Mike Wood Interview July 2020

from Bridle & Bit Magazine July 2020

Terri Lou (Wall) Haught - Paying Tribute

MIKE WOOD INTERVIEW

•You have a large non-pro (Amateur) group of riders. What is the key to keeping so many folks happy, while managing your own ranch?

I think the first part to success when dealing with clients is communication. I try to discuss goals and plans with each client and stay on the same page with them. Every client and every horse get special attention, with so many, it isn’t an easy task. My partner Roper Curtiss is involved keeping everything running smoothly and organized as far as shows, scheduling, vet work, office work and many other tasks. This allows me to spend more time in the arena with clients and horses. Another key to success is having a fun and learning environment in the arena. I love giving lessons and watching my clients learn and enjoy their horse. There is not much that is as fun, as riding a cutting horse!

•How good of riding skills does one require before getting involved in Cutting?

I have had all sorts of people start cutting with me, from very experienced to very novice. I have had beginners of all ages that have never been on a horse before that wanted to start cutting and went on to become a top 15 finisher in the NCHA World Standings. Anyone can start cutting, having had previous horse experience helps but is not necessary to enjoy the sport.

•How long does it take for a beginner to get comfortable in the saddle, on a cow?

Every person’s level of comfort varies. If a person starts cutting that has competed in roping or cow horse, the transition to cutting is fairly easy and may only take a couple of rides to be comfortable. If someone is used to trail riding or a slower discipline, then it may take a little longer. The adrenaline rush of working a cow is well worth the experience.

•Are your riding reactions to the cow instinctive, ingrained and automatic, or a reactive thought-out response or learned? I would say that is a reactive thought-out response that is learned and hopefully becomes instinctive. In other words, when first learning to work a cow, you have to think about where you are to be in control of the cow. As time goes on and you gain experience, an instinctive response to the cow puts yourself in proper position to control quicker and easier.

•In pictures one can see a certain look in a Cutting Horse’s face when they are down in the dirt focused on that cow, it looks as if they are enjoying themselves. Are they?

Most definitely! The breeding of horses has become so specialized these days. Cutting horses are bred to have certain instincts on a cow, to react to a cow. The ones that are champions enjoy their job and it shows.

•Please tell us a bit about yourself: lifetime earnings, building and running your own ranch, etc.….

After graduating from ASU in 1990 I went to work for Al Dunning as his assistant trainer. After 10 years with Al, I started my own training business here in Scottsdale Arizona where I specialize in training and showing cutting horses. I have a large group of amateurs and Non-Pros who rider and show with me. I am an NCHA Hall of Fame Rider with $2,100,000+ in Lifetime Earnings. I have also trained and coached over 15 NCHA World Champions as well as numerous NCHA Western Nationals Champions and Limited Aged Event Champions.

•What is your best advice to your younger self that will help Trainers and Non-Pros today?

Do it because you love it!