WHEN AND WHERE DID YOU START WITH HORSES?
I was born in the town of Guadalajara Mexico. My love for horses was encouraged by my father Jose Trinidad Contreras Hernandez and my three older brothers Marciel, Jorge and Trino. From a young age I knew that I wanted to be a horse trainer and I was willing to do whatever necessary to become one.
WHO ARE YOUR MENTORS-INFLUENCES?
First and foremost my father Jose Trinidad Contreras Hernandez is my biggest influence and reason that I work with and train horses. From an early age I used to go to the ranch with my father and help him with the day to day chores that go along with taking care of horses. The first time that I was put on a horse was at the age of 3. Everyone around me including myself knew that this was the place I was destined to be - on the back of a horse.
I continue to be inspired every day by all of the wonderful talent that is out in the equine community. From local competitors to national champions to Olympic medalists. We live in a world full of wonderfully talented people and it is easy to watch them and be inspired every single day.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PERFORM WITH HORSES?
One of the biggest influences in the equestrian world is the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre - Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Alvaro Domecq the retired head trainer of the Royal School is truly an inspiration to us all. This is where it all started. The Royal School is the epitome of what I do on a daily basis and who I strive to be in the future.
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2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Highly Anticipated Opening Ceremonies Mario A. Contreras
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HAS THE LUSITANO-ANDALUSIAN BREED CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?
The breed has changed due to the breeders feeling the need to match their competitors. They are breeding bigger and stronger horses that are more expressive with their movements and are more competitive in the dressage arenas.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE SHOW-MEDIEVAL TIMES?
My older brother Marcial Contreras worked for Medievel Times in Buena Park California for 22 years. He offered me a job working in the stables in 1990. Watching him work with the horses and riders inspired me to attain the goal of being the head trainer for Medieval Times. Watching the movement and expression that was brought to life night after night in the arena was truly magical. After much hard work, dedication and perseverance I was able to prove myself with my knowledge and ability to train and ride the horses of Medieval Times. From there I helped to showcase and advertise for the Medieval Times show and helped to open many of the castles around the country. Two of my best students are head trainers at the Dallas castle and the Atlanta castle. I am very proud of my nephew Francisco Javier Ortiz and my very good friend Felipe Ramirez. Also my nephew Marcial Contreras Jr. is the head trainer at the castle in New Jersey.
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*Medieval Times* CHICAGO's Team 2012
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WHAT TRAINING DO YOU OFFER AT YOUR FACILITY?
- FEI Dressage Trainer and Instructor
- FEI Dressage Lessons
- Training and lessons in Doma Vaquera, Halter and Working Equitation
- Advanced Trick Training and Riding
- Experienced in stallion management and Training
- Generations of professional experience in training and coaching riders and horses
- Accepting students of all levels and maturity
- Accepting horses of all breeds, age and sex provided their movement and gaits are suitable for dressage and their temperament is willing, generous and suitable for my training programI train out of Indian Hills Training Center in Gilberts Illinois.
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"Indian Hills" 2012 Training Center Andalusian Stallions Mario A. Contreras and his Team
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I specialize in Dressage, Doma Vaquera, Airs Above the Ground, Halter and Working Equitation. The services that I provide in these disciplines are lessons, training, sales, competitions, clinics and exhibitions. I strive to bring out the absolute best in both 
my horses and riders. I encourage all of my clients and students to work as hard as they can because the rewards are immeasurable. I also encourage teamwork among my clients and students. It is important to me that everyone works together and encourages one another along the way. It is important to me to always learn new things and increase my knowledge of the equestrian world so I often travel to different parts of the world such as Spain, Mexico and various parts of the US.
HOW DO YOU SEE THE EQUESTRIAN INDUSTRY IN FUTURE?
I see the competitive world of equestrians changing due to the increasing knowledge as a whole community that riders are achieving. I am also seeing people who used to just ride for fun are changing their thought process and are learning more and are educating themselves for the better. This is a positive direction to move into not only for the riders, but for the equine community as well. They are not only bettering themselves, but are also bettering the lives and the careers of their horses.
