He loves you so much...he obviously wanted to make you proud...so beautiful to see...you two are the definition of synergistic

Omg Matt the extended canter into a pirouette with a lead change at the end had me on the edge of my seat! Absolutely beautiful. I mean the training you have done with the horse is incredible I can’t believe he’s not even 7 yet. Next up is the Olympics for you two

I love how Matt thanks his horse for giving his all in this freestyles and I have seen very few male equestrians who give credit to their horses, their partners and I would like everyone to have a bond with their horse like Jesse and Matt do, and I love how horse give in their all just for you, stall safe out there y'all

Emporio showed what a magnificent horse he is! The music was grand, and you, Matt, really belonged in that ring! You two so deserved your win, congratulations!

That was so beautiful and dramatic that I teared up watching. I’m so happy that Jesse was there with you all as well. Matt if you see this comment, the way you spoke of Emporio, filled my heart almost to the point of bursting. Congratulations, and get well soon!

Beautiful freestyle, loved the music! You two look absolutely stunning! Well done, Matt!

I can’t get over Emporio’s expression and movement. He looked so happy and in his element. Fantastic riding!!! I am so excited to follow along!

I was grinning like a Cheshire cat through the whole routine and with tears in my eyes. My goodness he is so expressive. He literally dances around the arena and at only 7 years old just imagine how much better he's going to get. Simply loved this, we'll done Matt and Emporio.

Congratulations. That was just so impressive, you looked amazing together. Emporio is such a magnificent horse and you have done such a good job with his training. Hope you are soon feeling better.

I got emotional right away watching your Freestyle. Emporio tries so hard for you! What a beautiful boy. Between this and Jesse's horse Annie retiring, you two have me using up all my tissues. 💗

What a magnificent performance and powerful video! I had chills watching, and then tears as I watched your dear boy work with you completely in sync. Amazing job you both did. And your words at the end, honouring Emporio so, remind us that it’s about the love and respect for your animal in the end. Without that, there is nothing. Huge congratulations Matt, and thank you for getting this out to during such a tough week for you. My deepest condolences again, on the loss of your grandmother. How proud she must have been of both you and Steve. 🙏💙

That was so elegant. He IS once in a lifetime horse! I love his presence and how he moves and he has a sense of fun, he is so proud and knows his stuff. This horse STRUTS across the arena and then settles back to his dance. Oh Emporio, were you a ballerina in your last lifetime? *sigh*. Oh and beautifully ridden, your aids especially the legs were invisible - very impressive.

Well done Matt and Emporio!!👏👏👏✨✨✨ The music is amazing and fits your freestyle perfectly! I look at dressage horses freely expressing their selves through dancing!!✨✨ You guys did amazing and I guarantee you two will grow even more and I’m sure you’ll be surprised and looking back just seeing how far you came!❤❤❤✨✨👏👏👏

Wow, just wow. Freestyle is always the best time to shine, but you both shone like a special diamond 💎. Matt you can be so damn proud of both of you. Not everyone is able to train their horse to this level within 3 years. I can still remember one of the first videos with Emporio where he was ridden in front of you in the field and then now Boom and you've already qualified for the European Championships. I would also like to thank the team behind you, without them many things would not have been possible. 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻👍🏻

This made me cry. I am so proud of you and Emporio. He looked to be really enjoying himself and he was just floating. Congratulations

Matt this was a formidable test. I am beyond amazed by your riding and loved the emotional sequence at the end that made me tear up. Such a special partnership👏

I have to admit I got tears in my eyes as always when I see something incredibly beautiful. Congratulations!

So proud of both of you! I don’t understand dressage but it’s so beautiful to watch you ride and to see how much you love your horses. A video explaining the various movements would be wonderful for us non-riders who appreciate gorgeous horses and the people that love them.

The free style performance was fantastic for a first timer! I’m so proud of you and Emporio! He looked beautiful and so did you!

It is so refreshing to see a horse loving the work! You both look incredible. I actually was smiling watching him strut like he owned that ring.

Matt, this performance gave me chills! I had tears in my eyes. I can only imagine how proud you are. I’ve been watching your journey with Emporio since the beginning. Your hard work and dedication to your horses is very apparent, you have produced a wonderful young stallion. It was hard to believe that it was your first ever freestyle performance, your harmony and composure as a team suggested that you were old hats at it! What a magical experience, thank you so much for sharing with us ❤

Wow, Matt and Emporio!! You both looked so proud trotting down that final center line. I've been following you for quite a while now Matt and you are a beautiful rider. Having competed at that level myself, I can feel each a every movement as you ride it. You are both so eloquent and this is only the beginning! We are routing for you both ❤

Beauty, grace, power! Wonderfully choreographed and executed. A Brave Heart moment. Congratulations! 😉

As others have said-tears were coming to my eyes....Just amazing....You rode him beautifully...The intricate footwork Emporio was able to master after a long program at the end shows his true focus and talent. Well done!!!

