Chet Martin,
Mentor and Trainer
A cornerstone figure at Martin Ranch is more than just a seasoned reined cow horse and reining trainer; he’s the heart and guiding force behind Cowboy Evolution. Growing up in the saddle on the family ranch, horses became an integral part of Chet’s life from an early age.
His horsemanship journey began when his dad gifted him his first pony at the tender age of 5, igniting a lifelong passion.
The family’s tradition of buying pregnant Quarter Horses from horse sales shaped Chet’s training methods, laying the foundation for his future success. At 12, a neighbour entrusted him with a horse to train, marking the beginning of his dedication to working with horses. Balancing construction work during the day with training horses at night, even in the winter, illuminated by a headlamp, Chet’s commitment was unwavering.
Chet’s entry into the horse show world was through mentorship with renowned trainers like Loris Epis, Matt Hudson, Gabe Reynolds, and Cayley Wilson. Despite coming from a conservative Mennonite family, Chet’s dreams of showing horses began to take shape. He transitioned to competitive events in 2014, achieving multiple top-ten NRHA World titles, top-ten QH Congress, ORHA Championships, and championships in futurity and derby-aged events. His list of accomplishments in the show pen is impressive and continues to grow, including Reining and Reined Cow Horse Futurity and Derby wins across Canada and the United States.
Beyond the victories, Chet cherishes the connections he makes along the way, emphasizing the joy of meeting people who silently support him. The sense of community and shared enthusiasm in the background mean more to him than the wins themselves. Chet’s involvement with Cowboy Evolution goes beyond the saddle. His patience, observational skills, and wise counsel extend to all aspects of life, offering valuable advice to Cody that transcends horsemanship. Family holds a special place in Chet’s heart, evident in the time he dedicates to his wife Amy and their two boys, whether it’s reading a story, tucking them in, or maintaining connection during travels.
With a deep understanding of the transformative power of horsemanship, Chet’s commitment to the craft is reflected in his accomplishments as a competitor, a trainer, and an essential figure in Cody’s journey. Chet brings a wealth of experience, a quiet strength, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of horsemen. At Martin Ranch, where young horses find their footing, Chet continues to live his childhood dream of being a renowned horseman and trainer.
