On a wet May morning I was greeted with a cup of hot chocolate to begin my interview with dressage rider Matthew Cox. Underneath the top quality clothing and perfect hair style, is an incredibly humble guy who aims for success through sympathetic riding and a great understanding of horses as individuals. At eight years old Matthew took up horse riding and was immediately smitten. Over the years he worked at a professional livery yard learning the day to day aspects of horse and stable management from others around him. He went on training courses at Talland School of Equitation, riding school masters and getting to know that all important ‘feel’. He tells me about his passion for learning and how he loves to watch other people of all levels, taking in as much as he can and understanding different techniques and approaches. “As a rider I believe that the more you understand about the horse and the way he is going, the better chance you have of succeeding. Dressage is all about elegance and ease, not messy or jerky movements and I try to create a picture of harmony between myself and the horse. But it’s not easy, I quickly learned that you can’t ride every horse the same.” Training all levels from Prelim to Prix St George, Matthew tries to teach his clients the importance of feel and timing which is so vital in correct training. “The people I’ve trained with have taught me this and I want to be able to get this across to my clients. All my clients are important to me and it’s wonderful when they get results. I love to see them progress and do well. I like to take time to get to know the rider and understand them and I always encourage them, not damn them or knock their confidence, as a rider’s mental state plays a huge part in their riding.” On his trainers, Matthew explains that each one has given him something to work with. “Even through bad experiences, you learn that way is not the way for you, which is just as valuable. I can honestly say I have learned something positive from every trainer I have had. I’ve had a couple of invaluable lessons with Carl Hester and been lucky enough to feature in his lecture demos. I’ve learned a lot from Carl and my regular trainer and friend Andrew Gould. I have spent a lot of time watching him school his horse’s and I really enjoy my training with him. It’s so important to have the confidence and trust in your trainer and that's what I try to achieve with my clients. I have a lesson with Andrew once a month or more, or stay for periods at a time”. Andrew recently travelled to Holland with Matthew to help him purchase his latest horse Korenblome Vamos, known as Aston at home, a strapping 16.3hh, 5 year old KWPN by Jazz. “He’s got potential to go all the way” says Matthew excitedly. “I’d like to do some 5 year old classes but only if he’s ready. I don’t believe in pushing a horse too soon – they’ll only break. He is very uphill and has the most amazing canter. I am very interested in dressage to music and I’d like to some of this with Aston.” Before Aston, Matthew competed William, his 16.3hh, 13 year old Irish Sport Horse. “I bought him from an eventer where he was competing at novice level. Over the years I have schooled him to Grand Prix level at home but we competed at Prix St George. Tension is a problem for William and it’s hard to keep him together without him being tight, so you have to be very tactful. Now he’s done his bit it’s great to be able to teach friends and clients on him where they can get a feel for advanced movements. We had a great time together and he taught me a lot. We qualified for the Pet Plan area festival at Prix St George and the regionals up to advanced medium. Plus we’ve been lucky enough to feature in many dressage articles and in a few books too. I also compete some of my client’s horses, including county level showing on Basil, a 16.3hh dun gelding.” A much loved hobby for Matthew is shopping for clothes. He’s always kitted out in the latest gear and has an obscene amount of long boots! Showing me his latest patent high top boots Matthew grins. “Working at Hengest, an equine retail store in Banstead, Surrey, as Business Development Manager gives me the opportunity, not only to shop for myself but to help advise customers. I love working in equestrian retail and it’s great helping people spend their money! As well as a large stock of horse and rider clothing, we have built up a comprehensive bitting range which I can advise on with expert knowledge and there’s always new bits to research.” Because of his riding success and great product knowledge Matthew was recently approached by NAF for sponsorship. “I’m excited about the future with Aston and now having NAF sponsor me is a fantastic opportunity, as I really believe in there products.” I love dressage and all that goes with it and I hope that the dressage world remains as friendly as it is now. You have to enjoy the environment and be totally dedicated if you’re going to succeed and if you’re lucky enough to have supportive parents and partners, which I am, it makes it worth while. I think if you believe in yourself and your riding ability you can go on to do great things. Go out there and have fun – enjoy your sport, enjoy your horse and learn as much as you can.”