So wonderful!! The thing that impresses me most about you and your horses...is the amazing connection you have with them. They WANT to work for you. You truly have a gift, and it is not many people that get to find theirs....and then live it. Congratulations. Well earned.

Can’t wait to see this horses piaffe and passage. Well done you 2. 🎉🎉🎉

Matt get well soon. I had goosebumps, especially when the stallion instantly squared up putting his foot down like "that's right, we're here and we're not playing" 🔥🔥🔥 You both meant business. Fun to watch ✌🏻

Big Congratulations! You both look spectacular. Emporio knows he is showing and is moving beyond his usual beautiful self.

Awwhh he enjoyed being pampered and polished to go on stage

The freestyle was so beautiful. You both were more relaxed and looked like you were having fun. Very happy for you both.

OMG!! That was a goosebump EPIC performance! For me, that CANTER 🎶 was extraordinary for him! That section was just brilliant! Congratulations to you, your gorgeous boy who looked STUNNING, and to the TEAM that had your back!! 🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻BRAVO‼️

Also what I saw that impressed me the most was his willingness. Calmness and ease of performing. No anxiety or stress whatsoever like I have seen in other horses in the past. Not yours. You two are a Team. A Match.

Aww that extended trot! You really see that Emporio is trying his heart out for you! ❤

Wonderful music, wonderful ride and such a lovely horse Emporio has become. He seemed to have a wonderful time. Give him a pat for all of us and then go home and go to bed!

I just watched this for the second time and I cannot tell you how proud I am of you and Emporio. For a 5 year old he is amazing and The Best is yet to come. The love between the two of you is beautiful to watch. This brought tears to my eyes

Man alive!! That was beautiful. Iam 72 years old. It put tears in my eyes to see how well Your horse performed. Thank you for sharing.

WOW! Gorgeous movements, well timed executions with music. Emporio is a showman. He loves performing & he gave Matt his best. What a amazing start for both of you!

You've both come along so beautifully together. What an amazing lot of work to get to where you are, but it shows. Thanks for sharing, and best of luck wherever your paths take you. (Shout out to the "team," too - I love that you acknowledge the support of others so freely.)

I have been following your journey for years. (First one was flying Chase from Australia). And finally...here you are. A new beginning. You both looked fabulous! Being part Austrian descent, and having visited the spanish riding school in Vienna, The whole test I kept imagining you wearing a Prussian hat and it could have been any century. What an art! Bravo

Just a stunning performance by two bonded souls. The connection was so incredible. Loved every minute💕 Cried with JOY!!!

While on call last night, I went and retrieved the video where you met Emporio. He has turned into a man - but still seems to be proud that you chose him and he chose you. Secondly - this boy loves competing it seems! Absolutely beautiful choreography and movement. Let’s get you two to the Olympics!! ❤️❤️

That was stunning! At one point I felt like you were a knight riding into battle on your charger! Great music and great emotion. Bravo!!

Beautiful video Matt. Rest up and get better soon. As always you put us ahead of yourselves when you should put your health first.

I literally started to cry what the fuck, well done you two!!!

Oh My God Matt! What a performance!!! I was yelling from. My chair! Absolutely breathtaking. He love you so much and gave his heart in that performance. The power, the collection! I am so excited to think of where the two of you are going… WOW

Oh my gosh Matt, you two were absolutely amazing! That last center line with the music- like out of a fairy tale. Both of you looking stunning again. And doing so well! The music was spot on and really conveyed emotions. Congratulations on your win!

You both did SO good!! Can’t believe this was your first show with him!! And the music was perfection. A very well-earned triumph!

Very moving I've got goosebumps watching. Thanky for taking us on this amazing journey. ❤️

That was so fricking in sync with the music. I had chill through the entire video. I love seeing this side of you two. Focused and working together. Emporio loves this. Congrats to your first win and first test! 👏🏻

Big WOW for the great show you both put on! I cried but happy tears, you were more than amazing. The music choice was excellent and perfectly suited Emporio who performed with power and pride. Great trainer, rider and horse supported by good and dedicated friends. What a wonderful adventure to start! Congratulations! Thank you for taking us with you. Get well soon 👏👏🌟🌟🌟👍💙

watching you practice your test in his stall at the end is so touching. I would do the same thing in-front of my mare's stall before a class or practice, typically with fly spray and hoof polish acting as my markers in the arena - and she would typically stand at the front and watch me while eating her hay. You can see how much he understands you when he turned to look at you when you were practicing next to him. Congratulations on your ride and good luck in the future.

