With the NRHA Futurity right around the corner, we were excited to have longtime friend and NRHA Million Dollar Rider Matt Palmer in town for an episode of The Show. Matt is an established professional with over $1,000,000 in lifetime earnings, and this conversation could not have come at a better time.
We kick things off by talking about the unique situation surrounding this year’s Futurity — how everything came together and just how lucky we all are to be here this year. From there, the crew dives into the mental side of competing on one of the biggest stages in our sport: staying calm, knowing your horse, understanding what they can (and can’t) do, and not letting pressure push you into doing too much.
And of course, it wouldn’t be an episode without a lot of laughter. Between Matt getting in Tom’s way in the warm-up pen, Tom paying way too much for a purple couch, and Joe derailing vacations, there’s plenty of old stories. But mixed in with the fun, Cade and Matt bring serious insight into what it really takes to make the Futurity finals, navigate a long career, and stay grateful for the horses — and the people — that make this industry what it is.
Overall, this episode was EPIC.
Huge thank you to Matt for joining us, and best of luck to everyone at the NRHA Futurity!
