Multiple AQHYA World Champion Matt Kimes of Scottsdale, Arizona was one of those riders who always stood out in the show arena–not only because he was one of the few boys in a female dominated sport, but due to his natural talent on a horse. That skill led him to be one of the elite youth competitors on the AQHA circuit in the 80s and 90s. Today, Matt and his wife, Amanda well known as the founders of Kimes Ranch Apparel, but those new to the industry may not now that Matt had a storied show career.
During his time as a youth competitor, Kimes had a few great horses but his quintessential “youth horse” was Mr Glow Jangles. Kimes bought “Bo” from a customer of Bob and Debbie Kail’s in September of 1986.
“He was my best friend. I showed him from ages 13 to 19 and we were as close as a human and horse can get,” Kimes recalls. “My sister, Deborah went on to win two Amateur World Championships with him in western riding and showmanship. I then sold him to Megan (Merrill) Miller and she was AQHYA Reserve World Champion in the western riding before he was retired.”
Matt rode with legendary trainer, and now AQHA Executive Director of Shows, Pete Kyle from 1981 to 1990. “Pete and Tamara taught me how to ride a horse. They had a barn full of youth kids and we showed at every little day show and big circuit around. Those were some great memories–lifelong friends and relationships. I am thankful that my parents introduced me to horses.”
Kimes says that his favorite win at the AQHYA World Show was in horsemanship in 1991. “It was a point of pride for me as there hadn’t been a male winner since the 1970’s. I was fifth in the go-round, which was a little disappointing as I had been on a year long win streak.”
The year before, Kimes was third and won the Congress NYATT and 15-18 Youth Horsemanship. “I had built this moment up in my head for so long. The class before the horsemanship was the western riding finals. I drew first, with a mild expectation, but there were so many good horses that it was anybody’s ballgame,” Matt remembers. “I ended up with a surprise win, which then relaxed and propelled me into the horsemanship finals. I remember being relaxed before walking in the pen, and even shared a chuckle with my friend, Jeff Fox as he walked out after his pattern. It all went smoothly from there and I was fortunate to win back-to-back classes.”
Matt talks about some of his favorite memories from the show. “Back then, the Youth World was THE event. You thought, prepared, and dreamed of it all year. You would get to see all your friends from around the country. We showed all week and everybody stuck around until the end to cheer others on in their respective finals. The camaraderie, the parties, the competition– it was all great. To this day, some of my closest friends are people I met showing horses at the Youth World.”
Kimes shares how showing and riding horses has helped him in his personal and professional life. “Riding and competing taught me how to have drive, determination and work ethic. Being focused on end goals, growing from your failures, and having confidence in your ability, all came from horses. I didn’t know it at the time, but apparently my parents did.”
This work ethic and drive has compelled him to develop one of the most respected apparel companies in the industry, Kimes Ranch Apparel. Matt and his wife, Amanda (pictured left) who also had her own successful AQHYA career, decided they wanted to build a brand together. “We both had an interest in apparel, specifically jeans and felt we would could bring something that was missing from the Western market–jeans that are both fashionable and comfortable to ride in. It has been the most rewarding endeavor to date. We want to continue to produce a quality, sought after product that is by horse people for horse people.”
Matt and Amanda also have three children, Jack ,5, Katherine, 3, and Charlie 9 months. Both Jack and “KK” have been taking lessons, and according to Matt, are doing great. We asked him if he plans to show anytime soon.
“I haven’t shown in quite a few years,” Matt reveals. “Family and business have taken up all of my time. It is hard for me to want to show if I can not give it my full attention. I suspect as the kids get older and show more interest in it themselves, I would probably buy a cutter for me and a ranch pleasure horse for my wife. We will see.”
