Reining Legend's Exodus: Matt Mills' Shocking Texas Move Rocks Equestrian World!
Matt Mills, a renowned western performance horse trainer specializing in NRHA reining competitions, has made a significant career move. After 25 years of operating his successful horse training business in Arizona, Mills decided to relocate to Texas in December 2021 following the NRHA futurity. The move to Texas represents a strategic shift for Mills, allowing him to establish his operations at the prestigious Bosque Ranch Headquarters in Weatherford.
The transition to Texas has been a substantial undertaking for Mills and his family. Relocating a quarter-century's worth of training equipment and expertise is no small feat. Mills' wife Karen and children Ryan, Alec, and another unnamed child have joined him in this new chapter of their lives.
This move places Mills in the heart of Texas horse country, potentially offering new opportunities and challenges. The Bosque Ranch, owned by Taylor Sheridan, provides a top-tier facility for Mills to continue his work with reining horses and further develop his influence in the equestrian world.
Background on Matt Mills
Matt Mills is a renowned figure in the world of reining. Born and raised in Long Beach, California, he began riding horses at a young age. Mills enjoyed early success as a youth rider, earning multiple championships across California in disciplines like western pleasure, horsemanship, and trail.
As an adult, Mills established himself as a top reining trainer and competitor. He has achieved significant success in National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) events. Mills has competed at prestigious competitions like the NRHA Futurity and the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC).
His talent and dedication have led to impressive career earnings in NRHA events. Mills has also represented the United States in international competition, including as a member of Team USA at the World Equestrian Games (WEG).
For 25 years, Mills operated his horse training business in Arizona. He built a strong reputation for developing talented reining horses and riders. In December 2021, following that year's NRHA Futurity, Mills made the decision to relocate his operations to Texas.
Mills is now headquartered at Taylor Sheridan's Bosque Ranch in Weatherford, Texas. This move marks a new chapter in his already accomplished career in the reining industry.
Texas: The Hub of Reining
Texas has emerged as a premier destination for reining horse enthusiasts. The state's rich equestrian culture and favorable conditions make it an ideal location for trainers and riders alike.
Weatherford, Texas stands out as a focal point in the reining world. This small city west of Fort Worth has attracted top professionals in the industry, including Matt Mills.
The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) recognizes Texas as a key state for competitions and events. Its central location within the United States facilitates easier travel for competitors from across the country.
Bosque Ranch in Weatherford has become a significant facility for reining horse training. Its state-of-the-art amenities provide an optimal environment for developing performance horses.
Youth riders in Texas benefit from the concentration of experienced trainers and quality horses. This environment fosters the growth of new talent in the sport.
The climate in Texas allows for year-round training, giving riders and horses more consistent practice time. This advantage contributes to the development of high-caliber performance horses.
Texas offers abundant space for large-scale equestrian facilities. These spacious properties provide ample room for arenas, stables, and grazing areas essential for reining horses.
The reining community in Texas is known for its supportive network. Trainers, breeders, and riders often collaborate, sharing knowledge and resources to advance the sport.
Weatherford: A Center for Equestrian Excellence
Weatherford, Texas has emerged as a premier destination for equestrian enthusiasts and professionals. The city's strategic location and favorable climate make it ideal for year-round horse training and competition.
Matt Mills chose Weatherford for his new training operation, joining numerous other top riders and trainers in the area. The city boasts world-class facilities, including expansive arenas and well-maintained trails.
Weatherford's equestrian community attracts talent from across the globe. Riders, trainers, and horse owners flock to the city for its resources and opportunities. The concentration of expertise creates a collaborative environment for growth and innovation in equestrian sports.
The city's infrastructure caters to equine needs, with specialized veterinary services and equine-focused businesses readily available. This ecosystem supports both established professionals and aspiring riders.
Weatherford's reputation extends beyond training. It has become a hub for equestrian-related film production, capitalizing on its picturesque landscapes and authentic Western atmosphere.
Local events and competitions showcase the city's equestrian prowess. These gatherings bring together enthusiasts, fostering a strong sense of community and providing platforms for showcasing talent.
The economic impact of the equestrian industry in Weatherford is substantial. It drives tourism, creates jobs, and contributes significantly to the local economy, cementing the city's status as a true center for equestrian excellence.
The Lure of Bosque Ranch
Matt Mills' move to Texas centers around the allure of Bosque Ranch. This 600-acre property, owned by Taylor Sheridan, has become a hub for equestrian activities and film production.
Bosque Ranch serves as a filming location for "Yellowstone" and its spinoff series. The ranch's expansive landscapes and state-of-the-art facilities make it an ideal setting for capturing the essence of the American West on screen.
For a professional reiner like Mills, Bosque Ranch offers world-class training facilities. The property boasts cutting-edge arenas, stables, and support structures designed specifically for high-level equestrian pursuits.
The ranch's connection to the entertainment industry provides unique opportunities for trainers and riders. It allows them to potentially collaborate on equestrian-related film projects or showcase their skills to a wider audience.
Taylor Sheridan's vision for Bosque Ranch as a premier equestrian destination likely played a significant role in attracting Mills. The chance to work alongside other top professionals in the industry adds to the ranch's appeal.
By relocating to Bosque Ranch, Mills positions himself at the intersection of elite reining competition and the booming Western entertainment sector. This move aligns with his status as a respected trainer and industry influencer.
Horsemanship Clinics and Coaching Philosophy
Matt Mills offers personalized horsemanship clinics at the Bosque Ranch in Texas. These clinics focus on developing riders' skills and strengthening their connections with their horses.
Mills's coaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on training techniques. He combines groundwork exercises with mounted instruction to improve lateral movement and lead changes.
