Matt Gouthro Reining Horses

Matt Gouthro: Professional Reining Horse Trainer in Staunton, Virginia, 25+ Years of Excellence

Experience elite-level training and coaching with Matt Gouthro, an AQHA Professional Horseman and World Champion trainer based in Staunton, Virginia. As the co-founder of BMG Show Horses, Matt brings over 25 years of professional experience to the industry, specializing in the rapidly growing Ranch Horse events, Versatility Ranch, and performance Quarter Horses. Known for his "integrity-first" approach, Matt develops horses that are physically balanced, mentally willing, and prepared to win at the highest level of AQHA and NSBA competition.

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Trainer Experience

Success in the show pen is built on a foundation of hard work and technical feel. Matt Gouthro’s journey is defined by a "The harder you work, the Luckier You Get" mentality. Together with his wife, Beth Gouthro, Matt established BMG Show Horses in 2000. While they began their professional careers in Alabama—transforming a lesson program into a Congress-winning show crew in just one year—they have since anchored their program in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

Matt's expertise is deep and multifaceted. He is a member of the prestigious AQHA Team Wrangler and serves on various AQHA committees. His training style is heavily influenced by a lifetime of diverse experience, including:

• Versatility Mastery: Transitioning from Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle foundations to becoming a leading force in Ranch Riding and Ranch Trail.
• The Film Industry: Providing equine services and horsemanship for feature films (notably Texas Rein), which requires an extreme level of horse control and responsiveness.
• Judging Perspective: As a carded judge, Matt offers his clients an "insider’s view" of what judges are looking for in a winning transition, gait, and maneuver.

Today, Matt operates out of a premier 25-stall facility in Staunton, Virginia, where he coaches riders from the grassroots level to World Championship titles.

Matt Gouthro’s Impressive Achievements

Matt’s resume is highlighted by consistent success at the industry's "Major League" events:

• Multiple AQHA & NSBA World Champion Trainer: Producing champions in Ranch Riding, Ranch Trail, and Versatility Ranch Horse.
• All American Quarter Horse Congress Champion: A multi-time winner and finalist across performance and ranch classes.
• AQHA Honor Roll High Point Leader: Developing horses that consistently lead the nation in year-end points.
• 2024 Team Wrangler Member: Selected as one of the top professionals representing the AQHA brand.
• Working Western Rail Specialist: Recently showcased his skills by leading top point-earners in the AQHA Working Western Rail series.

BMG Show Horses Training Program

At BMG Show Horses, Matt emphasizes that "Forward is your friend." His philosophy is built on creating a clear line of communication where the horse respects the rider but remains relaxed.

• Individualized Foundation: Every horse is treated as an individual, with a program tailored to its specific mental and physical strengths.
• Transition Perfection: Matt is a specialist in the "art of the transition," teaching horses to change gaits with zero resistance and flawless rhythm.
• Novice & Youth Coaching: He is highly regarded for his ability to pair the right horse with the right rider, often selecting "tolerant" horses for beginners while refining "edgy" athletes for advanced competitors.
• Total Performance Care: The program integrates proper nutrition, turnout, and conditioning to ensure show horses stay sound and happy through long competition seasons.

Matt is known for his quiet, effective teaching style. He doesn't just train the horse; he mentors the rider to understand the "feel" of resistance and how to correct it with minimal pressure.

Ready to Elevate Your Ranch Horse Performance? Contact Matt Gouthro Today!

Email: bmgshowhorses@gmail.com

Phone: (540) 460-5510