Generations of Horsemen: Left: Michael’s great, great grandfather, Patrick Whelihan. Right, top: Michael’s father, Austin Whelihan, as a young man. Right, bottom: The herd of horses Michael’s grandfather, Joseph Whelihan, brought from North Dakota to Canada.
The infinite blue sky and wide-open spaces of a Canadian ranch were the perfect place for a shy, young boy to begin his life. Surrounded by his family, with four generations of horsemen, he would honor the traditions they had established and become the fifth generation to follow in those footsteps. Using the lessons he learned from them, he would become an internationally successful competitor and even more important, a highly accomplished and universally respected horseman. Michael Austin Whelihan was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada on August 3rd, 1955. His parents, Patricia and Austin Whelihan, had four children: two daughters and two sons. However, Michael was the only one to inherit the love of horses. He shared that even as a young boy, he always felt most at ease in the company of animals. There was no need for words; he knew their thoughts and they knew his. Michael spent much of his youth exploring nature, riding his pony with his dog always by his side. There, in the midst of this unfettered freedom and childhood innocence, he developed a quiet form of communication with his companions that shaped his character and which continues even now.
Ar abian Horse Times | 2 | Michael Whelihan
A true horseman is born; it seems the love and respect for animals is a part of their very being. Michael Whelihan was born into a family whose lives were intimately connected to horses and his own affinity would become profound. The Whelihan tradition of horsemanship can be traced directly to Michael’s great, great grandfather, Patrick Whelihan. He and his wife Anne Amelia were Irish immigrants. Patrick Whelihan was a successful businessman. In 1873, while on a three-month visit to Ireland, London, Paris, and Normandy, he purchased four Percheron draft horses and shipped them to Canada. It was reported they were the first of the breed to be imported to the country. The Percherons, and all horses, intrigued Patrick Whelihan’s son and Michael’s great grandfather, James Whelihan. Born in 1874, James had numerous, interesting and successful business ventures. At one time, he worked closely with the famous inventor Thomas Edison in developing rechargeable batteries. Among his businesses, James raised both cattle and horses; but the horses were his pride and joy. He passed his love of horses on to his son, Austin Joseph, grandfather to Michael.