It’s hard to believe Emporio is still so young. He’s come so far already. He seems more connected within himself. He’s using his whole body intentionally. I’m excited to see him continue to develop. And I *really* hope you decide to breed him. He’s a fine example of the breed.

Watching the intro: 💔 Watching the whole routine: 💗 You guys looked incredible together! The music made Emporio look very heroic and regal. Congratulations on winning your class, I never had a doubt about you two. I'm super excited for you guys about the Europeans, y'all got this!

AAAAGGGGGHHHHHHH YOU AND EMPORIO DID SO FRIGGEN GOOD AAAAAAAGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!! You did so amazing this is amazing! There were a few mistakes I noticed but honestly, all I really saw was PERFECTION! Emporio knew the assignment and he went in there with you ready to strut his stuff and show who's the best horse there. This was amazing and I was in awe the entire time I watched this. You guys really are an amazing team!! Also, you thanking Emporio at the end honestly melted my heart cause our horses really give us their all. When a horse chooses to work with you, it feels so magical. Matt, you did amazing!! GOOD JOB YOU TWO!!! ❤❤❤ Also, Emporio giving you and your team kisses at the beginning of the video was too cute. He's such a sweetheart. 💕

Magnificent! This was a true pleasure to watch. Lean on Jesse for support through this tuff time. He will lift you. Feel better soon, thought & prayers to you & your family.

Lovely performance! Emporio is at what I call the "purple" stage of a gray horse's dappling, and he looked like he was covered in violet-colored silk! The two of you together will be formidable. I can't wait to see the two of you perform more!

Well done to you and Emporio, you did so well in the freestyle, very dramatic and suited him so well. Hope you feel better soon 💕

Absolutely thrilled for you both, the freestyle was fabulous. You can see already the difference by the time of the freestyle. Well done to you both, you deserve the win and the praise. ❤🇩🇰

What an amazing journey - and it's only the beginning! WOW! It's such a tremendous pleasure to watch you two grow and shine together. Thank you so much for sharing all of that, Matt. Emporio seems to be just as proud of being by your side, as you are of him. I had tears of joy in my eyes watching you two OWNING the freestyle. :') You and Emporio are truly are meant for each other. Best wishes from Germany, Stella ❤

That was a wonderful thing to watch. The music was perfect and Emporio seemed so proud of himself. When he went into that extended canter, all I could think of was the trail ride with the Fresian. You two make such a great team. And I'm glad I wasn't the only one it brought to tears.

Not gonna lie I had tears in my eyes at the end! I've followed your journey and videos since your "dressage horse tries show jumping" video with Chase! You've come such a long way and it's been a pleasure to follow you!

your riding is so nice. you ride beautiful and you have a soft hand to the horse's mouth. it looks very rhythmic and harmonious. so professional.✨❤️

What a beautiful fusion between you two!!! Emporio is so graceful and powerful in the same time! Congrats!

This makes me so emotional.. the love of a horse is a win in this life

You have worked soo hard for this! You both looked fantastic!! Congratulations!!

I´m so proud of you two! The reason why I´ve been here since the begging is that you love your horses so much. You always put what´s best for them first. Watching you and Emporio grow together is such a beautiful moment in time and I am so thankful for being apart of it 🥰

Wow, that was so beautiful to watch! You’re so talented and Emporio is looked amazing! ❤️

What I loved most was how (rightfully) proud both you and Empoerio were at the end! A true partnership. Oh, and as always I love your seat. So calm and still. To me as mostly lay person ( I did ride as a kid but it's been a while), your aids really look almost invisible. Just stunning!

Oh Matt. That was so gorgeous. You two are just a picture together, and Emporio just knows he's a star! I'm not surprised you were all crying. I was, just sitting here watching. I hope you feel better really soon!

This made me so teary! From watching from when you first got him all the way to his first comp melted my heart to see how much yous both have accomplished 💙💙

Yes, he was absolutely gorgeous! He was so confident, his concentration was amazing, he seemed to be saying the whole time, "I've got this, no worries!"

Hi Matt, I loved the rosettes you braided into Emporio's mane, your posture and color choices, and you both looked elegant and absolutely stunning! I've never ridden dressage so I have no clue how you get him to perform all of these wonderful maneuvers, but I heard it is very difficult so congratulations for achieving this level in your riding skills and Emporio's training and may you both go on to greater and greater awards and accomplishments. Also, I hope that you feel better soon.

