Mike Helsen specializes in training reiners and cow horses but within that specialty he can take on just about anything. For instance, some of his most successful, loyal customers are amateurs who came to him "knowing almost nothing," yet have come on to win classes in NRHA and AQHA shows from here to Montana and Colorado, and they have the cash and buckles to prove it. Other trainers actually send him some of their own horses for starting, training and showing. It may be the combination of easy-going nice guy and fierce competitor that gives Mike that range.
If he's pressed, Mike will admit he's one of the top three trainers in the state, but he says, "Everybody takes turns going up and down." He means it, too. That's the easy-going side. If you push him to say what he means by "down", he might grin and tell you "second." That's the competitor.
A trainer since '89, Mike would have been a baseball player (2nd base or shortstop), if he hadn't gotten four-legged fever. He was serious about playing ball, but then his family moved to Montana and his Dad bought him a horse. Montana didn't offer as much competition as he was used to in baseball, but the horse was a good challenge. Think this guy likes to take things on?
Right now he says it's his turn to be on top. Mike's favorite shows are the big ones, including the NRHA Futurity where he made the finals in '97, '98, and '99. Winning that would be a dream come true. And if you know Mike, you know it's just a matter of time before he makes his dreams into realities.
