Article May 31, 2004 Issue

Unity with all God's creatures

A conversation with world champion cutting-horse rider Mary Jo Milner

By Kim Shippey Senior Writer

Last year, Mary Jo Milner of Southlake, Texas , won her sixth nonprofessional world title in "cutting," a sport enjoyed primarily in her home state, but in many other states as well, including Alaska and Hawaii. Cutting competitions are also held in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Great Britain. In many places, she says, it's being practiced in a way that could be considered an art form.

Cutting calls for a horse and rider to separate an individual cow from the rest of the herd without roping or handling the cow. It demands a special kind of understanding and unity between horse and rider, and more skill than may be obvious to the casual observer.

"It's also more rewarding than most people realize," Mary Jo told me. "I don't care if you've done this for 30 years, as I have—or 100 years—every time, it's a new thrill and always satisfying. But what I find most challenging is keeping my mind focused. And this is where I find that my study of Christian Science helps me enormously.

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