MATT MILLS INTERVIEW

Team Mills, led by the remarkable Matt Mills, poses for a group shot with Guns and Dynamite, celebrating their consecutive championship wins at the prestigious NRBC reining event in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This thrilling competition, sanctioned by the esteemed NRHA (National Reining Horse Association), showcased their exceptional skills and dedication. The captivating photo, skillfully captured by the talented Waltenberry, immortalizes this victorious moment for Team Mills and their remarkable equine partner.

Q - Congratulations on winning back to back Championships in the NRBC $25K Open on Guns And Dynamite! How does it feel to win on the same horse two years in a row? 2022 & 2023.

A - Thank you!!! Winning the $25K Open Back-to-Back is special, especially because of the fashion in which we did it. Both years we tied the high score of the entire show including the Derby winner! Winning from draw 1 is a nail biter! There were some awesome horse and rider teams out there. I'm also proud of the fact that even after a hectic schedule of competitions we could come back and be even better than last year. A great testament to the longevity of these reining horses when cared for properly.

Q - Horses like Guns And Dynamite are hard to find - Tell us about what it is like to have a horse like "Gooder" to show in your barn?

A - I smile every single time I walk past Gooders stall! The horses is what it's always about for me, I can't thank owners, Tim and MaryBeth Ruckman enough for allowing me to basically treat him like he's mine.

Guns And Dynamite is on my Mt. Rushmore of best horses I've ever rode. He's got so much heart, he empties the tank every time he goes in to compete. Gooder has all the qualities of a great stallion and we are all very excited to stand him at stud to the public next year!!

Q - The next big event is the NRHA Derby - What are your plans for that competition?

A - The NRHA Derby is next up on our schedule and I've set some high goals for myself. I'm looking to get Gooder in the Finals and then lay down one of his signature runs. But I'm also bringing Taylor Sheridan's Stopping In Jersey who is fresh off a Top 10 placing in that tough NRBC Open Derby Finals, I feel like that horse and I have really started to gel. Rounding up my Big 3 is 4yr old Walla Be A Big Star, this will be his first time back in the pen after last years L3 Open win at the NRHA Futurity. Conditioning is my main focus going into OKC, I'm anticipating warm temps and hard runs. Competition is going to be fierce as usual but I'm excited for the challenge.

Q - What horses & clients are going?

A - Along with our fleet of Open horses, we are preparing MaryBeth Ruckman for action in the Non Pro Derby on her reliable horse, RFR Voodoos Fuego. Making the Finals at the NRBC has her eager to get back to that stage. Janice Dickson and ARC Wimpysgottagun will be in the Rookie divisions, this team has been hard to keep out of the top 3 everywhere they run.

Q - You recently went on a cattle drive at the 6666 Ranch with Taylor Sheridan - Tell us what that was like.

A - Hahaha, it was supposed to be a secret that I was out playing cowboy. Yes, I was very fortunate that my good friend Taylor Sheridan had me out to his 6666 Ranch to brand. Just one sunrise on that ranch and you know why he bought that place. Easily one of the best moments in my life on horseback. Something about gathering cattle across thousands of acres with just you and your horse that just presses the reset button. I enjoyed every minute of my time on the ranch and came away with a huge amount of respect for those cowboys and their way of life. I want to thank GM Joe Leathers for allowing me to get my feet wet with his crew. It's a well oiled machine that is fascinating to watch.