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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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We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on o We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on our socials where we share some of the lovely stallions, and their breeders featured in each month's magazine. Our first feature on this #STUDSunday is...

 ✨ALVESTA OWAIN✨
Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Fairy Lustre
13.1hh, Welsh section B
Stud Fee $750 (plus collection)
AI only and EVA negative
Fairfield, VA

Contact Cheryl Maye at (703) 431-9096 for more information
https://www.mayeshowponies.com/more-info/stallions

You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

📸  SAS Equestrian
‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️ The purpose of this ‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️

The purpose of this month’s column is to help the young equestrians of our sport develop and maintain healthy friendships within the industry. Cultivating healthy relationships with other members within the industry is not as easy as one may think. As a young equestrian, it may be difficult navigating friendships at the barn and at horse shows. Typically, kids have friendships within the barn they ride at but also friendships with others from different barns in their area. 

Initially, it may seem as though making other friends in the sport would be easy and ideal; after all, there is the common interest of horses. However, because of the natural therapeutic benefits of horses, the sport has a history of attracting all types of people, with a wide range of personalities. This can be both an advantage and a drawback. We are now in an era that acknowledges the growing need to discuss and manage one’s mental health. 

One thing I have learned is that we are likely to notice mental health challenges at an age younger than most people may think. Some of the friendship dynamics I have observed over the years have caused me to pause and really think about the future of our sport. Without looking for a source to blame for the cause of this, i.e. social media, parents, school, teachers, etc., I think if all adults involved worked to encourage, affirm, love, and respect our youth, the likelihood of them developing authentic friendships with their peers may increase.

Both humans and horses were designed to have connected relationships. These relationships allow a greater sense of security when one experiences challenges in life. Cultivating the quality and authenticity of these relationships requires intentional work. 

Thank you Rob for providing your helpful insight on developing healthy relationships. Check out his tips in his column you can find in the link in our bio.
Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine🦄 

Photo by Blenheim Equisports

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #hunterjumper #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #sidelinesmagzine
Don't get caught without your green on today!🍀🍀
 
In today's featured article, we have Jessica Howington, who is dressed for the occasion in her green shirt! Jessica is the Owner/Rider at CrownView Dressage, a Realtor with Showcase Properties of Central Florida, and a Nurse Practitioner! Jessica has been involved with horses since she was a little girl. Everything from bareback to eventing she tried until she found her love for dressage.

Today, she and her family own CrownView Dressage, a 157-acre training, boarding, and breeding facility in Ocala, Florida. Jessica started training and teaching but felt as if her life was still missing something. Until Jessica focused on horses full-time, she didn’t realize how important the healthcare field was to her life. Jessica missed seeing patients and being in the medical field. Jessica is now back to working again as a nurse practitioner while also focusing on training her five competition horses, including her Grand Prix mare Cavalia. 

Jessica feels lucky 🍀 to have two amazing parents who have supported her in all of her endeavors and instilled the importance of work ethic, morals, dedication, and sacrifice. 

You can read all about Jessica and how she's finding fulfillment in her busy lifestyle in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine! Click the link in our bio for more 

✳️Tag us in your “lucky” photos for a chance to be featured on our story! Happy st. Patrick’s day everyone!🍀🍀

📸Photos by Melissa Fuller, msfullerphotography.com 

#stpatricksday #irish #stpattysday #green #ireland #luckoftheirish #stpaddysday #shamrock #happystpatricksday #lucky #saintpatricksday #leprechaun #stpatricks #stpatrick #kissmeimirish #clover #paddysday #march #potofgold #stpattys #love #beer #guinness #shopsmall #handmade #stpatricksdaydecor #stpatricksdayoutfit #fourleafclover #stpatricksdayparade #luckycharms
Like many equestrians, eventer Devon Tresan is no Like many equestrians, eventer Devon Tresan is no stranger to balancing a busy schedule. From serving as president of the Pony Club South Region Youth Board to working on her online high school courses and modeling gigs, Devon has nearly every minute of her time planned out. And with her horses right in her backyard in Ball Ground, Georgia, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Devon’s fast-paced lifestyle stems from growing up around her parents’ animal casting business, Animal Casting Atlanta, where they train and provide animals for projects in the film industry. Devon’s parents, Carol and Greg, took her on her first film job at just two weeks old; both parents pushed Devon toward acting when she was younger. While Devon didn’t want to be an actor herself, she did follow in their footsteps with her love of animals, especially horses. 

“My parents’ company has provided animals for ‘The Hunger Games,’ ‘Black Panther,’ ‘Suicide Squad,’ a majority of the Marvel TV shows, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and so many more,” Devon said.

Devon started her equestrian journey when she was 9 years old. Initially, the Tresans bought a flashy gray Welsh pony, I Am Superman, for Devon to take in the hunter ring. However, Superman lived up to his name and proved to be too speedy for the job. 

“He was super cute and just a great little ride,” Devon said, “but he was still a pony! He made me work hard for everything we accomplished together. I was lucky enough to ride with a trainer who did both hunters and eventing, so we were able to switch disciplines pretty easily. Those eventing lessons together kickstarted my love for the sport.”

Read all about Devon and her busy life in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more
@TrDevon Lane Tresan  @Devontresan

📸Photo by Carol Lane Tresan
📸Photo courtesy of Devon Tresan
📸Modeling photo by Sara Hanna, @atlphotos 

#model #fashion #photography #love #style #instagood #photooftheday #beauty #instagram #beautiful #like #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #horselover #instahorse #Sidelinesmagazine
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