New Podcast: Alex Matz – Building a Career, One Round at a Time
The US Equestrian Open Jumping Final is just around the corner, and among the names to watch is Alex Matz—a talented young rider following in the footsteps of his legendary family while forging his own path in the sport.
Born into an equestrian dynasty, Alex grew up in a house just 100 meters from the barn, with horses as a constant presence. His father, Michael Matz, is a three-time Olympian, World Championship medalist, and Kentucky Derby-winning trainer. His mother, D.D. Matz, is also a Pan American Games medalist with an exceptional eye for talent.
Despite this pedigree, there was no pressure to ride. “They never forced me to do it,” Alex says. “I think the pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself.”
Finding His Own Path in Show Jumping
Unlike many top juniors who compete intensively from a young age, Alex didn’t take the sport seriously until after college. While studying, he watched his friends pursue finance careers in New York City, but the corporate world didn’t have the same appeal.
“It wasn’t as appealing as following my dreams and making a career with horses,” he says.
After graduation, he fully committed, training with industry greats like John and Beezie Madden and Jos Lansink, learning from their expertise and blending it with the knowledge gained from his parents.
Toronto Triumph and a Partnership Built on Trust
One of Alex’s biggest career highlights came at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, where he won three FEI classes—an achievement he still can’t quite believe.
“That week was fantastic,” he recalls. “The crowds are huge, and I don’t think I’ve ever won three FEI classes at one show before.”
One of the horses that took him to victory was Ikigai, a talented gelding owned by the McNeil family, who have been instrumental supporters of Alex’s career.
“Ikigai had an injury where he was out for close to a year, and they really stayed patient,” Alex explains. “We had always believed he would win a five-star Grand Prix, and when he did, it was amazing.”
With the US Equestrian Open on the horizon, Ikigai is Alex’s top contender. “He’s the most talented horse I’ve ever ridden,” he says. “If I do things right, he’ll jump clear.”
The Hard Work Behind the Success
A key part of Alex’s development has been the daily commitment from his father. Even with a full racing stable to manage, Michael Matz still makes time to train with Alex every day.
“My dad is up at 4:30 AM to go to the racetrack, then comes here, and we have a flat lesson every day,” Alex says. “Having him and my mom’s guidance is the best strategy for me.”
His mother, known for her sharp eye in selecting talent, balances out his father’s optimism. “My dad thinks every horse can go to the Olympics,” Alex laughs. “And I like every horse too! But my mom is much more selective.”
Why the US Equestrian Open Matters
The US Equestrian Open represents something bigger than just another major event. With Rolex and USEF coming together to create a new, elite series, Alex sees it as a game-changer.
“It brings a lot to the sport—not just for the riders and owners, but also for the fans,” he explains. “It brings us all together toward a common goal that will be really good for show jumping.”
Winning the inaugural US Equestrian Open Jumping Final would be a defining moment.
“We know it’s going to be the best horses and riders, so it will be extremely competitive,” Alex says. “But if it all goes right, it would further prove how incredible Ikigai is, and how strong our partnership has become.”
With Ikigai in top form and his team behind him, there’s no doubt that Alex Matz will be one to watch when the US Equestrian Open Final gets underway.
The Jumping Final is now just days away. Action continues in the qualifiers in both Eventing and Dressage.
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