Matt came over to the UK from Marion Hughes’ yard and the end of 2018, where he was bred and pure show jumped. He is sired by one of Marion’s own stallions, Can Ya Makan, and out of one of Marion’s Cavalier mares who jumped to a good level herself.
Matt progressed extensively through 2019, going from BE90 to CCI-S3* with ease; he placed at Novice level, finished just outside the rosettes at his first International, and easily upgraded to Intermediate level. Despite his little experience, he placed in the top 20 at the National 7YO Championships. In February 2020, Matt gained some brilliant experience jumping in Spain and reaped the rewards throughout the 2020 eventing season with some excellent jumping rounds. He placed at his first Intermediate run of 2020 and had a great run around his Advanced debut in the summer as only an 8yo. He finished just outside the money in several CCI-S3* events to round the 2020 season off slightly early, due to Kate’s second pregnancy. In 2021, Matt jumped double clear and finished in the rosettes at several CCI-S3* events and despite his low mileage, he finished in the top 20 at his first 4* and put in a very respectable performance at the prestigious 8/9YO S4* class at Blenheim Palace. Matt had an exciting 2022; he placed at both Intermediate and Advanced level and stormed around Chatsworth CCI-S4*, before putting in a superb XC performance around a tough CCI-L4* track at Bramham Park to round off his spring campaign. After a great run around Blair Castle S4* track, sadly a nasty respiratory illness meant his 2022 season ended early. In 2023, Matt won at Intermediate and placed at CCI4*S level. To round off a great year, Matt made his 5* debut at Pau; frustratingly an uncomfortable jump at an influential corner caused Kate to bang her head on Matt’s neck, giving her extreme double vision and sadly forcing retirement on course. But Matt showed his class round the most intense, testing part of the track and headed home feeling on top form!
2024 has been a frustrating season for Matt, with a series of minor (and very random!) set backs making him a late withdrawal from Luhmuhlen 5*, and putting pay to the majority of the season. Thankfully none of these issues are long term or serious, and Matt will be all set to take 2025 by storm!
Matt is a real character and you learn to expect the unexpected with him! It is easy to think Matt is a very relaxed and slightly lazy by nature, but when he gets enthusiastic, the inner stallion comes out and he has had Kate on the floor many times on horse walks at events! Known for being unpredictably spooky, which has sadly put pay to many top results, Matt combines this with effortless jumping and being truly genuine. He has surpassed all expectations by making it to 5* level, and Kate enjoys a very special partnership with this wonderful horse.
