Matt has long been a sought-after coach and trainer of riders from Beginner Novice to Advanced in California, and his popularity on the east coast and around the country continues to grow as his patient and light-hearted yet disciplined teaching style becomes more known.
Longtime students will tell you that Matt has a unique ability to convey feel while breaking down both basic and advanced techniques in to simple and lasting terms.
Matt is skilled at tuning in to the personalities and quirks of individual horses, helping their riders effectively understand their mounts and how best to communicate with them.
Not one for quick fixes, before moving on to more advanced movements and exercises, Matt stresses the importance of a solid foundation built on a correct rider position and application of the aids, with a soft, elastic connection, a supple and balanced seat, and quiet and effective legs; the development of a properly muscled horse who works with a tranquil and open state of mind; helping his students foster in the horse an adequate understanding of the basic principles of carrying an even tempo, with a loose and unrestricted body, steering off of weight and light aids.
In the jumping, Matt favors exercises that get horse and rider working together in a balanced and even rhythm, focusing on position, accuracy, adjustability and footwork.
Cross Country schooling is spent building on the basics of jumping while creating trust, confidence, and boldness in the horse and rider team in order to help them tackle challenges with determination and bravery.
Whether it’s in a lesson, a high pressure show warm up, or a cross country course walk, Matt is able to instill in his students a lasting understanding of the task at hand and confidence in their abilities to perform.
Matt and Cecily are available for individual lessons, custom monthly training programs, and coaching to students of all levels at your facility or theirs and at shows. Please contact us for more information.
If you are interested in participating in or hosting a clinic with Matt, please contact us for schedule and availability.