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Athletes Sponsored by K/C Performance Horses

MATT
SMITH

  • Matt married wife, Sarah on January 29, 2012.

  • He has a master's degree in medical science. 

  • Father, Donald (deceased), and Mother, Vanessa. Brother, Lee Holifield and Sister, Tiffany

  • His brother, Lee Holifield rode bulls at the amateur level

  • Matt's Hobbies include: fishing and Hunting.

  • He makes fishing lures with his friend Thomas Bridges under the name "Redneck Lures"

  • Matt did not start bareback riding until he was 16 years old.

  • He graduated from Union Academy in Georgetown, Mississippi. 

  • Competed in baseball as a pitcher and in basketball as a point guard. He had a scholarship off in baseball from the University of the South (Mobile, Alabama).

  • His favorite rodeos are the All-Florida Championships (Arcadia) and the Dixie National Rodeo (Jackson, Mississippi).

  • Favorite movies are; The Shawshank Redemption and Barbershop

  • Favorite book is the Bible.

  • Favorite food is his grandmother's chicken and dumplings

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  1. When did you begin your riding career?

    1. I began riding at the ripe ol age of 1, mawmaws milk can, then I graduated to the rockin horse and at 3 started riding sheep.

  2. Do you have career highlights?

    1. Winning the National High School Finals  in 2005, 3x SE Circuit Champion, 5x Ram National Circuit Finals Qualifier, 9x SE Circuit Finals Qualifier

  3. Do you have a favorite horse?

    1. My favorite horse that I have been on in my career would be the 2x bucking horse of the year DIRTY JACKET. 88 points

  4. Who do you look up to the most in the horse industry?

    1. Mark and Marvin Garret and Bruce Ford because they would always let em fly. Wide open riding style.

  5. What are your professional goals for the future?

    1. To win that coveted GOLD BUCKLE. My main focus is to make the NFR within the next 2 years.

  6. Any advice for those starting out in the industry of rodeo/barrel racing?

    1. Follow your dreams and turn those dreams into a reality! Always believe in yourself! Find a great school and learn the proper techniques from the beginning so you don't form bad habits

  7. Do you have an inspirational quote, saying or scripture that you live by or use to motivate you?

    1. Philippians 4:13 "I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" 

  8. Do you have any pre-game rituals you do before a rodeo/barrel race? Or any lucky charms you keep with you?

    1. I always try to show up 2 hours early to relax and hang out with my buddies and cut up

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CECELIA TAYLOR

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