Matlock Rose

Matlock Rose, born Berry Matlock Rose (1924–2008), was a professional horse trainer for over 60 years. He established a reputation as an all-around cowboy and trainer of champions. Rose was often described as stonefaced, a man of few words, but long held the respect of his peers. He was referred to as a trainers' trainer, and considered a legend. He trained multiple AQHA world champions, five NCHA world champions, was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2001, as well as both the NCHA Rider Hall of Fame and the NCHA Members Hall of Fame. The first famous cutting horse he trained was Jesse James and many other great horses followed but he was best known for training Peppy San and Peponita.

Early life Matlock Rose was born and raised in North Texas near Hill Town, later known as Little Elm which is located approximately from Aubrey, Texas. He was the only son of five children born to Pauline and Sam Rose. Sam farmed oats, wheat, maize and corn, and also raised cattle. As a small boy, Matlock often rode double in the saddle with his father to check cattle. He grew up working on the family ranch under his father's guidance, which is where he learned horsemanship and developed his early skills as a trainer. He knew how to shoe horses, and train them in various disciplines but he was particularly fond of calf roping and cutting.

Matlock left J3 Ranch and went to work for Ben Fussell who had purchased Jessie James. The pair were reunited and ended the year with an NCHA Reserve World Championship.

From 1953 to 1958, Matlock worked for B.F. Phillips at the Phillips Ranch, Frisco, Texas. He showed horses in AQHA halter and performance events, the latter of which including roping and cutting. In 1957, he showed Steel Bars at halter to earn the AQHA High Point Halter Stallion award. His next job was with Pinehurst Ranch for Edgar Brown III of Houston, Texas, until 1959 when he partnered with George Tyler, Gainesville, Texas. sister to Stanley Bush, NCHA Rider Hall of Fame (1989) and NCHA Members Hall of Fame Honoree (2003). He later met and married LaVerne Johnson.

Major career wins

1951 NCHA Reserve World Champion riding Jesse James 1966 World Champion riding Stardust Desire 1967 NCHA World Champion and NCHA Tournament of Champions Champion riding Peppy San 1968 NCHA Top Ten and NCHA Tournament of Champions Champion riding Christmas Four 1969 NCHA Futurity Winner riding Cee Bars Joan 1970 NCHA Top Ten riding Moira Girl 1971 NCHA Top Ten riding Gay Bars Gen 1974 NCHA Derby Co-Champion riding Chucky's Monkey 1975 NCHA World Champion riding Peppy's Desire 1976 NCHA (twice) Top Ten riding Chunky's Monkey and Peponita 1978 AQHA World Champion Senior Cutting Horse riding Peponita 1979 NCHA World Champion and NCHA Finals Champion riding Peponita.