Many people in the horse community knew of Marty Marten. Marty passed away early Christmas in Kansas—four days away from his 71st birthday with family near. Marty made a huge impact on all of our lives—humans and horses alike–helping others get to a better place.
I recently received an e-mail from Jody Marken about Marty. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marty’s family. He was a friend of the Boulder County Horse Association for so many years before he moved back to Kansas to be closer to family as he dealt with health issues. He never let go of his hope, and he cherished his faith in God. Marty received the Colorado Horse Council Horse Person of the Year Award in 2007 in recognition of his contributions to the Colorado horse industry.
“Marty Marten is an author, trainer, teacher and mentor. A student of Tom and Bill Dorrance, Ray Hunt and Buck Brannaman, Marty has trained countless horses and riders, and through his hugely popular books and clinics has made the world of practical horsemanship available to many who would not otherwise have the chance to experience it. His contributions of expertise, time, experience and patience have changed the lives of horses, horsemen and horsewomen throughout the West.”
For many of you who have one or more of his books take a moment and open the cover. Maybe you will be lucky enough to see—“May you always ride good horses and happy trails”—how he often signed his books. I reached for my book today to read “To Sunny, be good for your owner Linda and she’ll be good to you. Get her out and ride often.” I do not have Sunny anymore but what he wrote was true and it brought back many memories of the miles of trails we rode together.
We hope you have your own memories to cherish maybe from a clinic, trail ride or event.
Happy Trails Marty
Happy Trails to you – until we meet again.
Happy trails to you – keep smilin’ until then.
Who cares about the clouds if we’re together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy Trails to you –till’ we meet again.
Some trails are happy ones. Others are blue.
It’s the way you ride the trail that counts.
Here’s a happy one for you.
Happy Trails to you – till’ we meet again.
Funeral Service
Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018 @ 11:00 AM
813 State Street, Augusta, KS 67010
(316) 775-7778
To Make a Donation In Marty’s Honor
Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center
By Check
Please make your check payable to: Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center
11968 Mineral Road, Longmont, CO 80504
Note: please make reference In Honor of Marty
By Credit Card
Online at www.ctrcinc.org
Click any donation button and type “In Honor of Marty” on the special purpose line.
To Send the Family a Note
Brady Skaer (one of Marty’s nephews)
10 Ranchwood Dr, Augusta, KS 67010