 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.
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