Mike Grant enjoyed a day of roping in December that most ropers only dream about. During the World Series of Team Roping Finale in Las Vegas, Mike and partner, Harold Bumguardner, won the #12, splitting $255,000 in cash and prizes. Mike was riding a nice gray horse that he had owned for just nine days.
The World Series of Team Roping Finale became the first roping event to reach the seven million dollar purse mark, and the third richest horse event in the world.
“The World Series ropings are very enjoyable, mostly due to the limited entries and age requirements,” says Grant. “I know a few old ropers coming out of retirement because of the opportunity this roping offers.”
Mike is a fourth generation rancher and owner of the historic Grant Ranch Est. 1884 in Wheatland, Wyoming. He has competed in rodeo most of his life and has qualified for the PRCA Mountain States Circuit Finals in Steer Wrestling twice.
Mike and his wife, Becky, have two daughters, Allie, 20 and Rayne, 9. Allie attends college and competes in the NIRA. Rayne competes in the Colorado Junior Rodeo Association.
This will be the fourth year the Grants produce team roping jackpots at their ranch. The facilities include a large outdoor arena with concessions and stalls. Their roping series have been called friendly and old-fashioned and will start back this June.
Fast Back Ropes and Formula 707 currently sponsor Mike.
“My favorite rope is the Mach III. It’s very forgiving and easy to catch with,” says Grant.
The next big event for Mike will be the 2nd Annual Rodeo All-Star held in Denver, April 17th – 19th.
“I’m pretty excited to compete at the Rodeo All-Star,” say Mike. “They invite 16 contestants in each event. There are three rounds with a sudden death format. It will be a lot of fun.”
COWBOY Q&A
How much do you practice?
I practice or jackpot six days a week, but take Mondays off.
Do you make your own horses?
Typically I buy them. I’ve found that I win more on professionally trained horses.
Who were your roping (rodeo) heroes?
Mark Kersting, he’s a local pro that ruled our area when I was younger. He helped me when I got serious about roping. Rube Woolsey has been helping me lately.
Who do you respect most in the world?
My dad.
If you had a day off what would you like to do?
I’d like to go a Bit & Spur museum.
Favorite movie?
Any movies with John Candy.
What’s the last thing you read?
Golf Is Not A Game Of Perfect. It’s written by a sport psychologist, Dr. Bob Rotella.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Loyal, friendly, happy
What makes you happy?
Drinking coffee with Becky every morning.
What makes you angry?
Barking dogs.
What is your worst quality – your best?
My worst quality is impatience. My best quality is being able to remember names.
If you were given 1 million dollars, how would you spend it?
Keep living life. Hopefully it would last longer than $127,000 (that I won in WSTR Finale).
