Matt is one of the top FEI level riders in the Pacific Northwest. In three short years since returning to where he grew up, Matt has made quite a splash on the scene.
Matt
is well known for working with horses of all types and levels and
improving them dramatically (young horses to FEI horses and Training Level riders to FEI riders). Not only for the show ring, but also for
their owners to be able to ride them. With Matt's knowledge and attention to detail, you will see great results in your riding and your horse's performance.
I began riding when I
was 6 years old. All it took was for my Mom to drive me out for a
surprise riding lesson. From that point on I was hooked. For awhile
it was fun just "bouncing around" on the horse. As I grew
older, I began to understand the relationship with the horse and that became
even more intriguing.
For me, the draw to
horses is being able to develop a trusting relationship that we build together
over time. Being able to look into the horse's eye and see a trusting eye
looking back at you is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. I
strive for not only for me to have that relationship with the horse, but for
the horse's owner/rider as well.
I rode hunters until I
was 14 and then switched over to dressage. It took me a little while to
ride dressage because I stupidly thought it was "sissy".
Quickly, I found the challenge and athleticism of dressage enjoyable and quite
addictive. The challenge of trying to ride harmoniously with the horse
had me spell bound, and that is all I needed. Additionally, I found I
could ride dressage a whole lot better compared to hunters. I took my
Quarter Horse Ben from the hunter ranks into dressage and under Wendy Meyers'
guidance, I won numerous regional and national awards and competed through 3rd
Level on him.
In 1995, I headed off to
college and spent a year at Johnson & Wales University in Providence,
RI. There I began pursuing a degree in Equine Science. At JWU, I
was immersed in classes ranging from Equine Anatomy/Physiology to Riding
Theory.
At JWU, I took lessons
from Lou Denizard (2007 Pan Am Games). I also competed on
the Intercollegiate Horse Show Team (Hunters and Dressage). That season I
was the only freshman from JWU to make the Regional Team (hunters), was the
highest placed JWU rider at the Mt. Holyoke Dressage Competition (2nd
overall) and won the Johnson & Wales 2-Phase event.
I moved to California in
summer of 1996 and began working for two-time Olympian Hilda Gurney. I
rode/worked with every type of horse imaginable ranging from young horses
(foals to 4 year olds), to problem horses (how high can this one rear or
buck?), to FEI school masters. In addition, I was Hilda's groom at the
shows (local shows to CDI's). I was immersed 12-15 hours a day, seven
days a week. I also competed on my horse (George) and on a couple of
Hilda's horses (3rd level to the FEI Young Rider Tests).
In 1997, I moved to
Boulder, Colorado (for a girl). In the fall of that year, I put down
George due to various health reasons. After his death, I evaluated where
I was at in life. Due to a serve case of burnout, I decided to take break
from riding. During that time off, I remained in the horse world training
foals and helping coach my ex-girlfriend through Grand Prix.
My time as a triathlon
coach helped me develop my coaching methods. Most importantly, I learned
how to develop individualized training programs that allowed different caliber
athletes reach their potentials. Through meticulous planning, I would
have the athletes peak at different times of the season for their biggest
races.
I am now applying a lot
of these training theories to dressage training which leaves the horse eager to
train/show and not become burned out.
From the University of
Colorado, I have graduated with degrees in History and Kinesiology. The
Kinesiology degree (Exercise Science) has a direct correlation to dressage
through the application of biomechanics, nutrition, psychology and
anatomy.
Since May 2008, I am now
back to training horses full time with great success. Please see what
other people think of my training and coaching on the Testimonials page. Currently, my horses range from
talented young prospects to FEI horses. I also have earned my
USDF Bronze and Silver Medal Rider Awards.
6th Place, USDF Region 6 Championship, Intermediare I, Neo
5th Place, USDF Region 6 Championship, Training Level, Falcon
2010 Equestrian's Institute Year End Award; Intermediare Freestyle Champion, Neo
2010 Equestrian's Institute Year End Award; Intermediate Reserve Champion, Neo
2010 Equestrian's Institute Year End Award; Training Level 3rd Place, Falcon
2010 Equestrian's Institute Year End Award; 1st Level 3rd Place, Falcon
Demo rider for the Through The Levels Symposium with Debbie McDonald and Janet Foy
2009:
1st Place, L'Apertif Dressage Show, Training Level 3; Falcon (Open Training Level High Point)
2nd Place, Beaujolais Dressage Show, Prix St Georges; Daniaan
4th Place, Beaujolais Dressage Show, Prix St Georges; Claudius
1st Place, Dressage At Devonwood, 4th Level 2; Claudius
2nd Place, Whidbey One Day Dressage Show, Prix St Georges, Daniaan
4th Place, Whidbey One Day Dressage Show; Prix St Georges, Claudius
1st Place, Whidbey Summer Dressage Show, Prix St Georges, Daniaan
2nd Place, Whidbey Summer Dressage Show; Prix St Georges, Claudius
5th Place, NW Dressage Championships; Prix St Georges, Daniaan
8th Place, USDF Region 6 Championships; Prix St Georges, Daniaan
2008:
1st Place, Whidbey Summer Dressage Show, Training Level 4; Walzerblutte
5th Place, USDF Region 6 Championships, Training Level; Walzerblutte
5th Place, NW Dressage Championships, Training Level; Walzerblutte
Currently I am training
with David Wilson and Henrik Johansen. I am currently riding in clinics or have ridden in clinics with Shannon Peters, Debbie McDonald, Janet Foy, Leslie Reid and Karla Spiritus.
