Mark is a graduate of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. He was raised on a horse farm working side by side with his Father and Granddad raising and training thoroughbred horses. At a young age he was galloping racehorses and assisting in training techniques. By the age of seventeen, he took over his Granddad's foaling and breeding operation. He started with ten mares and expanded to managing over fifty mares and five stallions as well as a full stable of racehorses in Kentucky and Illinois. Over time Mark began to gain a greater respect for the gentle soul and sensitivity of the horse and thought there must be a better way to communicate. Working with horses is a way of life for Mark. He found that with time, thought, opening the mind and heart to communication, watching the horses body and mental expressions, and what actions and reactions occurred, a whole new connection emerged. This is the same connection that he believes can occur with every living creature. Although a recognized horseman, he realized that there was more. Mark found that letting go of pride and opening your mind was the first step. Mark shares his experiences and the lessons he has learned with clients and students nationwide. He concentrates on working with clients and their horses in all aspects of horsemanship by improving communication between horse and rider. He also works with ranchers to help them handle their cattle quietly, safely, and more effectively. Mark has had the opportunity to work with Joe Wolter at the famous Four Sixes Ranch in Texas and the C.S. Ranch in New Mexico. Mark was one of five horsemen chosen in the United States for the first understudy program with Master Horseman Ray Hunt. He spent two months with Ray at his ranch in Texas. Mark is currently working toward his Masters degree in Equine Science, and teaching advanced horsmanship at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. Mark and his wife Carole, sons, Jacob and Jeremiah reside in Illinois.