The Trainer:

     Matt McLaughlin’s dedication to the training of horse and rider is based on his system of horsemanship that integrates classical principles of dressage, the requirements of today’s competitive dressage, and Natural Horsemanship techniques.  This training philosophy emphasizes the values of respect, control, and fairness in the relationship between horse and rider.  Matt’s focus is to teach people how to train horses.  While his training methods are focused on dressage and haute école, these methods are applicable to all disciplines and breeds.
        
     Matt studied primarily under Chuck Grant, USDF Hall of Fame member and recognized father of American dressage. As a working student he not only furthered his dressage riding skills, but also learned the art of training horses in haute école for exhibition performances.  Matt spent the next seven years as the Principal Rider, Head Rider, and eventually Head Trainer for the Royal Lipizzaner Stallion Show where he trained as many as 16 stallions and riders at a time.  This fast paced and high pressure environment forced Matt to create training and teaching methods that were effective and suited to riders of all abilities.  Since 2001, Matt has continued to hone his skills as a trainer, clinician, and performer by learning and adapting techniques gleaned from training experiences as well as his work with industry notables in the dressage, western, and trick training disciplines. 

     Matt has successfully trained horses through Grand Prix Dressage that have gone on to compete nationally and internationally as well as multiple horses finished in haute école including Capriole, Courbette, and Levade.  In 2006, he was the recipient of the USDF Bronze & Silver Medals.  In addition to providing instruction at his Florida farm, Matt travels throughout North America and Europe as a clinician.
  
The Entertainer:

     Matt lectures and performs at exhibition venues with his Andalusian haute école and dressage acts throughout the year.  As an entertainer, Matt is a charismatic and exciting performer, whose professionalism and relationship with his horses has impressed audiences all over North America and Europe.  Matt is also a popular clinician at exhibition venues as audiences relate to his use of humor, kindness, and frank speaking to instruct audiences in his training methods.  Matt’s interactive style and focus on training allows individuals of any discipline to benefit from his sessions.
       
Production Director:

     Matt is also available to assist in the design and implementation of equestrian productions.   Matt’s extensive history in the equine entertainment industry makes him a valuable asset to any production as an Entertainer or Production Director.  With over 20 years of experience, Matt has perfected his expertise in training horses, designing acts, and managing riders for solo or drill team performances showcasing classical dressage and haute école.  Over the past 11 years, Matt has also worked behind the scenes in various capacities including stage construction, lighting, sound, performance direction and cues, production development and direction as well as public relations.

    This range of experience gives Matt unique insight into the mechanics and entertainment value of equine productions.  He has a rare eye for the ebb and flow required to keep audiences spellbound throughout a production.  Matt’s working relationship with industry leaders make him a valuable resource in developing productions displaying a wide variety of equestrian entertainment.