Christy Wood is the owner-trainer of Wood N’ Horse Training Stables, in Three Rivers, California. She is a professional show judge, trainer, author of three books and numerous equestrian articles. She hosts a podcast called “The ABC’s of Horses”, is an avid trail rider and participates in the historic Chief Joseph Trail Ride, sponsored by the Appaloosa Horse Club. Along with participating in Extreme Cowboy Challenges throughout California.
I am impressed with your many accomplishments! You are a trainer, judge, author, and that doesn’t cover all the awards you’ve received. Tell us about “young” Christy and how your adventures with horses and riding started?
I was smitten with horses at the age of 2. I was sick with the mumps and my brother brought me a model horse to look at and cheer me up. I stared and studied the shape and structure of this beautiful animal and dreamed of riding it. My interest grew and I was consumed with anything horse related. My parents were getting tired of me pestering them to get a horse, so they challenged me. They said I could have a horse if I could raise the money to purchase a horse and feed it for a year. I had no idea how competitive I would be, but I accepted the challenge and made a plan. I took on odd jobs and sold my precious Bryer model horse collection to get the real thing. I saved $300 dollars but had to borrow $50 dollars from my brother to buy my first horse. My parents saw my commitment to the project and built a corral on our property to keep my new companion. I rode for a year bareback, which helped me be a balanced rider. The next birthday that came around, my parents gave me a used western saddle. I rode at a stable down the road from my house and one Saturday they hosted a horse show. I was intrigued as I watched the riders perform with their horses and I wanted to learn more. My Mother found a trainer who came out to a vacant lot and worked with me and my horse to prepare for my first horse show. I didn’t want my riding buddies to know that I was working on horse show skills. The next weekend I borrowed a show saddle, chaps, and a hat to go along with the show shirt my Mom bought for me. I entered the local show at the neighborhood stable, showed my horse, and had a blast! I came home that day with seven first places and high point for the day! The rest is history.
Was there a pivotal moment when you knew horses were going to be a career?
I was showing my horse as a young adult at a show in my county, and winning, when a lady approached me and asked if I would trail her kids to the show? I was showing as an amateur and had just given some thought to turning pro. This was the stepping stone.
You’ve given many horses and riders lessons from your experienced “toolbox”. What advice do you give young riders wanting to follow in your footsteps?
If you are going to be self employed as a horse trainer/instructor then get a college education. My major is business management. You need to know how to build your business on and off a horse. Young riders or first-time adults who want to be good riders and partners with their horses need patience and perseverance.
Is there one Extreme Cowboy Challenge experience you’d like to share?
I took my wonderful trail horse, Dollar, to an Extreme Cowboy Trail Challenge in Bishop. It was our first time for an event like this. There were 150 riders entered. Our course was made up of creative natural obstacles in and out of two large arenas and out in the open field through ponds. The first day you needed to qualify to be in the final. The second day there were 45 obstacles, a course direction, and a time clock. Dollar was amazing and thrived on the challenge. We won the entire event.
Ranger: The Little Horse With The Big Heart is a must read for any equestrian. What was it about Ranger that made you pick up a pen and write his story?
My second book, “Ranger, the little horse with the big heart”, is based 100 percent on a true story. It becomes fiction because Ranger wrote the book. It is in his voice as he tells about his life with humans, horses, and other animals. It starts in the womb and ends in Heaven.
Your new book Hoofprints Across Time: A Trail Ride to Remember recounts a significant moment for the Nez Perce Indians in search of freedom. What made you decide to ride and write about the historic Chief Joseph Trail Ride?
I have been involved with the Appaloosa Horse Club since I started showing horses. As a member we receive the Appaloosa Journal that follows all the disciplines and events you can participate in with your Appaloosa. I loved reading the articles on the Chief Joseph Trail Ride. I may have 25 World Championship titles in the show arena, and have judged the Appaloosa Nationals 4 times, but I am also an avid trail rider. My goal was to start at the beginning when the ride started over again for the fourth rotation. I completed all 1300 miles, consecutively, all on the same wonderful mare, Dollar. So I decided to write my memoir of the experience in my newest book “Hoofprints Across Time, a trail ride to remember” to share the history of Chief Joseph and the appaloosa horse.
To learn more about Christy or purchase her books contact www.wdnhorse.com Her podcast “The ABC’s of Horses” with Christy Wood is carried on all the major networks like Spotify, YouTube, etc. It airs the second Saturday of each month at 4pm in the afternoon.
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