• FEI Dressage Trainer & Competitor

• FEI Dressage lessons

• Advanced trick training and riding

• Accepting students at all levels

• Experienced in stallion management and training

• Generations of professional experience in training and coaching riders and horses, both young and mature, from start to highest potential
  
  
  

Mario A. Contreras is one of the premier horse Trainers in the Midwest. His experience in Classical Training methods allows him to take his horses and students to the next level. He has the ability to bring out the best in each individual horse and rider. His knowledge in halter training, DRESSAGE , Doma Vaquera, to the Airs Above the Ground has led to and helped to shape the stylized training methods of Mario A. Contreras.

Mario’s competition history includes many National Championship titles in Halter, Doma Vaquera Champion in 2006,2009, 2011 and 2012. He was Reserve Champion in Working Equitation in 2011. He also received a Dressage National Championship in Third Level at the National IALHA show in Fort Worth Texas in 2012.

​Mario was recently awarded Horseman of the Year in 2011 from the International Andalusion and Lusitano Horse Association. His dedication to the equestrian world and the equine community has given him the opportunity to share his talents in front of thousands of people at the opening ceremonies at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington Kentucky.

In 2012 Mario attained both his Bronze and Silver USDF medals for competing in recognized Dressage shows in First Level, Second Level, Third Level and Prix St. George. He is current goal is working towards his Gold USDF medal which will include the Grand Prix test.

​Mario has been the head trainer for Medieval Times, the Number 1. dinner attraction in North America, for 22 years. He has been in charge of the training of both horses and riders at the Chicago castle since 1997. His unique training methods allow him to train both horse and rider to perform in all aspects of this 11th century reenactment of fearless knights and dazzling horsemanship.

One of Mario’s greatest joys is to pass his knowledge on to those that are willing to learn and improve themselves and their horses. He has great respect for those individuals that have a passion for riding and for horses and are willing to work hard to improve themselves. “No matter what level you are at as long as you have a willingness to learn and to become a better horseman there is nothing you can’t do. This is a sport that requires an intense amount of dedication to your efforts, as well as a fierce determination to meet your goals.”