 Matthew
Roberts
Owner - Trainer
matthew@whitestarstables.com
If actions speak louder than words, Matthew Roberts
is deafening. A naturally calm, thoughtful individual,
his success speaks volumes of his abilities as a trainer,
horseman and promoter of the American Saddlebred.
Roberts is the trainer of White Star Stables
LLC, located in Cave Creek, Arizona.
While he may be considered an up-and-coming individual
in the "next generation" of horse trainers, he's already
spent the greater portion of his life learning and honing
his skills.
Matthew's equine education began when he was a young
boy in Scottsdale, infatuated with horses, wanting to
take riding lessons. His parents fully supported his
love of horses and he began riding Arabians under the
direction of Mitzi Thude. He had instruction in both
Saddle Seat and Western Pleasure, a versatile quality
he still demonstrates today.
Matthew's very first horse was an Arabian gelding,
Scharif. He continued his lessons and training with
Scharif, garnering numerous Junior Exhibitor Championships
on the West Coast, and Nationals.
When Matthew was 15 he began training and apprenticing
under the direction of Kim Nelson at Windchase Farm,
which was owned by the Priesers. It was at Windchase
that Matthew was first introduced to the Saddlebred
and his interest was sparked.
Kim and Matthew eventually moved to KAABA, then located
in Scottsdale under the ownership of Misdee and Deedee
Wrigley. Misdee's passion for Saddlebreds and National
Show Horses expanded Matthew's interest in other "saddle
type" breeds.
After graduating from high school, Matthew stayed on
at KAABA, while studying the fields of Interior Design
and Cosmetology at Scottsdale Community College and
Carlos Valenzuela Academy. Matthew's equine education
continued when Jack and Brenda Nevitt moved to Emerald
Hills in Scottsdale. Not missing a beat, Matthew began
his tenure with Jack and worked for the Nevitts in Kentucky
the following summer.
After working a time with Brenda and Jack, Matthew
was offered the trainer's position at Tandy Ranch West
by Evelyn Scott. Accepting the postion, Matthew had
the opportunity to work with another set of gifted horses.
Following his time working at Tandy Ranch West, Matthew
explored his other talents and interests. Roberts accepted
a position with the Bombay Company in San Francisco
as the Visual Merchandise Manager. Subsequently, he
transferred to their flagship store in Manhattan under
the same title. Matthew was successful in this new direction,
but missed everything he had out west; his family, his
friends, and the horses. Returning to Scottsdale, Matthew
accepted a position with the renowned hair care company,
Sebastian, and was then able to work part time with
Jack and Brenda Nevitt.
Matthew's intuitive and thoughtful nature is exemplified
in his training techniques. Whether in the saddle, jog
cart, or behind the long lines, he communicates effortlessly
with his horses and they respond with electricity. Matthew
allows each horse to bring forth its innate talents
and then he has the pure ability to capitalize on those
talents.
The versatility Matthew Roberts learned at the start
of his riding career is still apparent today. In addition
to Saddlebreds, he has also trained Friesians, Morgans,
and Arabians. Matthew appreciates the best of each breed
and is intently captured by the stature, motion and
intelligence of the American Saddlebred.
Paul Newton
Owner
paul@whitestarstables.com
Paul D. Newton brings the facets of corporate and financial literacy to the White Star Stables organization. Originally from Arkansas,
Newton spent his childhood and high school years interfacing with and raising numerous types of livestock on the family farm. In 1983, Paul left behind this rural setting and set off for university life.
While attending the University of Arkansas and Arkansas Tech University, Paul pursued his interests of history and political science with an intent to study law at Washington University in St. Louis. During this time, he accepted a part-time position at a nearby brokerage firm and never looked back. Paul spent the next several years working in the financial services industry in St. Louis, with numerous assignments in Dallas, Texas. He was responsible for opening the first office of Edward Jones outside of the Dallas area.
When the financial services industry went through tumultuous changes following the downturn of 1987, many individuals left the profession. This vacuum offered young talent a unique opportunity to fashion a new model for the financial services arena. Newton and his industry peers were instrumental in the development of technology that changed this paper intensive industry forever.
Newton’s professional career spans more than 18 years of sales, management and operations experience in financial services. He has brought his expertise, enthusiasm and strategic skills to corporations such as Edward Jones, Charles Schwab, CIGNA, and currently to Pentegra. Throughout Newton’s 18 plus year run, he has received numerous commendations and was nationally ranked in the top 3 of Charles Schwab’s sales force.
During the spring of 1999, Paul met Matthew Roberts in Scottsdale, Arizona, and they began a dialogue with respect to the formation of a partnership titled White Star Stables. Newton had spent time during his childhood years in the horse industry and his discussions with Matthew ignited his interest level to a high degree, so much so, that Paul initiated his Saddlebred show career while living in Greenville, South Carolina. In June of 1999, following his attendance at the Del Mar Charity Horse Show, Paul relocated to Arizona to continue his show career in earnest, while simultaneously bringing strategic alliance skills to Arizona’s financial industry.
Newton’s corporate brilliance defines the necessity of opportunistic identification, implementation of development strategies, and relationship building for business prosperity. Additionally, Paul’s success formula of setting high goals and consistently exceeding them, allows White Star Stables to make its mark as a leader in the American Saddlebred industry.
Paul has served as a board member of the Pacific Saddlebred Association, the Desert Horse Show Association and the American Saddlebred Association of Arizona. Additionally, he served a three-year term as Show Committee Chair of the Arizona Saddlebred Futurity Horse Show.
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