The allure of reining, the thrill of competition, and the deep-seated love for horses are the driving forces behind Matt Palmer’s pursuit of excellence in the equestrian world. As he prepares to compete in The Run for a Million (TRFAM), presented by Teton Ridge, in Las Vegas, his path to one of the sport’s most prestigious events has been far from straightforward. Palmer’s experiences, marked by profound personal loss and significant competitive challenges, offer invaluable lessons in resilience, mental fortitude, and unwavering dedication to one’s passion. His journey underscores the principle that success often hinges not just on talent, but on the ability to navigate adversity and remain true to the core love of the sport.
Facing Grief and Setbacks in Arizona
In 2019, a trip to Arizona for the annual Cactus Classic became a somber prelude to immense personal tragedy for Matt Palmer and his family. While considering a move to Arizona to advance his career as a reining professional, Palmer received a devastating phone call in the early hours of the morning: his father, battling stage 4 cancer, was not expected to survive. His father passed away during the show, a profound loss that resonated deeply within a close-knit family. Having previously experienced the pain of losing his sister to cancer at a young age, the recurrence of such a traumatic event cast a long shadow.
The Cactus Classic, a qualifying event for TRFAM, resumed in 2021 after a hiatus in 2020. Returning to the venue that held such painful memories was an immense emotional hurdle for Palmer. Despite the internal struggle, he knew his horse, Gunnatrashtheplace, was in prime condition. However, the psychological toll of reliving the past, including memories of traveling to the show with his father, was significant. Nevertheless, Palmer resolved to compete, facing a challenging early draw in a large class. As the qualifier drew to a close, he found himself in a runoff for the final qualifying spot. The tension mounted as NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Tom McCutcheon delivered a near-perfect run, narrowly defeating Palmer. While executing the desired performance was a personal victory, the outcome was a harsh disappointment. Adding to the drama, the film crew for The Last Cowboy, a TV show associated with TRFAM, captured this emotionally charged moment, which was later broadcast to the show’s audience. Palmer reflected on the unique difficulty of being under camera scrutiny during such a vulnerable time, acknowledging that there’s no manual for navigating public exposure during profound personal distress; one must simply remain authentic.
Rebuilding and Rediscovering Momentum
Following the emotional trials of the Cactus Classic, Palmer’s immediate goal was to reconnect with his horse and regain competitive footing. This began at the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) just one month later. Despite the lingering impact of the Scottsdale event, Palmer and Gunnatrashtheplace delivered a remarkable performance in the 8-and-up Challenge, securing a second-place finish. This achievement was met with an unprecedented standing ovation from the crowd, a testament to the power of their ride. Although the win eluded them, the overwhelming support and the quality of their performance provided a significant morale boost.
Departing from Katy, Texas, Palmer returned to his home in New York, fueled by a renewed determination to achieve his TRFAM aspirations. The NRBC performance had garnered considerable attention, leading to numerous encouraging calls and messages that bolstered his confidence. He recognized the exceptional partnership he shared with Gunnatrashtheplace, an athlete of remarkable caliber. Upon returning home, Palmer immersed himself in sports psychology podcasts and interviews with professional athletes. He noted a common thread among many highly successful individuals: their paths were often more arduous than those of immediate stars, requiring persistent daily effort and the ability to maintain emotional equilibrium, avoiding extremes of elation or despair. This realization solidified his belief in the importance of self-confidence and the integrity of his training program.
High Stakes in Las Vegas
A year prior to his ultimate qualification, Palmer faced another significant cross-country journey to Las Vegas for the $100,000 Shootout, an event held during TRFAM where the top five finishers earned automatic entry into the subsequent million-dollar competition. Again, he entered a highly competitive field vying for a limited number of coveted spots. Palmer emphasized the critical role of self-belief and unwavering faith in his horse, Gunnatrashtheplace. He acknowledged the potential for his aspirations to be dismissed as cliché but affirmed its fundamental truth: persistent belief can eventually break down barriers. Regardless of the outcome, he felt he was on the right track, motivated by the unwavering support he received.
Palmer understood the necessity of approaching the shootout with utmost seriousness, establishing a rigorous routine to mitigate distractions and emotional interference. Competing at the South Point arena for the first time, he found the environment, reminiscent of a bachelor party rather than a formal horse show, initially overwhelming given the high stakes. To maintain focus, he abstained from social events and dinners associated with the marquee competition. His disciplined regimen included early morning workouts and late-night practice sessions, taking his horse to the arena at 11 p.m., just before its midnight closure. He consciously reminded himself of his purpose and the significance of the opportunity, recognizing that such a horse and chance might not come again. This mental discipline proved instrumental. When the competition concluded, Palmer and Gunnatrashtheplace had secured third place in the shootout, clinching their spot in the 2022 TRFAM. The crowd’s enthusiastic support was palpable, and jubilant social media posts captured the immense joy and emotional weight of this accomplishment.
Preparing for the 2022 Running of The Run For A Million
For the 2022 TRFAM, Palmer intends to maintain the successful routine and focused mindset that proved effective in 2021, now with his horse Frozen Shining Gun. His strategic approach involves arriving in Vegas a week before his competition to ensure the stalls are prepared and he can acclimate to the surroundings before the horses arrive. He feels he has refined his preparation process to a science. Similar to his previous experience, Palmer plans to forgo the social aspects of the event until after his competition on August 21. He anticipates fulfilling various promotional duties for The Last Cowboy and Yellowstone, produced by Taylor Sheridan, alongside his close friends and fellow TRFAM qualifiers, Francesco Martinotti and Billy Williams.
Enduring Advice for Equestrian Pursuits
Palmer often reflects on a guiding quote: “One day, people who didn’t believe in you will want to tell everyone how they met you.” This perspective reinforces the fundamental reason for engaging in equestrian sports: the profound love of the horse. He acknowledges the privilege of being able to ride and compete, regardless of the outcome, emphasizing that passion and a deep affection for horses and the sport must always remain paramount for continued progress. His journey exemplifies the power of perseverance, demonstrating that even in the face of significant personal and professional challenges, an unwavering commitment to one’s passion can lead to remarkable achievements.
