Mandy McCutcheon grew up around horses and started riding almost before she could walk! Riding horses is definitely a family affair for Mandy – her father is TimMcQuay, a renown reining competitor, trainer and breeder. Tim is a 3 time WEG gold medalist and an NRHA Million Dollar Rider. Mandy’s Mother is Colleen McQuay, who has earned many USEF championships in hunters and also is a multiple AQHA World Champion and is a six time Congress champion. Mandy rode reining horses, show jumpers & hunters, and would still be riding in both disciplines if she had more time! Equine VIP caught up with Mandy after she became an Two Million Dollar Rider – the first non pro and first female rider to earn the title.
Were you expected to ride horses when you were growing up?
I wasn’t expected to ride but I wanted to ride all the time! (Mandy jokes) My parents were pretty happy to see me on a horse because then they didn’t have to pay a babysitter! I can remember my first horse show at 4 years old for a walk/trot class. Later, I showed show jumpers, hunters and reiners.
What does it take to compete and become a NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider?
Three Million Dollars!! (Mandy laughs). I had to show a lot and I was fortunate to be able to ride really talented horses. The competition and horses are so much better than they used to be. I see people spending more money to buy better horses now.
What qualities do you look for in your horses?
I need that special “feel” in my horses, when I wrap my legs around them at a show, they know their job! “Always Gotyer Guns Up” was one of those horses. She was owned by my parents and won $171,000 in her career and I marked the highest score of my career on her.
Your husband, Tom McCutcheon, is also a top competitor and I understand your children are too?
Yes – my husband and I will be representing Team USA at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France this year. I’m pretty excited because I am the first woman and non-pro rider representing the US in Reining. Our son, Cade, rode at the NRHA Futurity the last three years, so that is pretty exciting. Cade loves it so much and he’s really into it. He may just follow in my father’s and his father’s footsteps becoming a trainer. My daughter is also showing hunters. We love watching both of them doing what they love.
Tell me about “Yellow Jersey” – the stallion owned by your parents McQuay Stables?
My Father was scheduled to ride him at first but decided to let me try him. He is just such a great horse. He has a great mind along with the talent. I’ll be taking him to France. I’m used to seeing my Dad at major competitions, but my parents won’t be coming this time. They own and run a show in Tulsa that they can’t miss, so they will be watching on the computer. Tom, myself and the kids are making the trip, with both Tom and I on the team – we felt the kids shouldn’t miss this unique opportunity.
Besides The World Equestrian Games, what’s next for you and your family?
We started a free website called “Virtual Horse Help”. It’s a behind the scene blog with training tips. We’ll be filming a lot of fun things from WEG and France. WWW.VIRTUALHORSEHELP.COM
