Credit Waltenberry, Inc
A reining pattern, when executed correctly, is nothing short of an artistic dance. A series of maneuvers between rider and horse that implements lead changes, spins, perfectly paced circles, and the anticipated sliding stop in what appears to be effortless. The grace of a skilled rider-horse combination can bring equestrians of any discipline as well as non-horse spectators to a standing ovation, even tears. Professional Matt Palmer is one of the talented reiners who, with strict practice and unconditional drive, performs the dance in the competitive arena.
Matt’s lifetime accomplishments are numerous, from a two-time USEF (United Stated Equestrian Federation) Gold Medalist, a five-time NRHA (National Reining Horse Association) World Champion, and consistent ranking as a NRHA Top 20 Professional, just to name a few. In 2022, he fulfilled a dream by qualifying and competing in the elite Run for a Million—deemed by many as the richest event in reining history—presented by Teton Ridge in Las Vegas at South Point Arena. Although, he didn’t obtain the highly sought-after title, Matt firmly believes if you love what you do, eventually the hard work pays off. And this horseman’s determination is sliding him back to the 2023 reining arena to hopefully re-qualify for The Run for a Million, as well as capture his next goal of becoming an NRHA Million Dollar Rider.
Let’s backtrack to the humble beginnings of both NRHA and Matt’s drive to bring his success back to Pennsylvania.
The National Reining Horse Association was founded in 1966 with a mission to promote the discipline of reining. For decades the organization has continued to grow. However, in the last six years, reining has reached new levels of popularity because of the Run for a Million. Produced by the co-creator of the Yellowstone TV series, both the industry and sport have benefited. Another door expanded when the same producer, Taylor Sheridan, created the series The Last Cowboy, a weekly reality television show that chronicles the lives of talented athletes, both equine and human. This program has energized the high-stakes sport and introduced reining to the masses.
Matt Palmer has been rooted in the horse industry by the most influential people in his life, his parents, Guy (a non-professional competitor) and Joan Palmer (a professional trainer). At age 7, his family moved to a farm in Pennsylvania where life was simple, with a 10-stall barn and no indoor arena. What Matt remembers most is the daily hard work beside his family laboring at what they loved. Matt showed throughout his youth and claimed the NRHA World Title for ages 13 and under, then went on to win the 14-18 age bracket the same year his father brought home the world title in Non-Pro.
Even though reining and horses were an integral part of his life, Matt had another aspiration. Baseball. He was drafted by the Minnesota Twins before an injury ended his dream. His adage became: If I can’t do baseball, I’ll do horses. Matt said expectations were high for him as a horse trainer because of his family background and past awards, but he did not become truly serious until his late twenties. Then his focus transformed.
In 2010, at 27 years old, Matt qualified for the Olympic team with a horse named Whale of a Whiz. “I qualified to the team on half my abilities.” Not utilizing a full heart, he still rode with success. “The horse was a better horse than I was a rider.” Matt affirmed he was changed by Whale of a Whiz and wishes a re-ride could be possible today because of his increased appreciation and skill for the sport.
In the years that followed, Matt experienced many highs and lows. “One day, I was living, and the next day life was ripped upside down.” He was devastated when his father passed away. Shortly after, Matt partnered with a large business, moving to New York for both training and riding. Still struggling, Matt’s life had been in shambles when he qualified for the Run for a Million with the horse, Gunnatrashtheplace. Unfortunately, Matt faced yet another roadblock when his qualifying mount suffered an unexpected injury.
Simultaneously, the horseman had another goal. To go home. However, until the recent awareness in western style riding and specifically reining, living east of the Mississippi presented a challenge. Only a few riders have achieved the elite “NRHA Million Dollar Rider” status and even fewer hail from the East Coast. But Matt never wanted to move west because Pennsylvania was his home. The global attention has improved opportunities from increased clientele to access to shows.
Matt and his wife returned to his roots in Elverson, PA to their family farm. Their expanded facility, Palmer Performance Horses, opened at the end of 2022. Over the years, Matt has built his winnings and saved enough to construct a Taj Mahal venue—a 272-foot long indoor arena with 27 stalls and a viewing room.
Matt Palmer calls himself very fortunate. He had the opportunity to be part of the enormous growth in the industry, including participation in The Last Cowboy with his horse Gangus. “There is no excuse for not working hard.” Matt’s day is never simple. Every day he is at the gym at 6:00 am, then he rides 14 horses. With the combination of hard work and faith in a higher power, the horseman believes success will rain on.
Fast forward to 2023; Matt is less than $200,000 away from the goal of NRHA Million Dollar Rider. He hopes to seize that title… and bring it home to Pennsylvania. Additionally, he aspires to again qualify to compete in the 2023 Run For A Million. Riders from across the globe can enter the competition this March 25, in Scottsdale, Arizona, where ten more will qualify to join the already cemented six from the prior year. Only 16 will face off in the final earth-shattering battle. The riders, some of the most accomplished professionals in the sport, compete in Las Vegas, Nevada, August 16-19, 2023.
Matt also believes a tipping point between a good equestrian and a great equestrian is utilizing technology. “Learning does not stop in the saddle.” He advises that studying videos on your own help a rider to better one’s craft. For example, you can see if you are sitting in the right position, or if your legs are correct. Technology aids a rider to reach above and beyond for the enhancement of skills as a horseman or horsewoman.
Nothing short of exciting is the news that Matt Palmer will be at The Horse Expo in Pennsylvania in 2023 to share his knowledge and passion for the sport. The theme for his clinic will be an introduction to basic reining, what to do and how to, and how the discipline is judged. He hopes to bring Simba, one of the horses he showed in the Million competition.
Another of Matt’s inspirational pieces of advice… “Effort beats talent. More effort will knock down the door.” And he is living proof as he hopes to bring the coveted title home to PA in 2023.
Matt Palmer’s clinic, Get Started in Reining, will be held Saturday, March 4 at 3 pm in the Large Arena. Matt will visit with attendees at the Jason Charles booth 325 on Saturday only. Alicia Stephens Martin is a businesswoman and writer from South Central Pennsylvania, author of three novels Spurred to Justice, Spurred to Jump, and Private Mom. Her fourth novel, Spurred to Jealousy, will release in April 2023 completing the Spurred to Trilogy.