Michael Vermaas Needs Our Help….
Michael Vermaas’s dream is, and always has been, to help horses and riders achieve
their potential regardless of breed or discipline. He sets himself apart as a trainer by
bringing to the table a broad base of experience and a very patient approach. He is a
man of integrity and a man with a wealth of experience, passion, and talent.
Michael’s equestrian experience is sterling. Although he is Dutch, he spent many years
in Portugal. Michael trained with Lord Henry Loch, Luis Valenca of the Portuguese
School of Equestrian Arts, Fernando Olivera- assistant to Nuno Olivera, Don Jose
Athayde head of the Alter Stud, & Marcel Bonaerens- coach to Ludo Phillipaerts. He
earned his Portuguese Equestrian Federation Credentials, his British Horse Society
Credentials and the Bronze Medal from USDF. While studying in Great Britain, he
trained an eventer that later was sold to Prince Phillip. He has been listed on Sylvia
Lock’s website as one of the top 15 Classical Dressage trainers in the world. He
performed on the quadrille team of Luis Valenca at the Salon du Cheval de Paris
and Equitana. He began giving riding instruction at age 18 and trained horses for
the Saudi royal family and Saudi Aramco. After coming to the United States, Michael
founded and is the head trainer of Skeleton Key Sporthorses in Selma, Texas. His fiancé, Krystalynn
Young is the assistant trainer.
Michael brought his love for the Iberian horse with him to the US. He has shown Andalusians both nationally and
regionally in breed and USDF shows, bringing home many championships. In 2014 he was named IALHA Professional Horseman of the Year. He is also an accredited Working Equitation judge. He is all about the horse. With
a positive outlook on everything in his life, he looked forward to a wonderful future with his fiancé, his horses, his
clients and his friends.
How quickly things can change. It was a beautiful day last April 16th. He was riding a bucking palomino that was
twisting while it bucked. He didn’t fall off. Just felt a “pop” and pain. You can’t just dismount a bucking horse so
he rode her to the round pen where he grabbed the metal rail to hoist himself off. He couldn’t stand. Couldn’t walk.
In a heartbeat Michael found himself fighting for his life. His pelvis had fractured in front with a 24 mm separation.
He faced emergency surgery to stop life-threatening internal bleeding. Days in ICU. Surgery to plate and screw his
fractured pelvis. More days in the hospital, only to be discharged and later readmitted for bleeding from a pelvic
hematoma. Initially told that his riding future was in question, Michael absolutely refused to accept that as an
outcome. The doctors are now saying he will make a full recovery. 100%. He will train and he will ride again! His
grit, determination, and positive spirit have gotten him this far and will enable him to conquer his injuries. But until
he heals, he needs our support. He is facing 3 months in a wheel chair and months of physical therapy before he
will be able to give lessons and ride again. With no insurance, mounting hospital bills, and loss of income, he is
facing a personal financial crisis.
You can help Michael by…
1.) Donating to his PayPal account by going to: https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/send-money-online .
2.) You will be prompted to enter Michael’s email - [email protected]
and the amount you wish to send. Be certain to check “Friends and Family” to avoid fees.
3.) Donating to Michael’s Medical Fund at GoFundMe: http://www.gofundme.com/benefit4michael
4.) Participating in a benefit horse show on May 30th at The Derby at Coyote Springs, 327 Cowey Ranch Rd.,
Seguin, Tx . For information, contact Barb at 210-213-8514 or by email: [email protected]
5.) Participating in a benefit horse show beginning at 8 AM on June 6th at Retama Equestrian Center, 17530 Old
Evans Road, Selma, Texas. For Information, contact Shannon at 210-364-3430
or by email: [email protected]
6.) Donating or bidding on items at the Michael Vermaas Benefit Auction Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/976393919051895/ Auctions will close weekly.
7.) Donating items to the silent auction at the benefit shows & volunteering at the shows.
Together, we can help get Michael back in the saddle and make a tangible difference in Michael’s life. We’ve got
his back. Any support is greatly needed and appreciated.
For more information contact Judy Henslee at [email protected]