Judges

Gayle is currently an adjunct professor at William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri after being the saddle seat program director there for 41 years. Gayle holds judges’ cards in nine equestrian disciplines, and has judged competitions in 43 states as well as Australia, Canada, Great Britain and South Africa. She has also conducted clinics in 25 states and 3 foreign countries.

Gayle has judged the Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show ten times.  The first time was in 1993 and the most recent one was in 2022. She is honored and excited to be asked to judge again this year. Gayle has also judged the Northampton Morgan Horse Show twice. In 1996, Gayle coached the U.S. Saddle Seat equitation team to a gold medal at the World Cup Competition, held with Equitana in Louisville, KY. The outstanding Morgan rider, Georgia Hunter, was on the team that year. Gayle has conducted numerous USEF Judges clinics for Applicants, Morgans, National Show Horses, Saddlebreds, and Saddle Seat Equitation.

In addition to teaching and judging, Gayle also has shown Saddlebreds, Morgans and Arabians. In 1979, Gayle showed Zephyr’s King Moro to win the Ladies Park Horse Under Saddle Championship at the Grand National Morgan Horse Show.  In 2003, Gayle showed her own horse, Callaway’s Born to Win, to earn the Ladies Five-Gaited Championship title at the World Championship Saddlebred show held at the Kentucky State Fair. Additionally, at the United Professional Horseman’s Association American Royal National Championship Horse Show in Kansas City, Gayle won the Five-Gaited Ladies National Championship on Born to Win in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Gayle has been the recipient of the United Professional Horseman’s Association Equitation Instructor of the Year Award, the Missouri-Kansas Horse Person of the Year award at the American Royal Horse Show, the “Distinguished Professor Award” at William Woods University, and the Lurline Roth Sportsmanship Award at the American Saddlebred Horse Convention. In 2007, she received the Audrey Gutridge Award at the World Championship Saddle Horse Show held at the Kentucky State Fair. Also in 2007, The American Riding Instructor’s Association awarded Gayle the title of “Master Instructor”.  In 2015, Gayle was inducted into the “Missouri Sports Hall of Fame”.  Gayle was the first “horse” person ever to receive this honor other than one jockey and one rodeo rider. In 2024 Gayle was honored with “The Settler’s Award” from the Kingdom of Callaway.

In 1996, Gayle authored the book “Riding for Success, Both In and Out of the Show Ring” and in 2013, the revised edition of this book was printed. In her spare time, Gayle enjoys walking, planting trees, feeding ducks and playing ping-pong.  She even managed to win a Gold Medal at the 2000 Missouri Show Me Games in the Women’s single Table Tennis the same day she coached the first-place winner in Academy equitation at the Boone County Fair. The newest addition to Gayle’s life is Porchy, a little black feral cat, who moved in with Gayle in 2024 during a snow storm.

Matthew Roberts: A Leader in the Show Horse Community

Professional Experience and Expertise

Matthew Roberts is a respected figure in the Morgan and Saddlebred industries, with over 25 years of dedicated service. He is recognized for his talent in introducing new riders and owners to the show horse community, consistently creating a welcoming environment for all. Matthew excels in developing amateur and juvenile teams across all divisions, nurturing growth and excellence among participants.

Career Beginnings and Development

Matthew began his riding career under the guidance of Kim Nelson at Windchase Farm. Kim was renowned for his proficiency with Saddlebreds and versatility across various breeds. Together, Matthew and Kim transitioned to work for KAABA Arabians in the late 1980s, where Matthew’s knowledge and show experience with Arabians expanded further.

Misdee and Dedee Wrigley provided Matthew with opportunities to continue honing his skills. Misdee’s special interest in Saddlebreds inspired Matthew’s growing passion for the breed. He subsequently accepted a position with Jack and Brenda Nevitt at Emerald Hills Farm, a pivotal step that allowed him to develop his expertise with Saddlebreds. Matthew’s reputation grew, and he began acquiring clients of his own, eventually becoming the head trainer at Windchase Farm. This experience paved the way for him to become the owner and operator of Matthew Roberts Stables, a world-class boarding and training facility in Cave Creek, Arizona. His leadership and commitment to excellence have made the facility a prominent destination for horse enthusiasts.

Versatility and Training Accomplishments

Matthew’s adaptability as a young rider continues to influence his approach today. He embraces the challenge of training a diverse range of breeds, including American Saddlebreds, Hackney Ponies, Friesians, Morgans, and Arabians. His expertise has contributed to the training and instruction of horses and riders who have achieved success at the Regional, National, and World Champion levels.

Recent Judging and Leadership Roles

• 2025 World Cup South Africa
• Morgan Medallion Classic Horse Show
• California Springfest
• UPHA American Royal

Professional Affiliations and Contributions

Beyond training and judging, Matthew is an active member and board member of several esteemed organizations, including USEF, ASHA, AMHA, ASAA, and UPHA. As the current president of the ASAA board, he organizes two annual shows. The Carousel Charity Horse Show, known as the largest multi-breed horse show on the West Coast, highlights Matthew’s continued commitment to promoting the show horse industry.

I have been involved with horses all my life. My father, a rancher in South Texas put me on my first horse at age 2 and that is how it began. Until I was 21 years old, I did the rodeo circuit every weekend all over the state of Texas. When I was in college, I was asked by Stewart Title to work part time for them during the summer. Within 6 months I was driving their pair of horses all over the state giving carriage rides to clients. I had very little knowledge about driving except what I learned in a week’s time from their former trainer. I worked for Stewart Title for 2 ½ years before moving to Florida.

In 1999, I moved to Florida to work at Continental Acres, which is now known as Grand Oaks Resort. It was a great opportunity to be able to travel the United States and Europe grooming for Gloria Austin.

In 2008, I became the Equine Manager at the Resort where I was in charge of all equine staff, horses and equine events. Working at Grand Oaks Resort has given me the opportunity to show my driving skills in public events, outings and shows. I gave single, pair, tandem and 4-in-hand lessons on a regular basis. I have completed my Level 3 CAA Proficiency Evaluation and I am a Level 1 Evaluator.

In 2014 the American Driving Society accepted me as a “r” Judge in Pleasure Driving and in 2015 went on to get my “r” Judge in Pleasure Driving through the USEF.

In 2022, I became the General Manager of the Grand Oaks Resort. This has taken my focus into a broader area where I can expand the resort into a variety of directions.

I can say I always wanted the opportunity to drive a carriage, but never thought I would have the opportunities I have been given. Not everyone can say they get paid to do what they enjoy, but to this day it is a great feeling to drive onto the Grand Oaks property where I “work” and get to do what I love.