Matt Sheridan Performance Horsemanship

05/28/2026

A huge shout out and hats off to a well deserved win for Laura Rene' Johnson at her recent championahip in the Flores Ranch Show series. It is so fun to watch her and Scarlett become a great team.
Here's to 2 more weeks of showing coming up! 🥳

05/27/2026

Edited photos added: With cooler weather today and ample wind this afternoon I thought I'd try some different bits on a couple of horses today. Not including snaffle bit switch ups, I put my Las Cruces on Barley and a medium port 15 degree forward tilt bridle on Kharma.
The Las Cruces took an already very light in the face horse to the next level. I could not get the weight out of the reins before he was following a feel. That said, this isn't a "fix it" bit. It's a show everybody how broke they are bit. Not for beginners or most amateurs.
The shorter shank bit on Kharma is a great transition as she is already responsive and soft. It is still a patience bit in that she will need a little time to adjust to this new feel of a solid mouthpiece. I've said it before but will offer a reminder that use of the Billy Allen or other multi piece or jointed mouths for more than a month or two at most will greatly delay developing a great bridle horse. Use them prudently.

05/22/2026

In these times of cheap fuel and infinite time (just kidding about both) available I recently shared some steps to improving trail poles ex*****on with a friend. So, here is your free lesson sans coaching in person to make it even better.

A little trick if your horse is ticking or hitting poles in trail class, or for that matter not executing well on any obstacle, is to first do 2 things.
1. Fix your lines. Often a crooked approach causes unnecessary pole hits. Not all patterns give you the best line but I often see riders pick a bad line and then have poor results. Straight and square is ideal but even an angled approach has a sweet spot.
2. Get them paying attention to their feet. If lines are correct but your horse is still hitting poles, approach and execute poles by overbridling through the poles. Don't spur the horse, just get them to soften and pay attention. I will ride through a set of poles multiple times until a horse puts his face in the bridle and lowers his neck while looking with its eyes.
3. Bonus help for "pulling through" and obstacle or poles . If the horse is pulling you into the poles or any obstacle they will tend to hit poles and stumble through more frequently. Stop them just prior to entering the obstacle and back until they give to the bridle. Again, no kicking or spurring. You are getting them to back off pulling with their shoulder and to acknowledge the obstacle, give to the bit and pay better attention.
4. Extra bonus fix. If all else fails or you just can't see or feel what is happening, put the horse in a round corral bridled up lightly and have them trot over a series of cavalettis. Doing this for a couple of days really helps them pick up their feet. Be aware that it can make them pick their feet up too much which isn't as desirable in our show trail classes.

05/16/2026

I thought I'd share with you a 30 days of training video taken of a horse I'm currently riding. Recently, I've seen some posts asking what to expect from a 30-60 day horse with a trainer. Each horse is an individual so progress cannot be measured the same with each one. That said, it is reasonable to expect certain things on the average horse. They should saddle safely, stand to be mounted, walk, trot, lope, stop, back and turn left and right both on the forehand and haunches. Some trail riding or obstacle experience should be included such as gates, poles, bridge, back through. Typically, I have tried to get no less than 15-18 rides in the first month as well.

Does that mean that some won't still be a little tight or want to buck a bit? No, some might, but most won't.
Will they be distracted (such is the horse in the video) while tied and under saddle and still have some insecurities? Absolutely.
Will they be kid/beginner safe? Not likely.

The first 60-90 days is all about developing consistency, softness and a willingness to do what you want them to do. I don't rush things but still accomplish a fair bit after almost 40 years of practice as a professional.

Am I still starting c**ts? Well no, but here I am riding my last c**t again for a client.
I would like someone new to take this mantle but the first 30-90 days are the most important in a horses career. It is why it has been hard for me to completely give this up and just recommend c**t starters. There are so few that are just that good with young minds.

Enjoy the video and notice the good along with the imperfections. Maybe in another 30-60 days we can show his growth.

If you are still reading at this point did I mention i have a YouTube channel? I do. There's even some good stuff there. When you follow the link above you can subscribe and get me to something like 17 followers. Thanks and don't forget to subscribe.

Principle filming: Jennifer "my rock" Sheridan
Editing and movie magic: Laura Rene' Johnson

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/10/2026

I had a great time judging in Bishop at the Freedom In Motion show series yesterday. Great bunch of people and lots of mules getting ready for Bishop Mules Days. My friend Rob Pearce was judging trail. It was nice to visit and then stop by his place to see his really nice 2 year old reining prospect after the show. By the way, he makes really nice bits, spurs and silver hardware.

04/26/2026

Great fun this weekend. Due to rain overnight and saturated arenas we will continue at a future date (TBD). What a great group of riders to work with. Many thanks to Suzi and all folks at Bear Valley Springs Horsemen's Association as well as those that rode. Looking forward to seeing you all again soon and getting our "Faux Show" done!
https://www.facebook.com/100063769380899/posts/1560572596078372/?mibextid=CDWPTG

04/24/2026

Throwback Thursday but it's Friday.
When you've got a kid and he has a horse and a cow. Cowhorse! Dream big, live the dream. National Reined Cow Horse Association

04/20/2026

I'm very proud of my group that showed yesterday at Hidha Hi Desert Horsemen's Association double judged show. This was Kristin Felix first time showing her mare (2nd time showing for the mare) and Morgan's first trip out with Dandy. Laura Rene' Johnson rocked her stuff with the Golden Child.

Rene -
Conformation 4/6
R-Riding 1/1 - 18 & Over, 1/1 Open
Rail 3/4 - 18 & Over, 2/2 Open
Trail 2/3 - 18 & Over, 2/2 Open
Reining 1/1 - 18 & Over, 1/1 Open
Open High Point Champion

Kristin - W/T Open
Conformation 1/2
Ranch riding 2/2
Trail 3/4

Morgan- 17 & Under
Ranch riding 3/3
Rail 1/3
Reining 5/5
Trail 6
English Country Pleas. 1/1

Props to Bradly Clark who I get to ride with occasionally. Great job Bradly.

04/17/2026

I'm getting excited for the Ranch Horse 101 clinic in Bear Valley Springs, CA April 24-26. Although the clinic is booked full you can still come and audit. This is a great event for those interested in or as some have said are "ranch horse curious" to learn more about the classes and how to show. Sunday we will have a "Faux Show" in the afternoon for clinic participants.

Many thanks to Jeremiah Watt and World Ranch Horse Association for your generous donations.

Follow the QR code for more info and a gate pass if outside the area.

See you there!

04/05/2026