Mike Wood Wins 5 World Championships in 2020 - Exclusive Interview

Q - Few trainers have ever managed to deliver the outstanding results for their Limited, Novice, Mike Wood A - Matching horse and rider isn’t easy but you keep in mind is the rider an aggressive rider or and Open riders in the history of the NCHA that not, if the horse needs that aggressive rider or you did in 2020. How does that make you feel? if a horse will move more with a mild rider. Maybe a rider needs a

A - Whenever we have clients win or just get better and become quicker horse or one that has a bigger stop, all things to consider competitive and reach their goals it makes us feel good! I love when matching them.helping the Non-pros and watch them get better and learn.

Q - A dream of most everyone in the show pen is to become a World Champion. This year your barn was crowned with 5 World Champions out of a possible 10 total in the NCHA. How did you pull that off?

A - It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, not only from me but our whole team including Roper, our assistants, and from our clients! It takes long hours and mental strength to push for something like this.

Q - Winning a World Championship in the NCHA requires a year-round effort. Does having regular monthly cuttings at HorseShoe Park & Equestrian Centre play a part in your success?

A - We have big cuttings in Queen Creek during the winter months and it’s nice to be able to show close to home but in order to win the world or be way up in the standings, you have to do I some traveling and showing in other places.

Q -This is also the FIRST time in NCHA history to have one rider win all 3 Open World Titles in the same year! Share what you do to stay focused under pressure when performing at that level of competition, and success?

A - It’s difficult showing under pressure. I try to break it down and concentrate on doing my job, which is getting cut clean and being accurate on the cow. If we can do that we have a higher chance of getting through a penalty free run, and that’s the first step to having a winning run!

Q - At your level of competition no “one” wins. What did your “Team” members do to enable your outstanding performance in 2020.

A - Your exactly right, it takes a team to win. I couldn’t do it without Roper keeping everything and everyone organized, and being my coach when I need it. My assistants preparing the horses and taking great care of them play a big role. Also, my help in the pen, no one can cut without a team in the arena helping!

Q - Winning requires matching the right person with the right horse. What do you look for in pairing up horse and riders to compete at the highest levels of competition. Q - How do you manage their competitive spirits in a group setting, at the ranch and the bigshows?

A - Our whole barn acts like a team and cheers for each other. The cows are the competition and we all are trying to hold a tough cow.

Q - What do you look for in a cutting horse prospect?

A - A horse with lots of expression on a cow gives it a winning edge! I also love a horse with a big stop!

Q - You have now won a World Championship in the NCHA 8 times. What are the keys to winning again, and again, and again?

A - Hard work and consistency pays off in being competitive year after year.

Q - What do you look for in the horses that empower them to become champions?

A - And a horse with that little bit of extra look will help you win.

Q - For a new person interested in competing in the NCHA, if their pretty handy on a horse how long does it take for them to be competitive in the show pen?

A - A person can be competitive in the Ncha quickly with the right guidance!

Q - What guidance can you share to young trainers that have the desire and drive to become themselves World Champions on improving their skill sets?

A - Watch and learn from people who are winning, they have experience and knowledge and most likely would love to help an up-comer!

Q - When you are at the big shows and everyone needs a little piece of you, how do you keep your head-together, and not just loose it serving so many needs day after day, and then compete yourself at the highest-level?

A - Stay calm and do the best we can do, stay focused for that time! Cutting can be trying but can also be the most fun!!