Press release from Traverse City Horse Shows

California native Alec Lawler’s first FEI Grand Prix in Traverse City did not disappoint. Lawler, 30, made it back for the second season in a row, but this time with his partner For Gold (For Fashion x Heraldik), and topped the $138,600 Staller CSI3* Grand Prix. 

“He’s the nicest horse I’ve ever had,” Lawler said of the 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding. “He’s as careful, scopey, and intelligent as they come. He really understands the game: to jump clear rounds. I’ve never had a smarter horse than him, so it’s really special. I’ve been able to be more competitive than I ever was before.”

Mauricio Garcia Ballesteros’ (PUR) first-round course whittled down the field to six as they kicked into jump-off mode. Olympic team silver medalist Beat Mändli (SUI) set the pace to beat with Dsarie (Veron x Ahorn), owned by Grant Road Partners LLC, in 39.30 seconds, putting the pressure on the rest of the field. Lawler, fourth to jump off, took a similar path to Mändli, but with a quicker pace to slide into first in 37.28 seconds. Last to go, U.S. Olympian Margie Engle, looking for back-to-back grand prix wins, piloted Jackofhearts (Heartbeat x Baloubet du Rouet), owned by Gladewinds Partners, LLC, to a double-clear round in 39.50 seconds, claiming third place.

Despite the depth of the jump-off roster, Lawler knew he had a trusty partner to take him to the top. “My horse has a nickel’s worth smaller stride than [Beat’s],” he continued. “So trying to do the same steps as him kept me at a little faster pace. I don’t think it was one particular spot on course, my horse is just a little bit quicker.”