Phil starts with a simple, common sense approach of training horses to understand people and teaching people to understand horses. Over the past twenty-five years, Phil has competed in over 1,000 rodeos, qualifying for both the Badlands Circuit Finals and the Prairie Circuit Finals. Winning at both ends of the arena-rough stock and timed events-led to Phil winning the coveted Linderman Award in 1989.

In addition to providing the training and discipline to get both horse and rider ready for top-level competition, Phil has developed his own unique colt starting program that consists of developing a horse/rider relationship based on trust and respect, which establishes a strong set of fundamentals. This has become the foundation of his horsemanship program.

Phil and his family currently reside at the Haugen Training Facility in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Whether at home, in the rodeo arena, or at a clinic near you, each of Phil's experiences contribute to and reinforce his philosophy of "Training through understanding".