Generations of professional experience in training and coaching
riders and horses, both young and mature, from start to highest
potential
On October 27, 1971 in the town of Guadalajara Mexico,
the last son of J. Trinidad Contreras Hernandez and Alma
Gloria Becerra Terriquez was born. The baby boy was baptized
as Mario A. Contreras. As time went on he would soon share
the same passion and love for the world of horses that his
father and three older brothers, Marcial, Jorge and Trino
Contreras did, as would the next generation, his nephews
Marcial Contreras Jr. and Francisco Contreras.
As Mario A. Contreras grew older he began to combine his
studies with his every day growing passion for the equestrian
world. Those who remember him from those days speak of what
a reserved yet happy little boy he was. Who would go directly
to his fathers’ ranch after school and spend any vacation
time he had there to do what he most enjoyed, which was
to ride and just be around the horses. The very first time
he was put on a pony was at the age of 3. As an adolescent
he moved to the city of Guadalajara to continue his studies,
where eventually horses took a back seat for a while. It
is there that he is given the opportunity that would change
his life. In 1990 he traveled to Los Angeles, California,
where at the time his oldest brother Marcial was working
at Medieval Times located in Buena Park, California. After
seeing first hand everything that the riders there did he
was impacted greatly and amazed with their talent in the
show. What most awed him was the expression and life that
the horses projected to the spectacle, to the point that
he knew this could be something he would enjoy doing as
a profession.
Running with luck, it was not long before his brother Marcial
offered him a position in the stables as a groomer, with
whom he would not only share the same work place but most
important the love for horses. As time went on he would
prove to be an excellent student and fast learner. Mario
has now been working for Medieval Times for 16 years and
feels that it has been a wonderful experience.
Since a child it was very clear to him that he wanted to
be a trainer someday and he was willing to sacrifice and
put in all efforts necessary until he became that trainer.
That is why he has a firm concept of what his profession
is about. This concept is that the determination of one
person against all odds is proud to have chosen more than
a profession, a true vocation in life with horses.
Special thanks to those who have believed in me and given
unconditional support throughout my life:
Marcial Contreras, and my mother and father.