Mike is the leading rossfechten instructor in the UK today, having been teaching at different venues since 2019. His ability stems from 30 years riding experience, including being heavily involved with the Lusitano horse since 2007, working with leading international Portuguese dressage riders, and competing at working equitation. Mike and his wife Catriona keep a string of Iberian and Italian horses at their home in the UK.

Mike has also studied HEMA since 2005, mainly the German systems from the 15th Century, and has participated both internationally and in the UK at jousts (using balsa and historical solid lances, with a tilt rail and without - “open field”) since 2017.

Focusing on ensuring that students understand the key principals of the system, and that practice and accuracy are vital elements in the ability to deliver techniques effectively, Mike evangelizes the mantra that equestrian skills and abilities are as vital as the martial components. By ensuring that the horse, as an athlete, is as equipped and prepared as the rider to participate, Mike emphasizes that horse welfare and sympathetic training are fundamental and conducive to success .

It is also a core belief of his that mounted fencing is open and accessible to almost any combination of horse and rider, and is keen to encourage engagement to all.