Michael Tokaruk

Michael began riding at the age of twelve in his native Canada. At age fifteen, he took his first working student position at the top Canadian hunter barn of the time, Gimcrack.

At Gimcrack, Michael trained under Wayne McClellan and Robert Meilsoe. Michael & his family moved to the United States soon after, and Michael sought another working student position - this time landing at River's Edge Farm with Ken Berkley and Gary Zook. During his time at River's Edge, he progressed through the junior hunter, jumper, and equitation ranks. He was also fortunate enough to work extensively with many nationally renowned trainers including Scott Stewart, Missy Clark, Bob Braswell, and Anne Kursinski.Michael's junior career was highlighted with equitation wins at Devon, Palm Beach, and everywhere in between. He garnered junior jumper championships up and down the east coast, from Lexington to Blowing Rock to Florida. Michael ended his equitation career by earning ribbons in the USET, CET, and AHSA National Medal Finals.

 

 

Upon graduating from the junior ranks, Michael juggled the demands of being a full time college student with his desire to ride and train professionally. During this time, Michael spent extended periods of time riding and working in Holland. In Holland, Michael was fortunate enough to train under Dutch legend Roeloef Bril while riding at two large sales barns.
Upon returning stateside, Michael earned his degree in Political Science from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Immediately after graduation, Michael accepted the position as head professional rider at Spring Mill Farm. During his almost 4 years working for David Pellegrini at Spring Mill, Michael trained numerous juniors and amateurs to countless blue ribbons and championships in the hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions. Michael trained and rode many horses to championships in the professional hunter and jumper divisions at ‘AA’ rated horse shows across the Midwest and South. Most notably, Michael won the AHJF Legacy Cup as a professional in 2005, and has won multiple grands prix over the past several years. Michael currently is the co-owner and operator of Tokaruk Show Stables, LLC, where he is continuing in the next chapter of an exceptional life with horses.
Michael. 202.413.2303 262 Eastgate Drive #386 Aiken, SC 29803
Luke 931.260.7589