Mike Polhamus, a lifelong horseman from Troy, Ohio, is a respected and quietly dedicated trainer in the Miami County Fair harness racing circuit. Known for his preference to let his horses “do the talking,” Polhamus has built a barn at the fairgrounds and manages a large stable, with 26 horses housed there during the recent fair. Despite his reserved nature and reluctance to seek the spotlight, he has trained thousands of horses and winners over his decades-long career, including notable horses like Nardie Jeff and Rumble Strips, the latter holding a world record for 2-year-olds. Polhamus’s deep connection to horses stems from his upbringing on a farm where his father also raised racehorses, and he expresses a lifelong passion for training and competing, leaving driving duties mostly to Lebanon’s Kayne Kauffman.

Polhamus’s approach to training is intuitive and personalized, recognizing that each horse requires a unique method. He embraces the challenge and continuous learning involved in the sport, emphasizing his love for the daily life surrounded by horses. His humility and straightforward demeanor contrast with his significant achievements, and he remains committed to the Miami County Fairgrounds, where he grew up and continues to train. Polhamus’s story is one of dedication, quiet success, and a deep bond with the equine athletes he guides, embodying the spirit of a true “Horse Whisperer” in the harness racing community.