Matt and BCF Belicoso are National Champions!
Matt and BCF Belicoso flying on cross country!
PC: Kimmy Durr

It was a weekend for the books at the American Eventing Championships! Matt, Cecily, and their entire team are riding high on their way back to Pennsylvania after an incredible victory for Matt in the Adequan Gold Cup Advanced Final with the Blossom Creek Foundation's BCF Belicoso.

While the weather wasn't ideal with rain falling throughout the week, the East West Training Stables team still had a fantastic time competing at Tryon among some of the best in the country. Their weekend got off to a great start, with Matt and Belicoso putting in a gorgeous dressage test to earn a 33.8, which left them sitting in the top 10 of the hugely competitive division.

On Saturday, the Advanced competitors got to show jump under the lights, and Matt and Belicoso rose to the occasion to produce a fault-free effort, one of only five in the division. Their fantastic round moved them up into the top five heading into the final phase.
Belicoso showing his stuff under the lights!
PC: Eventing Nation
Sunday's cross-country proved very influential, and Matt and Belicoso set out with their game faces on. Belicoso ate up the challenging course and finished clear and inside the time to end the weekend on their dressage score. They were one of only two pairs to do so, and their efforts were enough to move them all the way up the leaderboard to the National Championship and the Gold Cup Final trophy!

The win was just icing on the cake for Matt - he is absolutely thrilled with Belicoso, who stepped up in a big way this week to really show what he is made of. What a weekend, and what a horse! Thank you so much to everyone who has believed in him throughout his journey. This win is not just for Matt and Belicoso, but for all of you as well!

As they celebrate their national championship victory, Matt and Cecily would like to take a moment to give a huge thank you to all of you who have helped them get to where they are today. From their owners to coaches, sponsors, friends, family and their team at home, they can't wait to continue to share their future successes with all of you!
That is one big check! Congrats, Matt!
PC: Robert Kellerhouse