MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Maryville-based Peak Technical Institute’s (PTI) Mike Branch, widely known for his leadership training involving horses, has been selected to present at the 2015 Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio, on April 9-12.

Equine Affaire consists of top industry professionals who come together to share their expertise on a wide range of equestrian disciplines and topics. The conference serves horse people and the horse industry nationwide with annual events in California, Massachusetts and Ohio.

This is Branch’s second invitation to attend the prestigious Equine Affaire conference. As the lead instructor and program director for PTI’s Leading by the Reins program, Branch trains individuals to become someone worth following. As a presenter at this year’s event, Branch will be talking about his unique approach to his course, which is based on the seven characteristics of leadership.

Branch’s career was built on his innovations in horsemanship that continue to earn him international recognition. His past experience includes developing methods to train wild horses for adoption through the Bureau of Land Management – with some receiving their first saddle within an hour. He owned and managed Flying B Horsemanship Ranch, where he conducted training clinics and demonstrations, as well as previously spearheading the Youth and Yearling Mustang Challenge program for the preservation of wild horses under the Mustang Heritage Foundation.

Branch is a resident of Grainger County and has more than 20 years of experience in the equine industry. He has written the book and DVD series, “Getting Started Naturally; Your Colt’s First Ride,” produced two other DVDs, and has been a columnist for three equine magazines.

For more information on Equine Affaire, go to www.equineaffaire.com. To find out more about PTI’s Leading by the Reins program, visit www.leadingbythereins.com.

About Peak Technical Institute
Since 2009, PTI has been approved and regulated by the State of Colorado, Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Division as well as the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. PTI currently has four comprehensive Certificate granting programs, with plans to continue to grow and expand. All programs are taught using a blend of classroom and hands-on training in a simulated or real-life environment. PTI is headquartered just outside of Greater Knoxville, Tenn., with ongoing training courses at the main campus in Loveland, Colo. Website: www.gopti.com. Follow PTI on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.