Martin Black at KarMik Acres

We keep bringing Martin back as there is so much to learn from this outstanding horseman.

Martin BlackDates:  April 20-23, 2023 & April 18 & 19th added
Class: Horsemanship/stockmanship for 4 day clinic/ 2 day clinic is horsemanship only
Hours: 9-noon morning session on horsemanship,
1:30 -4:30 afternoon session with cattle
Class size: Limited to 10 riders
Auditor/Spectator Fees: $30 per day with pre-registration or $40 per day at the door. Please email Info@KarMikAcres.com if you’d like to audit the April 18 & 19th clinic days.


Spectator Tickets



Rider spots fill quickly. Please email us for rider pricing and registration. We will be taking an active wait list for riders. Auditing space is always available.

About Martin

Martin Black grew up on the Ace Black family ranch in Bruneau, Idaho where he was influenced by his father, grandfather Albert and uncle Paul Black. After school he worked on ranches in Idaho, Nevada, and California, working with top horsemen and bridlemen, Charlie and Bill Van Norman, Ray Hunt, Gene Lewis, Melvin Jones, Tom Dorrance and Tom Marvel along the way. Growing up working cows from horseback, Martin had a unique opportunity to develop a great sense of feel for both the horse and cattle. When he was managing the Wine Cup/ Gamble ranches throughout his twenties, Tom Dorrance would come to the ranch and help the cowboys start the young horses and prepare their show-horses for the County Fair. During this time, Martin would realize the importance of timing for the horse. As he continued in his pursuit of excellence he would find the balance that would bring it all together.

Martin Black is willing to share his knowledge and experience with anyone serious about improving themselves and their horses. He has helped everyone from recreational riders to top horse-trainers in cutting, reining and racing, cowboys, cow-horse competitors, ropers, show-jumpers, and eventers. Everyone can improve their horsemanship by learning how to be more effective presenting themselves to their horse and learning to understand how the horse perceives them as an individual. Martin will build confidence in the horse and rider and take you to the next level, whatever that might be.

Martin uses traditional gear of the highest quality and function which originated from the Spanish-California vaquero and migrated to the Great Basin in the late 1860’s. The same gear, handmade toDSC_0623 his specifications, can be found on the Traditional Gear page of his website. You will find everything you need for transitioning your horse from the hackamore to the two-rein and straight up in the bridle – bosals, hackamores, both in rawhide and kangaroo, mane hair mecates, silver bits (spade bits and half-breed bits), rein chains, rawhide reins and romal. You will also find Martin’s dvd sets, the Bridle Horse series which will guide you through proper fit and function, along with how to use each piece of equipment. Other valuable learning tools include the “Western Horseman Book” Cow-Horse Confidence” which will give anyone an outstanding overview of Martins method and philosophy and should be required reading before attending any school or clinic. Colt-starting Philosophy, taking your horse from the Round Pen to the Arena, Working Cattle in the A-pen, two Ranch-Roping/ Branding dvds and a new book co-authored with Dr. Steve Peters, Evidence-Based Horsemanship round out the educational collection.

Martin’s clinics at KarMik Acres have included Horsemanship and Cattle Work which can include Stockmanship, Ranch Roping and A-Pen topics. Class participant size is limited to allow individual topics and attention. Check out Calendar for clinic dates and sign up early to ensure a spot.  Contact us for more information and pricing on rider participation. Auditors/Spectators can pre-register for $30 per day or pay $40 a day at the door.