What a lovely performance, Emporio did brilliantly. Congratulations to you both on your 1st, well deserved.

Stunning and beautiful to watch! You two looked amazing out there. The music was so dramatic and suited your performance so well. His change section was sooo good! You are so proud of Emporio 😄 and should be proud of yourself as well. It’s you two as a team that made that so great! Have watched your journey of getting him so to see what you two have now experienced together is awesome. Thanks for sharing and congrats on winning your class, you two deserved it!

Watching this with tears in my eyes. Congratulations; it is well deserved. What a beautiful team you two make.Thank you for sharing.

You guys were beautiful out there, I actually had tears in my eyes by the end of the freestyle! Love y’all so much,thank you for allowing us to be part of your wonderful journey! Love ya!! Sandy from Texas!!!

How exciting to watch!!!! Emporio is truly a joy in your life . He was such a good boy and he LOVED the freestyle!!!! Congratulations to you, your horse and your team 🐴😀

Absolutely LOVE this. Outstanding job. Sensational Stallion excellent Rider. Poetry in motion. Actually brought tears to my eyes. Emporio has such a royal carriage about him. The music fit his strides perfectly. So proud of Emperio and your whole team. Hope you feel better soon. This is definetly a video I will save to enjoy over and over. Such elegance between horse and rider

I LOVE THIS HORSE!!!!!!! Matt the smile on your face, tells all!!!!!!! Both of you, excellent job. Many hugs to you both!!!!!!

When you did the 2's my heart literally stopped. You 2 have come so so far! It's incredible and the bonding you have with each other is so clear it screams out of you :D Can't wait to see what the future holds

You both showed so much grace and beauty. Thank you for sharing this! It was lovely to watch.

Congratulations, Matt, you and Emporio looked fantastic and he was so calm during the test!

Lovely job Matt and Emporio. What a amazing horse!! Sorry for your loss of your Grandmother

He knows his Matt. He knows their job. He does his part. Dear gods, he loves his job. He's just a boy. He's just coming into his own, and he's freakin killing it. I love that you and Jesse respect that horses need to grow up, and be able to keep healthy bodies. Emporio, gratitude and love. What a journey.

WOW! Such synergy between Matt and Emporio and the dramatic music……just WOW

Considering the whole journey of you both to this, this is very special. Goosebumps!❤

That was stunning!!! The music was so dramatic, perfect for Emporio!!🤩🤩 CONGRATULATIONS!!!

He's just overall stunning. So regal looking. Great freestyle. Congrats!

oh oh pure poetry and how he's with you all the way... unexpectedly teary too watching... so beautiful together... i was riding as a girl and young woman... you and Jesse inspiring riding and horse companion dreaming anew... he's so precious.... thank you for sharing...

Ah Matt, that made me teary...most of all Emporio looking over at you practicing in his stall!

I loved the final centreline. Congratulations Matt. I’ve been watching since day 1 and you have waited patiently to show…you both crushed it!🎉❤

That was such a fantastic performance.!! The music was perfect for Emporio's personality and also matched so well with his gaits. I think it was the first diagonal pass in canter when he was so perfectly on the beat with the music in his lead change that it was just magical!! You both looked great !! Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing this journey with us! (p.s. get well soon!)

The transitions were SO smooth and balance perfect and the music very stirring! Bravo 👏 Matt and Emporio!!!!!

This was tear-worthy...an amazing first test, and this is just the beginning! (Also, fantastic artistically with great music choices and choreography) I could not help but recall the 'conversation' you had with Emporio and the animal communicator. His heart was so apparent in this test! All the best!

Ditto to what everyone else said... he is really special Watching this brought to my mind the centuries of knowledge the human race has about horses, the breeding and training and knowledge to arrive at this goal.

I got emotional watching this, what a lovely performance and partnership 🥰

Emporio is exquisite and the two of you together WOW. You should be proud of Emporio. He was very casual, yet elegant and moved beautifully. Both of you are the perfect team! ❤️💐 Kathryn from Arizona USA.

That was An amazing performance Matt. Like I said he will only get better. You could tell he was totally enjoying his performance as well. Keep up the awesome amazing work guys. Would love to see you guys in the future competing in the Olympics even if it was just the individual section. 🎉

Hes such a neat horse, hes something out of a war portrait. Like you'd expect the colonel to lead the charge on a horse like that. Yes hes young, but he tried very hard and showed off a lot of great qualities that'll benefit his career. Outstanding performances for his first big show! Great job Matt & Emporio! You both should be so proud!

After the first test he had a little spook at the applause, but in this test it looks like he is so proud to be the center of attention, this horse is so special