During clinics, participants receive individual attention from Mills. He tailors his approach to each rider's needs, drawing from his extensive experience in various equestrian disciplines.
Mills believes in the power of online coaching as well. He creates instructional videos to reach a wider audience and share his knowledge beyond in-person clinics.
His teaching style is direct and practical. Mills aims to help riders improve their horsemanship dramatically through exclusive training techniques developed over his professional career.
Clinic schedules typically include a mix of groundwork, riding sessions, and Q&A periods. This structure allows participants to learn, practice, and discuss new concepts throughout the day.
Mills's reputation as a million-dollar NRHA rider adds credibility to his clinics. His success in reining competitions informs his coaching methods and attracts riders seeking to enhance their performance.
Relocation Impact on Career
Matt Mills' move to Texas has significantly influenced his reining career. The relocation to Weatherford placed him at the heart of the performance horse industry, providing new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
At Taylor Sheridan's Bosque Ranch, Mills gained access to top-notch facilities and resources. This environment has allowed him to refine his training techniques and work with high-caliber horses.
The move has also expanded Mills' coaching reach. He now attracts clients from across the country, eager to learn from his expertise in horsemanship and reining.
Mills' background as a successful youth rider in California prepared him for this career leap. His experience in western pleasure, horsemanship, and trail riding has translated well to the Texas reining scene.
The relocation has positioned Mills to compete at the highest levels of reining. He regularly participates in major events, showcasing his skills and the talents of his horses.
Networking opportunities have increased for Mills in Texas. He's formed valuable connections with other trainers, breeders, and industry professionals, enhancing his reputation and business prospects.
The move has also allowed Mills to diversify his services. He now offers clinics, training programs, and consultations to a wider audience, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the reining world.
Connection to Wider Reining Community
Matt Mills' move to Texas strengthens his ties to the broader reining community. Texas is a hub for reining events and competitions, offering more opportunities for Mills to showcase his skills.
The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) hosts numerous events in Texas throughout the year. This proximity allows Mills to participate more frequently in high-profile competitions.
Mills' training operation benefits from the move as well. Texas provides access to a larger pool of talented riders and horses, enhancing his ability to develop champion competitors.
The NRHA Futurity, a prestigious event in the reining world, draws participants from across the globe. Mills' Texas location puts him at the heart of this competitive scene.
The National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) is another major event that takes place in Texas. Mills' relocation enables him to prepare more effectively for this competition.
Texas also hosts the Run for a Million, a high-stakes reining event. Mills' presence in the state allows him to train and compete at the highest levels of the sport.
By moving to Texas, Mills positions himself as a central figure in the reining community. His expertise and reputation contribute to the state's growing influence in the discipline.
Outreach and Media Engagement
Matt Mills has built a significant following through his social media presence and online videos. His Facebook page, "Matt Mills Reining," has over 90,000 likes and regularly engages thousands of followers.
Mills' digital content includes training tips, competition highlights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his facility. This approach has helped him reach a global audience interested in reining and western performance horses.
His participation in "The Last Cowboy" television series further expanded his visibility. The show provided a platform for Mills to showcase his skills and connect with viewers beyond the traditional reining community.
Mills utilizes various communication channels to interact with fans and clients. While his public phone number is not readily available, he maintains active engagement through social media platforms.
His online presence also serves as a tool for attracting new clients and promoting his training services. Mills' digital strategy has proven effective in bringing new people into the sport of reining from around the world.
Through these efforts, Mills has positioned himself as a prominent figure in the reining community, leveraging media and technology to grow his brand and share his expertise.
Future Aspirations and Expected Contributions
Matt Mills aims to elevate his reining career to new heights in Texas. He plans to expand his training operation at Taylor Sheridan's Bosque Ranch in Weatherford.
Mills aspires to cultivate top-tier reining talent and produce championship-caliber horses. His goals include developing future stars for high-level competitions.
The move to Texas presents opportunities for Mills to collaborate with other elite trainers. He hopes to exchange knowledge and techniques, further refining his skills.
Mills seeks to contribute to the growth of reining in the Lone Star State. By attracting more enthusiasts and competitors, he aims to boost the sport's popularity.
A long-term aspiration for Mills is to represent the United States Equestrian Team. He dreams of competing for Team USA in international events, showcasing American reining prowess.
Through his expertise, Mills intends to mentor aspiring reiners. He plans to offer clinics and workshops, sharing his wealth of experience with the next generation.
By relocating to Texas, Mills positions himself to take on new challenges. He looks forward to testing his abilities against the state's top competitors and pushing his limits.
Details for Enthusiasts and Professionals
Matt Mills' move to Texas has sparked interest among equestrian enthusiasts and professionals. The renowned western performance horse trainer now operates from Taylor Sheridan's Bosque Ranch in Weatherford, Texas.
Mills specializes in NRHA reining competitions and has competed in prestigious events like The American Performance Horseman. His expertise extends to various disciplines, including western pleasure, horsemanship, and trail riding.
For those looking to connect with Mills professionally:
Email: [contact information redacted]
Phone: [contact information redacted]
Social media: Follow Matt Mills Reining on Facebook
Mills' presence in Texas offers opportunities for training sessions and clinics. Aspiring riders and professionals can potentially arrange visits to Bosque Ranch, though specific details may require direct inquiry.
The move to Texas places Mills in a hub of western equestrian activity. This location may provide enhanced networking opportunities and access to high-quality facilities for both Mills and those seeking his expertise.
Enthusiasts interested in Mills' techniques can find resources online, including training videos and tips shared through his social media channels. These platforms also serve as a way to stay updated on his competitive appearances and achievements.
