am so impressed with you taking an Arabian into dressage. Has it been hard for you to enter that discipline with an Arabian? I wish I could take credit for this but you have mistaken what somebody else did and given me credit!

Cathy Letteney of Chesapeake Beach, MD: Properly feeding my horse for muscle mass without getting hot for eventing has been a challenge. My Arab has Egyptian bloodline and his body looks long and bony. I cannot get him to have that well-muscled rump. Suggestions? Riding up hills, or backing your horse up a lot.

Witts End Arabians of Huntsville, AL – Michael, how can the Arabian community help to sustain the Arabian lifestyle that we all know and love? Honesty, honesty, honesty. And quit talking about horses as investments and start loving them for what they area. That is enough.

USEF: You have achieved so much in your fantastic career. Is there anything you have not checked off your “big dream” list? As you say, you have achieved so much already. At this point, I just want to enjoy the work of several decades and take long trail rides with my friends and family and enjoy what I have. I do not want to keep seeking more and more – I have plenty. I am satisfied.

Nickname: Do I have one?
Favorite food: A tomato picked off the vine
Favorite city: Paris
Favorite horse: Too many to name
Favorite horse product: Alfalfa and water
Favorite event: Anytime I get to see horses at someone’s farm
Non-equine hobbies: Tennis, photography, painting, learning languages, travel, my kids’ interests
Favorite movie: Again, too many too name. And a lot would depend on the mood I am in… serious, comedic, depends…
Addiction: I am not an addictive person
Dislike: To not focus on the positive

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