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Thursday, December 07 2017 / Published in General

Unbridled with Michael Matz

Michael Matz
Photo by Tod Marks Photography

By Lisa Engel

Michael Matz is an iconic horseman. In 2006 he was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame after riding in the 1976, 1992 and 1996 Olympics — including as part of the 1996 silver medal U.S. Show Jumping Team, where he also carried the flag for the closing ceremonies as a national hero. In 1989, he and his then fiancée (now wife) DD Alexander, were traveling from judging a horse show in Hawaii when their plane, United Flight 232, crashed, killing 111 people. Michael risked his life to save four children from the burning plane.

Michael retired from show jumping as the top money-winning rider in American history, claiming over $1.7 million in his career. In 1998 he turned to training racehorses, where he also had great success including winning the 2006 Kentucky Derby with Barbaro and the 2012 Belmont Stakes with Union Rags. As a husband, horse trainer and father in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Michael is a busy man. Sidelines was grateful for the opportunity to catch up with him.

How many children do you have?

I have 6 — my eldest is 36 and my youngest is 14.

How did you get started with riding?

I used to cut the lawn at George Cole’s house when I was a teenager. He asked me if I knew how to ride, and I said yes because I wanted to keep my job cutting his grass.                                                               

What career path would you have chosen if horses were not an option?

I was supposed to take over my father’s plumbing business.

 Who inspired you the most in riding?

There were quite a few when I first started. Pony Club, Bernie Traurig, Mr. Ward in Ohio, Jerry Baker, Bert DeNemethy in Gladstone, the European riders and Nelson Pessoa.

What three things are the most important to you?

My family, integrity and respect. You should treat people as you would want them to treat you.

What’s your daily schedule? 

In the morning, I’m so focused on what I’m doing and trying not to miss anything, with six children and the horses. That’s the biggest focus that I have, and when I finish with that, I just like to relax and read a little bit.

What’s the best feeling you have ever had? 

There are so many. You feel proud and I think that’s what you try to look back on. Having a horse like Jet Run to ride and Barbaro to train, there are a lot of great situations I’ve had. I’ve been lucky so far with the horses and the people who have been around me. Carrying the flag in the closing Olympic ceremony was a big thrill in Atlanta, the Kentucky Derby win was a big one and now watching my kids ride is really great.

What are the 3 traits you look for in a horse?

I look at its conformation, ability and try to get a sense of the horse’s heart. The heart is the most important part — you can’t see it until you actually compete. Does the horse want it? That’s the most important trait.

What was your best vacation?

I’m not a vacation guy. I get nervous to be away. So maybe there will be a difference when I retire.  I don’t like to put all that responsibility on others.

Do you have a “bucket list”?  If so, what tops that list?

I’d love to have another nice horse to run in the Classics. I mostly train for breeders. I’m lucky with the owners I have right now and they’re very supportive.

Do you have a personal motto?

Put yourself in a good position — whether it’s riding a horse, looking for a job or choosing your friends.

How would you like to be remembered?

My integrity means a lot, so to be an honest person. You’ll never go wrong by telling the truth. I’d like to be remembered as an honest person who tried to do his best, whether it was good enough or not. Doing what you can do — if it wasn’t good enough, you did what you could.  If you’re consistent enough, your day will come.

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Tagged under: lisa engel, Michael Matz, unbridled

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The WPCSA American National Welsh Pony and Cob Sho The WPCSA American National Welsh Pony and Cob Show is happening now! Don’t miss another second by streaming it live! 🐴

📹👀HOW TO VIEW THE LIVE STREAM
The WPCSA will again be streaming footage live from the ring at the American National Show next week. You will need two free passes to get to the feed this year.

1️⃣�The first is a USEF fan membership which you can get through this site:
Join or Renew | US Equestrian (usef.org)

2️⃣ Once you become a fan member, you will need to log in to the USEF Network on ClipMyHorse. A video demonstrating how to do this can be found here:
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📸Pictured- Grand Champion Section B under UK judge. 
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A note from our editor. It's here!! The October is A note from our editor.
It's here!! The October issue of Sidelines Magazine! So happy to have the fabulous Amelia Newcomb  on our cover. Amelia is a dressage rider with over 100,000 students! You read that right! Amelia has a very popular YouTube Channel where riders from around the word can learn and improve on their dressage - and it's not just dressage riders who are benefitting from Amelia Newcombe Dressage on Your Tube but riders of all disciplines - don't miss her story! Thanks to Sidelines photographer Lindsey Long for the beautiful photos. This issue has so many great stories! Catch up with eventer Zachary Brandt Equestrian (make sure to see how much he loves his dogs), and meet show jumper Katherine Anne Brewer and her horse Super Bunny, artist Samantha Dawn, equestrian Megan Smith who teaches Pilates 4 Equestrians; and Ela Ladwig a dressage rider and trainer who's multi talented because she's also a talented artist also. We have an amazing story on hunter-jumper rider Lisa Mooney who has a story you don't want to miss!! We also have a story on Tyler Held who's passion for eventing has taken her on quite the journey, and we catch up with Jimmy Toon in our Unbridled column. This issue also features our Save The Date section where you can check out show dates for this year and next from horse shows around the country! So get out your calendar!! And don't miss our great columnists, hunter-jumper with Rob R.L. Jacobs, eventing with Liz Halliday Eventing and sports psychology with Margie Sugarman. And check out the photos of riders at the 2023 The Hampton Classic Horse Show also! It's another great issue! Make sure to subscribe to Sidelines also - one year for $14.95 and the magazine is delivered right to your house or barn!! 
Enjoy the October issue: https://sidelinesmagazine.com/app/#/reader/50029/1767167

Link in Bio!!!
Are YOU ready for it? The wait is over! The Capita Are YOU ready for it? The wait is over! The Capital Challenge Horse Show has officially begun! 

Not able to attend the 2023 Capital Challenge Horse Show? 🏆 No problem! Watch all 11 days of competition for free with the live stream, sponsored by C. Jarvis Insurance Agency Inc., on capitalchallenge.org or usefnetwork.com. 🎥
Balancing riding and academics can be tough, so Bl Balancing riding and academics can be tough, so Blue Ribbon Scholars is here to help! Whether you need help with a single subject, SAT prep, or transitioning to online school, Blue Ribbon will tailor a unique program to the needs of every student athlete, grades K-12. The exclusive education services provider at HITS Ocala since 2019, Blue Ribbon offers in-person tutoring services throughout the duration of the winter circuit, in addition to our virtual services via Zoom year round, anywhere, anytime! 

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